By Kyle Daubs

Makenna McBride isn’t going to worry about what the rankings say. 

McBride’s 100-meter time of 12.66 ranks 22nd in the state, so she would need to have another personal best in order to make the finals in both the 100 and 200 meters in this eek’s IHSA state track can field meet at EIU’s O’Brien Stadium.

Her season-best 25.62, which was run in last week’s sectional meet, is the No. 5 ranked time in the state of Illinois for Class 2A. If McBride can win her heat or bust out a top time like this again, she will be competing on Saturday with a chance to finish her track career on the podium. 

McBride knows she is among the best sprinters in the state of Illinois. 

That was evidenced by her performance last week at the Tolono Unity Sectional where she won both the 100 and 200 meters.

McBride won at sectionals and in the Apollo Conference meet. In fact, she has lost only one race this year, a third-place finish in the 100

e. The Charleston High School senior is undefeated in the 200. 

“I’ve worked for this all season so I’m very excited to be participating,” said McBride. 

McBride has a legitimate shot to qualify for the 200 finals.

“My only goal is to run my best, have fun, and not be so nervous,” said McBride. “I have to think of this as any other meet.”

For now, McBride is going to enjoy running on the blue track that will be her home next season. McBride officially signed with Eastern Illinois University’s track team earlier this week. 

“I will warm up just like we do at practice and five to ten minutes before the race starts,” said McBride. “I’ll try to relax and get my mind focused. I’ve invited all my friends and teammates to cheer me on and I’m just going to run as fast as I can and enjoy the privilege of getting to compete.”