High School Track: Brighton track duo putting themselves on the map

KAYSVILLE – No one will mistake Brighton for being a traditional power when it comes to track and field. Even so, a pair of Bengal seniors seemed poised to make a big splash as state title contenders.

Aubrey Hale and Kylie Hirschi did much to put themselves on the map for this spring after each athlete turned in strong individual performances at last week's Davis Super Meet.

Hale won both the 100- and 200-meter dash — finishing in 12:07 seconds to win the 100 and claiming the 200 with a time of 25.40. Hirschi placed first in the 300 hurdles after crossing the line in 45.85 seconds and finished a close second in the 100 hurdles with a time of 15.20.

Hirschi and Hale ended up being the only Bengal athletes to compete at the Davis Super Meet.

"It's a lot of pressure but it's a lot of fun because we represent Brighton — just us two," Hale said. "And it's just fun because, if we do well at meets, we get recognized for our school."

Hale and Hirschi have made it their mission to go from one top invitational to another and go up against the stiffest competition possible. They have performed well against that competition because they have a penchant for pushing one another to the limits in training for their respective events.

Starting last summer, Hirschi and Hale hit the gym every day and lifted together. In practice, they also run together. The two are best friends, but they also each possess a competitive spirit that comes out in these training sessions.

"We try to max each other out. If she lifts more, then I try to lift more than her," Hale said. "It keeps us going and wanting to go more because we're competitive against each other. Like in practice, she'll try to run faster than me and, if she does, I'll try to run faster than her."

All of that training together has made a difference for Hirschi. With the weight lifting alone, she feels much stronger when she attacks each hurdle than a year ago. The best part of competing with Hale is the close bond they share as teammates and friends.

"She's like one of my best friends," Hirschi said. "Pretty much if she goes to a meet, I'm going to feel obligated. It's fun though. It's really fun to have a best friend on the team, you know, who's always there for you."

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