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Heritage’s class 2A girls’ track and field team competed in state championships at Winter Park Saturday, May 1, and won its first team title.

The girls’ track and field team ran its way through districts and regionals, and although they didn’t place first in any single event at state championships, their group effort led to an overall win.

Success seemed unlikely during the 1600 relay when Heritage’s eighth grade Deja Parrish tripped and fell.

The team needed to come in seventh place to win the championship, and Deja was running strongly in third place when an opposing runner tried to overtake her, causing her to lose her footing mid-run.

“When Deja fell, I couldn’t believe what had happened,” said track and field coach, Kent Baker. Parrish was able to finish her lap and pass the baton on to the anchorleg.

“It was a heck of a way to end the season,” said Baker. The team placed seventh in the 1600 relay and took home their first state  championship title.

Going into districts, regionals, and states, the team knew the competition would only continue to increase, but the girls remained confident of reaching their ultimate goal: a state title.

Heritage placed fourth in the 3200m relay, third in the long jump, second in the triple jump, seventh in the 100m hurdles, eighth in the 100 hurdles, sixth in the 400m relay, fourth in the 400m dash, fifth in the 800m, 4th in the 200m dash, fifth in the 200m dash, and seventh in the 1600m relay.

“The team told me we wouldn’t have won if it wasn’t for me,” said Parrish, “but I wouldn’t let any of the girls hug me because I had scratches all over my face.”

“We’re all very happy for our team and for everyone who contributed and supported our program,” said Baker. “We’re very excited for the future of the [girls track and field] program.