SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A year ago, St. Francis senior Peyton Bilo was in a boot watching from the stands as her teammates qualified a school-best six athletes for the state meet. Her career path was undecided after being sidelined for most of her junior campaign and the future uncertain. Everything changed this year.

“Last year I went to the Masters meet to cheer and was still in my boot and crutches,” said Bilo (pronounced like pillow). “I hoped maybe next year I would be back. That moment stuck out to me. I thought here I am on the sidelines and if I work really hard hopefully I will have the opportunity to be at Masters next year.”

Not only was she a Masters participant, she posted two top-three finishes to qualify individually for the state championships for the first time in her career. She finished third in the 1600m in 4:58.24 and was second in the 3200 in 10:51.27.

“Words cannot express how excited I am to run this weekend, especially in two events, and have the opportunity to do my best,” said Bilo, who is from El Dorado Hills.” I get to leave everything out there. I was lucky enough to finish second and third at Masters to qualify for state. It shows how hard work really pays off.”

Bilo, with her battle with the shin splints behind her, started her senior campaign strong by leading the cross country team to a surprising third-place finish at the state meet. It capped a four-year run that saw the Troubadours place among the Top 10 in each season.

With the turn of the calendar and the focus back to the track, Bilo opened the season by finishing first in the 1600 at the Sacramento State Track Classic in 5:06.

“I completely surprised myself,” recalled Bilo. “I thought maybe I have a shot at this.”

It has been a series of milestones ever since. She ran a school record in the mile at the Stanford Invitational (5:02.21) on April 4 and eventually reset the 1600m school record with a 4:57.02 at the Meet of Champions on May 2. She went sub-five minutes two more times in advancing through sections (4:57.80) and Masters (4:58.24) and had a personal-best (10:44.51) in the 3200. She hopes to continue the fun on Friday night.

“She will do the trials in the 1600 and try her best to qualify into the finals,” said Assistant Coach Mason Myers. “It is probably going to take sub-4:56 to make it out. We will take Saturday whatever happens.”

The first four (4) placers in each heat, plus the next fastest four (4) times will qualify for Saturday’s final. Bilo is not worried about the double with two big races on back-to-back days.

“They are on two separate days so I can have time to recover,” said Bilo.

This week Bilo had an opportunity to take stock of her career while preparing for her first CIF State Track Championships.

“In eighth grade when I was making the decision to come to St. Francis, I knew the cross country and track programs were strong,” said Bilo. “I wanted to make varsity and contribute. What has happened the last four years, with all the coaches I have had, I am thankful for all of them, John (DuCray), Mason (Myers), Randall (Fairchild) and (Joe) Poggi. They have helped me grow and learn so much about the sport. If I had made a different decision, I do not know if I would still be running.”

And she is running the best times of her career, which causes her a flicker of wonder.

“I lost a full year of training,” said Bilo. “Sometimes I wonder where I would be I had never got injured. But I don’t think I would be as grateful to have running in my life. It taught me how much it means to me and how much I love it.”

Some things happen for a reason and her long road has presented this challenge this weekend.

“It is going to be a great experience for her,” said Myers. “She has been waiting four years for this. I am delighted she has progressed and everything has come together for her.”

Bilo and junior Ariane Arndt (800 meters) will represent St. Francis at the meet this weekend.

“St. Francis has taught me how to be devoted and completely dedicate myself to something and it has been especially true with running and why we had the success we have had the last four years,” said Bilo, who has been part of three straight section championships. “St. Francis has taught us that value.”

After her final races this weekend, Bilo will take some much needed time off before beginning her prep for cross country season at Cal Poly this fall.

“I am really excited to move onto the next chapter of my left. I will miss a lot here. It will be fun to have a whole new bunch of girls and make new friendships with my teammates.”