In Catlin, Illinois, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin senior Natalie Thomason has made a remarkable comeback in the track and field world. After taking a hiatus from running hurdles from 2022-2025, she has returned with an impressive performance that has caught the attention of many.
Thomason recently secured her place at the state level by clinching sectional titles in both the 100 and 300 hurdles at the 1A Salt Fork sectional. Her victory in the 100 hurdles was particularly noteworthy as she set a personal best time of 15.42 seconds.
Her prowess isn’t limited to hurdles. Thomason demonstrated her versatility by also excelling in the high jump, where she claimed the sectional title. She achieved a season-best jump of 1.62 meters (5 feet, 3.75 inches), securing her spot at the IHSA girls’ track and field state meet.
Throughout her senior track season, Thomason has been buoyed by the support of her community, which extends beyond the four towns mentioned in the Blue Devils’ full school name. This support has been instrumental in her breakout season.
Despite having qualified for the state meet in the previous three years, Thomason remains humble and appreciative of each opportunity, never taking her achievements for granted.
“People think like ‘Oh, I’ve been to state before, it’s not that big of a deal.’ Like I worked so hard – I work on off offseason and winter,” Thomason told WCIA. “I work really hard to be able to go to state… My family puts in a lot of money and effort and they’re so supportive so that helps me out a lot.”
BHRA was also the team champ at Wednesday’s sectional meet in Catlin, click here for more IHSA girls’ sectional results.
WCIA is bringing viewers a feature story on one local high school track and field athlete each day leading up to the boys’ and girls’ state meets. Check out other stories below: