Tribune competition athletes reflect on their achievements

The 51st Tribune Meet of Champs saw Nathan Feltner of Caseville, Rebecca Moeller of Deckerville and Layla Bolzman of the United States each earn the Athlete of the Meet title. In this article, everyone reflects on their accomplishments.

Feltner earned the title of male athlete of the meet with victories in the 100, 200 and 400-meter races while helping Caseville’s 4×100-meter relay team finish second in its event.

“It feels good (to win the title of Male Athlete of the Meet),” Feltner said. “It was a goal of mine to do this. After the 4×100 meters, I then thought that this feat was possible.

“It all started my freshman year,” Feltner added. “I looked at our records and pointed out the 100, 200 and 400 meter races. I told our coach that I would break these records. He didn’t believe me until my second year. Hard work can pay off.

Feltner is looking to repeat as Division 4 400-meter state champion, saying it won’t be easy.

“There are three other people who run 50 seconds for 400 meters,” he said. “I have to work for it.”

Layla Bolzman earned the title of co-female athlete of the meet with victories in the 100, 200 and 400 meters while helping the U.S. 4×400 meter relay team win the event.

“It’s amazing (to win the title of Female Athlete of the Competition),” Bolzman said. “I had a wonderful competition. This time I had an excellent result. I hope to see these people again in the future.

“It was really scary,” Bolzman added. “I had excellent competition in all four events. Things had a good outcome. I am proud of myself for succeeding. I hope to do great things in the future.

Bolzman will compete in the Division 4 state finals in the 100, 200 and 400 meter races, saying she must continue to push herself and continue the hard work she has done.

“The competition will help me a lot,” she said. “I hope I can do a great job in the state finals and place in the top three.”

Rebecca Moeller earned the title of co-female athlete of the meet with victories in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, pole vault and a second place finish in the 200 meter dash.

“It feels really good (to win the title of Female Athlete of the Competition),” Moeller said. “I’m very proud of myself.”

“I wasn’t surprised that I won the pole vault,” Moeller added. “I put in a lot of work and had a lot of competition to push me. With the obstacles, things clicked. I practiced a lot. I got to where I am now.

Moeller is looking to repeat her Division 4 pole vault state champion title, saying she must continue to work hard.

“I’ve worked for this and I’m ready to compete,” she said.

The Tribune congratulates and celebrates the athletes of the competition and each athlete who participated in Tuesday’s Meet of Champions.