Lake Mills sophomore hurdler Lexi Groe competed at state for the second consecutive year.

Groe took 15th place in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:08.89 Friday during the Class 2A state track meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines.

“It was only a few tenths slower than my personal best,” said Groe. “It’s been a great season.”

To prepare for the race, Groe said she practiced with Bulldogs fourth-year coach Becky Dahn.

“I was working with her on finishing,” Groe said. “I get to that first hurdle pretty well, and then my form breaks down a little bit. I just need to focus on attacking the hurdles.”

Dahn said Groe showed dedication during practice and in her free time.

“She works extremely hard on her own,” Dahn said. “She will come to the track on weekends and sometimes even after practice when we’re done with a workout.”

The day of the race, Dahn provided some pointers.

“The main thing I told her was to relax and have fun,” Dahn said. “She made it this far, and then it was time for her to do what she does best and enjoy it. She ran very well. I’m so proud of her.”

Last year as a freshman, when Lake Mills competed in Class 1A, Groe qualified for state in the same event and took 13th place with a time of 1:09.61.

Groe said the stands were packed both years.

“The atmosphere is a lot different than a regular meet,” she said. “It’s a lot more intense.”