Peoria Richwoods’ Jackson sisters ready to make noise at state track finals

PEORIA (WEEK) - The Peoria Richwoods Knights, and a pair of sisters, are racing to the state finals in track.

Mia and Lena Jackson are ready to go get some state titles. Junior Mia, a state title winner in the 4x100 meter relay last year, is a top seed in the 100-meter hurdles. Her freshman sister, Lena, is the number one seed in both the 100 and 200-meter dash.

“I thought since it would be my second one I’d be a little less nervous but you know I guess it never goes away,” Mia Jackson said. " But I am excited because it’s like our first full state.”

“I’m nervous because usually when people see the top runner, that’s who they go for, but it’s pretty exciting because I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to go to state this year,” Lena Jackson said.

But running that state meet together helps ease those nerves.

“I don’t feel as nervous knowing that she’s going to be there too. she makes me feel more comfortable,” said Lena Jackson.

Although track is a competitive sport, the Jacksons say they’re not competitive with each other. Instead, the pair are each other’s biggest supporters.

“It’s been even better with both of them on the team because, with their cheering for each other, they have pulled the best out of each other,” Matt Luckey, Peoria Richwoods coach, said.

“I feel like one of our parents or something, I just feel so happy for her no matter how she does,” Mia Jackson said. “I’m very proud of her.”

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