Hoover concludes Fairbanks athletic career with third-place state finishes in 800, 1600

All good things must come to an end.

Fairbanks High School’s Rachael Hoover cemented her Lady Panther legacy with a pair of third-place finishes during the Division III state meet in Dayton.

She concluded her career by placing the highest she’s ever done at the OHSAA state track and field meet.

Fairbanks’ Rachael Hoover scans the competition pack during the girls 1600-meter run at Welcome Stadium. The senior placed third in the 1600 and 800-meter races at the OHSAA state track and field meet for Division III.

(Photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

The senior was a member of the program’s 4×400 meter relay team last Thursday.

The tandem, including Alexis Wojcehowicz, Mollie Thrush and Charley Shope, fell short of qualifying for the finals the following day.

Despite coming up short in one podium appearance, all Milford Center-area eyes were on the Bowling Green State University commit to see what she would do next.

“That was my third time being in ninth place at a state meet,” Hoover said after the relay race.

The feeling of coming up short ignited a desire to stand out.

“I learned from the past that it’s just fuel to the fire and to just represent your school to the best of your ability. That is exactly what I did. I am proud of my work out there.”

Hoover stayed confident in the finals of the 1600 and 800-meter runs. She placed third in both events to solidify her legacy at Fairbanks.

Going into the weekend, the senior knew she was not at full strength due to her getting her lifeguard certification most of last week.

“Friday was kind of my first day that I’ve had a break before my race,” Hoover said, adding that she was eager to get her legs moving.

She first competed in the 1600-meter run producing a time of 4:56.03.

“The first lap wasn’t anything out of the unusual, but they really stayed on that pedal for that second lap,” said Hoover. “I just needed to stay in good position. The third lap was by far the fastest third lap I’ve ever had in my entire life. I just knew that if I stuck with it, I’d be in good position. All the pain was really worth it.”

There was a window of breathing room for her to recover.

“That was the fastest recovery for sure because they ran the mile later,” Hoover said about the event scheduling. “My lungs were really hurting and I couldn’t breath after (the 1600-meter run). “My coach took me on a jog around the parking lot. It was perfect timing that I started feeling fine and my lungs released.”

Hoover followed with another third-place finish in the 800 with a time of 2:16.60.

The senior is no stranger to the state competition level, qualifying in all four years in both cross country and track.

Looking back at her time as a Lady Panther, this past weekend produced several core memories.

“This will definitely be something I remember,” she said. “But I think that there are a lot of things about this season I will remember. I am really hoping that this is momentum for everyone to keep the legacy going.”

Hoover’s first state track and field appearance was not at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. She recalled that moment where she was not satisfied with her performance at Westerville North.

The Division III meet was held there in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was telling Charley about it and I was like ‘you can’t remember your freshman year,’” she said. “I mean remember it, but in the positives of it.

“I think that’s what has helped propel me forward these past four years and add fuel to the fire… take those bad performances and make something special.”

Hoover shared how she is thankful for the Fairbanks community and for those who reached out to her after her high school career ended on one of the state’s biggest stages.

“I am just really thankful to have lived here my whole life and to hopefully represent the community more in college,” she said.