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It’s been more than two decades since Lyle-Pacelli had a runner advance to state in the 800-meter run, but freshman Clare Bisanti was able to overcome her own doubts to break that streak when she qualified for the Minnesota State High School Leagure Track and Field Meet last week.

Bisanti went into the year with hopes of running in the state meet, but those hopes started to slip when she hit a midseason lull and switched to the 1,600-meter run. At the end of the season, Bisanti adjusted her mindset and found her stride.

“State was my goal, but by the middle of the year I didn’t think it was going to happen. I got in my head and switched to the mile, because the 800 wasn’t going to go very well,” Bisanti said. “Then I decided I was going to try and run the 800 behind (fellow state qualifier Anna Piekert) of Lourdes in one of our last meets, and I did pretty well, so I just did that again at sections.”

Bisanti has thrived in smaller meets this season for the Athletics, but she’s often a bundle of nerves when it comes to the big meets. Now she has to prepare for the state meet, which she’s never even witnessed in person.

Bisanti is seeded 15th with a time of 2:22.57 and Peyton Meincke of Lake City is the top seed with a time of 2:19.76.

“It hasn’t really set in yet. It’ll probably set in on the actual day when I get there. I’ve had this goal since last year, and now I’m finally there,” Bisanti said. “My teammates have helped me a lot. During cross country season, we all started running together. I’m also always looking to beat my little sister. She’s a little bit slower, but she’s starting to catch up.”

Bisanti is moving to Des Moines, Iowa in August, so this will likely be her last time running for the Athletics.

The Class A girls 800-meter run prelims will be held at 6:40 p.m. on June 10, with the finals taking place at 6:46 p.m. Both events will be held at St. Michael/Albertville.