VALENTINE, Neb. - A group of middle schoolers from Valentine is hoping to leave a mark at this weekend’s Nebraska Championship Meet in Gothenburg.

Eighth grader Mia Sherbeyn has qualified in three events — the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and the 4x100 relay. Other relay members include Devahney Belville, Kealy Titus and Anniyah Bailey.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time,” Sherbeyn said.

The meet features the top seventh and eighth grade track and field athletes from across Nebraska. Only the 24 fastest individuals and 16 best relay teams in each event qualify. It’s also an all-class meet, meaning small-town athletes like those from Valentine compete against students from much larger schools in Lincoln and Omaha.

“I think we have a good chance at performing well,” said Coach Marcus Little. “I’m excited to see how the girls do.”

Valentine’s 4x100 relay team has already broken the school record three times this year, and Little believes they have more in the tank.

“We first broke the school record early on. That’s when we were still raw,” Little said. “I had a good feeling they’d break it again a couple of times.”

Competing against bigger schools won’t be easy. Last year marked the first time Valentine placed at the championship meet. Eighth grader Kealy Titus is the only returning runner from that relay team.

“I already know the environment, so it’s a lot easier, I guess,” Titus said.

While Titus is aiming to reach the podium again, she and her teammates are walking away with more than medals.

“A lot of teamwork, a lot of drive,” Titus said. “You have to push yourself. When you’re tired and don’t want to do it, you have to push yourself that extra little bit.”

The Nebraska Championship Meet begins Saturday at 11 a.m. Central in Gothenburg and will be televised live on News Channel Nebraska.