DES MOINES — From not making state track last year to number 14th all-time in the 3,200-meter run, Marshalltown senior John Moellers had nothing to lose in his runner-up state track effort.

Alongside his teammate and friend Preston Johnson, Moellers set out on an eight-lap love affair of pain. He stayed diligent in the lead pack, nestled on the rail, while Johnson moved around closer into lane two.

“Being in the outside of the lane for the whole race isn’t the best idea,” Moellers said. “I tried to stay calm and relaxed while still comfortable on the inside.”

In the final stages of the race, Moellers responded to a hard push by Des Moines Roosevelt senior Owen Marett. Gaining ground throughout the last 300 meters of the race, Moellers was in the right place at the right time in order to continue chasing Marett.

“I saw Owen going out a kickin’, I better start going with him or I’m not going to have a chance in a crazy kick down,” he said.

Closing his last lap in a wicked 59.77 en route to second place, his finishing time of 9:00.17 breaks his own school record set at the Drake Relays. Johnson finished in 10th with a time of 10:15.26.

After the race, Moellers was dazed while Johnson made a donation to the garbage can on the infield.

Post race, Moellers turned his attention to getting some pasta, getting ready for school and staying ready for Friday’s distance medley.

In her state debut, Marshalltown freshman Grace Christensen, contested the 100-meter dash prelims. In a learning experience the young Bobcat was ecstatic about, Christensen finished 17th with a time of 12.82 seconds.

In very few words after the race, Christensen smiled and appreciated the experience.

“I was quite nervous,” she said. “I’m just so excited to have this opportunity.”