RANTOUL — Four Uni subfreshmen have qualified for the Illinois Elementary School Association's Class A track and field state meet.

Emma Hoyer, Bissy Michael, and Sarah Vaughen advanced in a total of four girls events, while Nealay Kalita qualified in two boys events.

The athletes competed Saturday in the St. Malachy sectional at Rantoul High School.

Hoyer won first place in the girls shot put and discus throw. (Her distances have not yet been posted online; we will publish them as soon as they become available.)

Vaughen also won both her events, taking top honors in the 800- and 1,600-meter runs. Michael finished as runner-up in the 800. (We will publish their times when they become available.)

On the boys side, Kalita ran away from the competition, bringing home title finishes in both the 100 and 200 dashes. (We will publish his times as well as soon as we get them.)

The Illinek foursome will now advance to the two-day IESA state meet, which begins Friday at the Eastside Centre in East Peoria.

"Sectionals were really fun because I was able to compete against a much larger group of people than before and still perform at a high level," Kalita said. "State seems like it will be even more fun, and I hope that I run all right."

One of the Illineks already has experience with an IESA state competition. Vaughen placed 18th at the Class A cross country meet in October.