Under a bright late-afternoon sun, clear blue sky and tropical temperatures, four Emmaus girls track and field athletles saw a vision of gold.

Unlike the proverbial lake in the desert, this vision was not a mirage. It was real - very real - and like gold, in the moment it was radiant.

Last Wednesday, seniors Ashleigh McNellis, Keerstin Augustin, Kera Reinhard, and sophomore Hailey Reinhard won the 4-by-800m race at the District 11 3A track and field championships at Blue Mountain High School. The victory will send the girls to the PIAA state meet at Shippensburg University May 29.

“It’s totally unexpected, but so exciting,” said Augustin when asked what it meant to her to go to states. “For my senior year, it’s just really rewarding.”

“Last year, with missing track season, I’m just definitely really happy that we’re going to get the chance to go there,” said Hailey Reinhard. “It’s definitely a great opportunity and I’m extremely grateful.”

“It means quite a lot, because three of us are seniors and they deserve this and it’s just a great deal,” said Kera Reinhard.

“I’m really excited,” said McNellis. “Ever since I joined Emmaus historically they just missed it (states). I’m just so happy we have that opportunity with my three other best friends.”

Other Emmaus girls made their marks in their respective competitions. Halle Jennett finished 14th in the 200-meter dash, while Madison Brown earned a sixth-place finish in the 400. McNellis sprinted her way to a fifth-place ranking in the 800 run, while Augustin took seventh and Kera Reinhard took ninth.

In the 1600, Hailey Reinhard took third place and teammate Kleinle was three spots behind, in sixth place. Clara Kennedy took 11th in the same race. Isabella Lees made her presence known in the 3200 run, finishing fourth, while Emmaus teammate Kennedy took eighth and Clara Engel took 16th.

The 300-meter hurdles featured a good performance from Bethany Brown, who claimed fifth, with Sarah Jane Waterman and Olympia Curley-Katrishen finishing 17th and 21st, respectvely.

Other Emmaus relay foursomes turned in solid performances. In the 4-by-100, Olivia Sullivan, Jena Luck, Peyton O’Hara and Jennett ran for a 10th place spot. In the 4-by-400, Hailey and Kera Reinhard, McNellis and Augustin claimed eighth.

In the field portion events, pole vaulters Morgan Belisle and Peyton Rautzhan tied with two other girls for ninth. Lillian Shields produced a seventh place finish in shot put, while teammate Molly Lineberger claimed 13th. Lineberger wasn’t finished, however, as she also took ninth in the discus.