How Gilbert star runner Sarah Feddersen found her niche in track and field
Growing up in gymnastics, Sarah Feddersen always had a competitive drive.
She enjoyed competing in the demanding sport and pushing herself to the limit. But by the end of her freshman year of high school at Gilbert, Feddersen realized the sport was no longer for her.
“It got to be a lot,” Feddersen said. “I knew I wasn’t going to do it in college, and it was just really hard on my body.”
But the competitive edge was still there. So, Feddersen decided it was time to try something new.
Her mom, Julie Feddersen, ran track in high school. Her older brother Jake ran track for Ames.
In her spare time, Feddersen likes to run with Jake and her other two siblings, Amy and Ben.
Track seemed like a natural fit, so she decided to give it a shot during her sophomore year.
The coaches and athletes on the Gilbert girls track and field team were in for a surprise.
“I was honestly just hoping for another state experience last year,” said Gilbert 4x800 runner Clare Stahr. “I met Keira (Andersen) and Sarah both, and I think Sarah came out and ran a sub 2:30 her first 800. I was like you know; I think we’re definitely getting to state.”
Feddersen went on to anchor Gilbert to a Class 3A state title in the 4x800 relay at last year's state meet. She also placed third individually in the open 800 and she helped the Tigers take fifth in the 4x400.
“There were no expectations, so it was just great to see what we could do," said Gilbert 4x800 runner Sophia Bleich. "Everything was a blessing.”
Her performance at the 2023 state meet has fueled Feddersen to do even better this year.
“She didn’t know what she could do last year,” said Gilbert coach Jodi Hurn. “This year I think she has a better idea of that, as do we. I think she’s a lot stronger, physically. We’re excited about what she can do.”
Feddersen is in her element when she is running on the track.
“I like running because I can be outside," Feddersen said. "That’s the biggest difference between gymnastics. I just enjoy the fresh air and it boosts me to be out in the sun.”
Thanks to her competitive drive, athletic talent and long running strides, middle-distance events came naturally to Feddersen.
The team aspect also played a role in Feddersen's success last season. She was thankful for the opportunity to run with Stahr, Andersen and Bleich when Gilbert won the 4x800.
“We’re really lucky at Gilbert to have such a tight-knit team,” Andersen said. “There’s not a lot of drama, we work together and it’s really fun.”
Now a junior, Feddersen is facing a new challenge. After doing so well as a sophomore, she is a recognized face that opposing athletes will strive to beat.
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Thankfully for Feddersen and her teammates, Hurn and her staff, have created a relaxed and supportive environment at Gilbert.
“The key to success is that we have fun together, but we make the thing, the thing,” Feddersen said. “When it’s time to work hard, we work hard and push each other to be the best that we can every minute of every day.”
That strategy has paid off so far.
Feddersen has qualified for the Drake Relays in the open 800 and she is headed back to the Blue Oval in the 4x800 with Stahr, Bleich and Andersen.
“It’s going to go fast,” Feddersen said. “Drake is the best in the state, so it will just be a blessing to get to run with incredibly fast girls to get that competition as we roll into the state season.”
Feddersen has the seventh-best qualifying time in the 800 for Drake at 2:17.12. Pleasant Valley's Grace Boleyn leads the pack at 2:12.01.
Feddersen ran a 2:15.48 at last year's state meet.
The Tigers' 4x800 team enters Drake with the seventh-fastest time at 9:35.27. Pleasant Valley has the fastest qualifying time at 9:20.17, and Gilbert's time is just ahead of Solon's 9:35.98 for the best non-4A time.
When the Tigers won state last year, they ran a 9:29.11. They clocked in at 9:40.03 in placing seventh at the 2023 Drake Relays.
Feddersen runs the 800 on Friday, and the 4x800 takes place on Saturday.
“I think it is going to be a really fun week,” Feddersen said. “We’re definitely going in with a little more weight on our shoulders, but we’re there a mindset to compete.”
Feddersen wants to use Drake as a springboard into state. If she stays healthy, Feddersen is capable of bringing home medals in multiple events, including another gold medal or two.
In addition to her two Drake events, Feddersen is a part of Tiger sprint medley and 4x400 relay teams that have the potential to make state, and she could also qualify for state individually in the 400.
But that is not her main priority. Feddersen has found her niche and she plans to savor every moment she is on the track.
“Coming into this year it’s been a little hard feeling like I have expectations," Feddersen said. "I’ve just been focusing on finding the true joy from running, and not where I’m at with times.”
Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Gilbert junior Sarah Feddersen is a natural at running track
