CLOVIS, Calif. – St. Francis will be represented in four events at this weekend’s CIF State Track and Field Championships Friday and Saturday at Buchanan High School. Headlining the group is the 4×400-meter relay team, consisting of seniors Ariane Arndt (Folsom), Lilly Enes (Sacramento) and Kiani Reyna (Sacramento) and junior Elizabeth Hennessy (Auburn).

“Hopefully they can stay focused with what they are doing,” said Interim Head Coach Rod Jett. “Even though it is the state meet and everyone is excited, (it is important) not trying to do more because of the state meet. What we have been doing is working and they need to keep doing what they have been doing.”

Jett has helped lead an experienced relay group into position to challenge for a state championship.

“First of all they are talented,” said Jett. “And they are experienced. Being a successful coach I always say the key is to get good athletes. They are able to handle the situations in the big meets and I happy for them to go out on top. We got the school record in the 4×100 last week and got close in the 4×400. Maybe we can get that this week and maybe win a state championship.”

The 4×400-meter relay provided the highlight of the night last Friday at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Finals, qualifying second overall in 3:45.49, the second-fastest time in school history and second-best time in the state. Vacaville won the race in a state-leading 3:44.59.

The triple threat senior group of Reyna, Enes and Arndt were part of the record-setting third place team in 2014, earning a podium spot. They hope to earn another top finish, while improving their positioning.

“There is room for improvement,” said Reyna, who has been a three-time state qualifier. “We were working on our handoffs yesterday and they were still rough so I think they time can still drop.”

“We have been running together so long and have been doing pretty well,” said Reyna. “I am excited to go again one more time with them. They have been great teammates.”

While each has had individual success and all three will run in college, the relays have brought together their special talents.

“Track is an individual sport but I love the relays because it brings in the team,” said Enes. “We are all crazy especially Ariane, and we have fun. It is always a good time when we are together.”

Junior Elizabeth Hennessy completes the foursome and credits her senior teammates.

“Being on a team is pretty amazing and I would not get this chance to go to state without them, said Hennessy. “They are incredible athletes and friends. They support me even thogh I am incredibly nervous to run. It is a fantastic experience.”

St. Francis will also be represented in the 4×100-meter relay (Reyna, Enes, Arndt, Meaghan Rodgers (Orangevale)). They are ranked 18th in the state after winning the SJS Masters title in a school-record 47.58.

Arndt is qualified in the 800 meters and has the seventh-best time in the state this season (2:09.62)

Sophomore Sydney Vandegrift (Elk Grove) will run in the 3200 meters. She is ranked 27th entering the weekend with a best time of 10:42.19.

TRACK QUALIFYING (FRIDAY)

Girls’ 400m Relay (Heat #1) 6:15 p.m. (Heat #2) 6:21 p.m. (Heat #3) 6:27 p.m.

Girls’ 800m Run (Heat #1) 8:51p.m. (Heat #2) 8:56 p.m. (Heat #3) 9:01p.m.

Girls’ 1600m Relay (Heat #1) 10:31 p.m. (Heat #2) 10:38 p.m. (Heat #3) 10:45 p.m.

TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS (SATURDAY)

Girls’ 400m Relay 7:00 p.m.

Girls’ 800m Run 8:55 p.m.

3200 Run 10:10 p.m.

Girls’ 1600 Relay 10:40 p.m.