CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – St. Thomas More boys’ track and field is sending three athletes, for four events, to the IHSA state meet in Charleston May 29-31.

The Saber athletes making the trip to the blue track have varying levels of experience at this stage.

“I just keep a positive attitude,” St. Thomas More junior Philip Lee said. “I mean, I’m grateful to be at state, thankful that just God gave me that opportunity and stuff.”

Lee qualified for state in the 3200 after a 10:06 at sectionals. Sophomore Raphael Dongo Kengue had a leap greater than 41 feet to qualify in triple jump. Junior Riley Hogan is state bound in both the 300 meter hurdles and pole vault.

Dongo Kengue says the team has worked a lot on mental toughness. Hogan knows the final meet of the season is a chance for months, or years, of hard work to pay off.

“A lot of blood, sweat and tears,” Hogan said. “So going through this kind of cherry on top meet because sectionals obviously the most important meet because you have to qualify for that to get to state. But this is kind of just like the end of the season, the best part.”

STM finished sixth as a team at the Deer Creek-Mackinaw sectional.

The Sabers will compete in 1A, with prelims starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday. 2A and 3A prelims are scheduled for Friday. Finals for all classes will take place Saturday.