By: Baylea Bruce @baylea_marie [Yearbook Editor]

It’s the biggest event of the season. To qualify is to be apart of the best runners around. High school, collegiate, and even Olympic athletes are all running next to each other. It takes lots of practice and lots of dedication to make it in. The Drake Relays are the top of the list for track athletes to compete in. Livvy Draves, freshman, will be competing at the Blue Oval for the first time this year.

Draves’ 4×1 team qualified and are headed to Drake, along with other runners from Marion. Draves is proud of her team for working hard to achieve this goal. “We had to get a certain time and we have to have perfect hand offs. We had to work hard in practice and come in during the weekends,” said Draves. It’s because of this practice that this relay team was able to work together to reach the time needed to qualify.

Naturally, with it being her first appearance at Drake, she is full of emotion. “I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, I’m more anxious. We worked hard enough and we deserve it. It’s a big event and I want everything to go well,” said Draves. Skylar Miller-Baker, senior, is one of the teammates who will be running at Drake as well. She shares the same feelings, “I am super excited because it’s one of the most prestigious track meets, so it is an honor to have qualified,” said Miller-Baker.

Many people groan when they hear any mention of the word running, but Draves truly loves it. “I didn’t always like track, but going as fast as I can and leaving it all on the track is the best. I just love the feeling,” said Draves. With the passion and drive that the team has, they are sure to go far in the upcoming Drake Relays.