SIOUX FALLS — Katelyn Schroeder surprised herself on Friday.

The Hitchcock-Tulare senior captured the Class B girls javelin throw at the South Dakota state track and field meet, finishing with a meet record toss of 127-feet and three-inches. 

Schroeder entered the event tied for the fifth best mark at 118-11. But Schroeder claimed the state championship by throwing nearly 10-feet further than her personal record. 

“This might sound bad but I didn't expect that out of myself,” Schroeder said. “I PR’d by quite a bit.”

Schroeder definitely saved her best for last in the event. She hit a personal record 122-2 on her first attempt of the day, but Sanborn Central/Woonsocket’s Elizabeth Boschee recorded a 125-7 mark on her first toss. 

The two tosses were good enough to break the meet record. 

“My first one I think was the one that broke the record right away and Liz Boschee broke it after me,” Schroeder said. “But I knew I had a little bit more in the tank. So I just kind of trusted myself and went for it.” 

The two tosses were the top marks going into finals, and on her final throw of the day Schroeder launched her toss of 127-3, putting her in the lead. 

Hitchcock-Tulare's Katelyn Schroeder, right, is embraced after winning the Class B javelin title on Friday at the state track and field meet in Sioux Falls. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

“I knew I was on the podium, and I kind of just told myself I have nothing to lose,” Schroeder said. “I might as well just focus on what I know and chuck it as far as I can and it worked out for me.”

Boschee, last season’s Class A javelin champ, hit a 120-8 on her final throw and Schroeder celebrated the victory. 

“It was surreal,” Schroeder said. “I didn’t really believe it if I am being honest with you. I put my head down for a little bit, but I'm very thankful.” 

Boschee, a junior multi-sport athlete, finished second in the event and also pushed Schroeder to achieve the state championship. 

“I saw her at the conference meet and she was throwing insane numbers,” Schroeder said. “So I knew she was going to be a good competitor coming in.”

Schroeder, an all-state volleyball player, will play college volleyball at Northern State University.