Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Rachel Fehr of West Bend-Mallard won the 400-meter dash on Thursday at the state meet in Des Moines. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

DES MOINES — The rain was a calming influence for Rachel Fehr inside Drake Stadium, as she used the inclement weather to push her nerves to the side.

The West Bend-Mallard senior found herself in her own little bubble as she raced to her second straight Class 1A 400-meter dash state championship.

“The rain was off and on. It was definitely wet,” Fehr said. “I thought maybe it would be a distraction, but actually, it kind of helped me.

“It was a distraction from the pressure of competing, and it helped me calm the nerves.”

Fehr, who was second as a freshman and first as a sophomore, clocked a 58.12 to go back-to-back. Springville’s Nia Howard (59.94) was second.

“I just wanted to go out and do my best and run as fast as I could,” Fehr said. “I’m happy and grateful with the way things went.”

It was a busy day for Fehr, who also recorded the top time in the 200 prelims, crossing the line in 25.94 to reach the finals.

“I could definitely feel that my legs were a little worn out on the back stretch of the 400,” Fehr said. “But overall, it was a very fun day and I’m happy with the outcomes.”

Fehr anchored the 4×800 relay that placed seventh for WB-M. When Fehr got the baton, the Wolverines were in 12th place. The senior passed five runners to help WB-M clock a 10:10.60.

Fehr was joined by Tori Fogarty, Kierstin Montag, and Julia Fehr in the 4×800.

Fehr will leave her mark as one of the best runners in West Bend-Mallard history. Her two state titles are the only individual championships in school history.

She is also the school record in the 100, 200, 400 and 800.

“It’s a pretty amazing feeling,” Fehr said. “I’ve gotten so much support and I just want to go out there and show my pride for my school.”

Humboldt

Kendal Clark has been on the big stage her entire career, so competing at the state meet was nothing new for the Humboldt senior.

“Kendal has been so solid and reliable for our team this year,” said HHS head coach Spencer Ross. “Her consistency has been quite remarkable. Overall, those same things can be said for everything she has done throughout her high school career.

“Kendal has left quite a legacy at Humboldt High School, as far as her many accomplishments and incredible leadership qualities.”

Clark, a state champion wrestler, state qualifier in volleyball and softball as well as a basketball standout, earned a top-five finish in her final track season. Clark placed third in the Class 3A shot put with a throw of 134-10.

“I thought Kendal had a great showing today in the discus,” Ross said. “The conditions weren’t great this morning, but she stayed focused and ended up with a third place finish.”

Clark will compete in the Class 3A shot put on Friday.

Newell-Fonda

The Mustangs earned a sixth-place finish in the 4×800 with a time of 10:08.88. Running for Newell-Fonda was Macy Sievers, Kierra Jungers, Isabel Bartek and Bailey Sievers.