Making a statement at state
The Lakeland Hawks track stars headed south to compete in the annual state tournament.
Lakeland sends athletes to state every year, so it is not a secret that these Hawks are here to compete at the highest level possible. One of those Hawks is Jackie Robbins.
Robbins, a sophomore for the Lakeland team, represented the North with her stunning performance in both throwing events.
“Taking the podium in all my events really made me proud that I could represent Lakeland in such a way,” Robbins said.
Robbins refused to fold under pressure in any event and kept a calm demeanor in the eye of the storm.
“At first I was nervous, but after I competed in my first event, the jitters went away,” Robbins said.
Pressure makes diamonds, and it’s safe to say it did just that for the double podium thrower.
Last year, Robbins made it to state as a freshman, and it seems like every year she’s getting better and better.
“Next season I’m shooting for nothing short of a gold medal,” Robbins said.
Robbins is looking to be a real problem for all her competitors for the next two years. She stated that every year she is always thinking to herself, How can I get better? Robbins does not settle and will continue to put out the best version of herself that she can in order to compete and succeed in such a high level of play.
Robbins was not the only one showing off their skills in high fashion.
Sapphire Ruelle took first place, picking up a gold medal in both her events, the 100 and the 200-meter sprint. An absolute statement made for her and the Lakeland Hawks.
Ben Roth in the high jump also made the podium with a beautiful second-place finish for him and the Hawks.
Karstyn Kiefer showed up and showed out for the Hawks in the 300-meter hurdles, taking a well-deserved second-place medal.
It’s safe to say the Hawks have outstanding athletes in all types of events. From there, hard work in practice and meets, to their coaches who push for nothing but the best for these Hawk athletes.
“We have some of the best coaches around, always believing in us and motivating us to do our best,” Robbins said.
That’s what it’s all about: athletes trying and doing their best and having a wonderful coaching staff to back them up.
This meet concludes the 2025 Lakeland Hawks track and field season.
