Senior Peyton Bilo Sets PR in Final Race, Finishes 12th in 3200 Meters at States

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CLOVIS, Calif. – Senior Peyton Bilo ran a personal-best 10:31.67 to finish 12th at the CIF State Track and Field Championships Saturday night. Bilo, who is from Elk Dorado Hills, also placed 14th in the 1600m on Friday night.

“It feels so amazing running under the lights and hearing my parents and friends cheering me on,” said Bilo, who reset her personal-best by 13 seconds. “It was great to have them push me right around the track.”

Bilo was 12th overall in a field of 28 runners in a race won by Destiny Collins of Great Oak (9:53.79). Davis junior Fiona O’Keeffe was second in 10:01.14.

“It means everything to me to set a PR,” said Bilo. “I set high goals to break 10:30 and I was just a little of it. I honestly could have not asked for a better race. I felt I ran my own race and I am really happy.”

Assistant coach Mason Myers said she ran the plan to script, recording the second-best performance in the event in school history. Lauren LaRocco, who just finished her freshman season at Portland, holds the school record of 10:23.10 at the state championships last season.

“Peyton’s plan was to run 10:30 and we knew it was going to go out fast,” said Myers. “She was at 5:11 at the mile and we told her to stay patient. She slowed down a little in the middle laps but kept the race in perspective. She ended with a 77 (second) last lap. It was an outstanding performance.”

Bilo made the most of her final season in the Troubie jersey, recording a memorable two days at the state meet.

“It is kinda sad and I am going to miss it a lot,” said Bilo of her St. Francis career. “But it is more about the friendships I have made, the connections I have made with my coaches and how much I have fallen in love with my surroundings the last four years. The memories will last a lifetime.”