For most high school seniors, the final weeks of school are a time to soak in their last memories of Friday night lights, track meets and familiar hallways before heading off to new adventures. But for Manhattan High track athletes Hanna Pellant, Crayton Rauch and Harli Omli, it marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one on the collegiate track scene.

Each of the three standouts carved their own path to the next level, earning offers and opportunities to continue competing in a sport that has shaped much of their high school lives.

Pellant, who signed with the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), remembers her start in track as something of a family nudge.

“I was actually really unathletic,” Pellant said. “My parents wanted me to be athletic, so they made me pick between track and swimming in sixth grade, and I guess track was the better option.”

It didn’t take long for Pellant to realize she had something special. After qualifying for the Junior Olympics in her first season and finishing top eight in the nation, Pellant recognized track could be more than just a summer hobby.

“Once that happened, I kind of knew I was good at it,” she said.

Her journey since then has been marked by steady growth, transitioning from youth club coaches to more specialized technical coaching as her performances improved. For Pellant, balancing work without burning out has been key.

“I don’t try to overdo it in the offseason because I don’t want to get overtrained,” she said. “Indoor track keeps me ready for outdoors and that’s worked for me.”

According to Pellant, the recruiting process was intense but rewarding, with her junior season proving pivotal.

“That’s when a lot of coaches start looking,” she said. “It was good to get my name out there early.”

As she prepares for life in Mississippi, Pellant looks forward to working with a college coaching staff that lives and breathes the sport.

“I’m excited to meet new people and have coaches who know exactly what they’re doing — not just high school coaches, but ones who specialize in it,” Pellant said. “My biggest goal is to make it to NCAA Nationals.”

Rauch, meanwhile, is headed to Washburn University in Topeka, a decision that came after a strong junior campaign where he earned four medals at the state meet.

“My older brother did track, so I went to a lot of his meets as a kid and eventually joined a track club with him,” Rauch said. “But it was really after my junior season when I realized I could compete at the next level.”

For Rauch, the recruiting process was fairly straightforward. He reached out to coaches, took visits and ultimately found his fit at Washburn.

“It was about finding somewhere I felt comfortable,” he said.

Looking ahead, Rauch has clear goals in mind: maximize his potential, medal at Conference meets and qualify for Nationals.

“I’m excited to get to work with some great coaches in great facilities,” he said. “I want to really push myself to my limit.”

The road to college track has also taught Rauch lessons beyond medals and marks.

“MHS track showed me that even through ups and downs, you have to stay positive and keep working hard,” Rauch said.

Omli, who signed with Texas Tech University, said she got into track simply because she was fast and loved to race.

“I got into track because I was fast and liked racing people,” Omli said.

It didn’t take long for her competitive side to take over. She started to realize her potential early on when she found herself going head-to-head with boys at meets — and winning.

“I started to realize I could go far when I was racing guys and beating them at a young age,” she said.

Omli credits Manhattan High’s track program for helping her grow as both an athlete and a teammate.

“MHS track has made a big impact,” she said. “I’ve had a good support system and I like being part of the team.”

Like many athletes, the recruiting process brought a mix of emotions for Omli.

“Recruiting was a lot,” she said. “Exciting, but also kind of overwhelming at times.”

In the end, Texas Tech stood out as the right fit, offering both a competitive environment and a sense of belonging. As she prepares to head to Lubbock, Omli looks forward to contributing to a program with a strong foundation.

“I’m excited to join a program that’s already strong, and my goal is to contribute and help it get even better,” she said.

For all three athletes, Manhattan High’s track program has been a proving ground — a place to learn, grow and test themselves against tough competition.

“High school shaped me,” Pellant said. “When you’re a freshman going against seniors, it pushes you. It makes you better.”

As they close out their final meets in MHS blue and red, Pellant, Rauch and Omli carry with them years of memories, lessons and the drive to chase bigger stages ahead.