T-R PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER - Grundy Center’s Grace Storjohann, left, runs alongside Noelle Steines of Tipton (15), the only other runner representing Class 2A in the 16-member field of the 800-meter run on Friday at the Drake Relays in Des Moines.

DES MOINES — Grundy Center junior Grace Storjohann has become the ultimate opportunist in her athletic endeavors. A feared wrestler, cross country runner and track sensation, Storjohann lives for big moments in statewide competition.

Drake Relays was no different. Achieving a lifetime-best by nearly two seconds and out-performing her seed was just the tip of the iceberg for the Spartan standout.

On the line, Storjohann was next to the only other Class 2A athlete in the field, and a notable one at that, in Noelle Steines of Tipton. Steines has countless state titles and a Drake Relays title of her own but suffered an injury that has slowed her down this season, leaving her at the 15th of 16 qualifiers for the race. Storjohann had her hands full.

Off the line, positioning was crucial, highlighted with elbows and jockeying, characteristic of a high level 800-meter race. Storjohann found herself toward the back, working past her 2A counterpart Steines.

Coming through halfway in 12th place, the pack was still dense with many competitors bunched up. Attempting to move into the last curve with 200 meters remaining, the talented Spartan maintained her place.

With a final push Storjohann found herself in 11th place with a time of 2 minutes, 15.63 seconds. This race bettered her personal record of 2:17.16, which dates back to her freshman year. Storjohann’s time was also good enough to best Steines, putting her in conversation for a potential state title in less than a month’s time.

“Noelle and I are friends, I know she’s going to do great things, so I will too,” Storjohann said.

Coming into the race with the final seed didn’t phase Storjohann, rather it put a chip on her shoulder.

“I’m running four races every meet,” she said. “It’s nice to come here and focus on one thing. It’s really hard to run fast in the 800 at the end of a meet when I’ve already done two or three events. This was nice”

Adorned with blue hair to commemorate the event, Storjohann looks to return to Drake Stadium in May to continue her improvement with the goal of a state title front and center.