Faith Yost tried to never get ahead of herself.

Through a season of unknowns - and her first at the varsity level - the Northwestern sophomore took her challenges in stride.

And Yost usually came out ahead.

After winning Colonial League titles in two events a week earlier, Yost showed impressive form at the District 11 Track and Field Championships in Class 3A competition last Wednesday.

Yost advanced to the finals in both the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, finishing sixth in both races.

“I usually try not to have expectations, kind of just come out and do my best,” said Yost. “With how hot it was I was kind of nervous. I don’t necessarily do my best in the heat, or at least when it’s this hot. So I was a little bit nervous. But I was like, ‘OK, we got this far, just have fun.’

“And I would say I did that.”

Her times in the finals were both faster than the marks she was seeded with.

Yost ran a 16.14 in the 100 hurdle finals, down from her seed time of 16.32. In the 300 hurdles, she dropped her time from 49.38 to 47.82 in the finals.

“I felt pretty good coming out of prelims,” she said. “I was glad I made it to finals. That was definitely pretty big for me. I knew there were girls faster than me, and I knew there were a lot of juniors and seniors. But I do have two years ahead of me, so I’m just really looking forward to that.”

She’s already accomplished quite a bit in one season, one that came after her freshman campaign was lost due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A league champion in the 100 and 300 hurdles, Yost has also gained perspective when times are tough.

“I have definitely learned a lot,” Yost said. “I learned about being positive even if one event doesn’t go your way, which has happened to me a few times. It’s about supporting your teammates who have all made it here and just enjoy it, have fun.”

She has done that, and laid the foundation for what should be even more future success.

“I’m just proud that I could come out and do my best,” said Yost. “I did have a few injuries; shin splints, Achilles tendinitis. I’m proud I could finish the season strong. That was my best 100 meter hurdle time so I’m very happy with that.”

Northwestern’s boys also posted a sixth-place finish in the 3200 relay with a time of 8:35.92.

Caitlyn Miller placed seventh in the javelin with a throw of 113-5, and recorded a 12th place finish in the discus (92-4).

Cole Chukoskie (4:42.26, 1600), Cayden Kuhns (11-3, pole vault) and Lauren Schellhamer (1:02.37, 400) all posted eighth place finishes.

The Northwestern girls posted a 10th place finish in the 1600 relay, crossing the line in 4:23.16.