Noah Bontrager from Westview won the Miracle Mile with a time of 4:02.48, while Mallory Weller from FW Concordia Lutheran also secured a victory. Bontrager's coach challenged him to break 56 seconds on the final lap, indicating his potential for even faster times.
Key points
Noah Bontrager won the Miracle Mile at 4:02.48
Mallory Weller also won at the Miracle Mile
Bontrager's coach challenged him to break 56 seconds on the final lap
Bontrager is the reigning state champion in 1,600 and 3,200 meters
INDIANAPOLIS â Westview senior Noah Bontrager won the Miracle Mile at the Flashes Showcase on Friday with a time of 4:02.48. The reigning state champion in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters was expected to win the annual competition, but still entered the race with something to prove.
Coach Matt Jones challenged his star runner to break 56 seconds on the final lap. Do so and Bontrager will âgo to the next level,â Jones said, and consistently be able to run a mile under four minutes. Bontrager clocked a low 57 and told his coach he could have gone faster.
Whiteland High School anchor for the teamâs 4x800 M relay Trenton Martinelle competes during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Princeton High School senior Max Moody competes on the teamâs 4x800 M relay team during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Members of Zionsville High Schoolâs girls 4x800 M relay team gather on the track with other competitors during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Q&A
What was Noah Bontrager's winning time in the Miracle Mile?
Noah Bontrager won the Miracle Mile with a time of 4:02.48.
Who is Mallory Weller and what did she achieve at the Miracle Mile?
Mallory Weller is a runner from FW Concordia Lutheran who also won at the Miracle Mile.
What challenge did Coach Matt Jones give to Noah Bontrager during the race?
Coach Matt Jones challenged Bontrager to break 56 seconds on the final lap to enhance his performance.
What are Noah Bontrager's previous achievements in track and field?
Noah Bontrager is the reigning state champion in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.
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Competitors in the girlsâ 4x800 M relay gather on the track during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Competitors in the girlsâ 4x800 M relay prepare to start the race during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Westfield High School senior Jordyn Landrum competes as the second leg of the teamâs 4x800 M during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Carmel High sophomore Kalinda Lee competes in the 4x800 M relay during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Brownsburg High School freshman Brinley Yoder, left, competes in the 4x800 M relay during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Carmel High School senior Gabriela Grande Rosas competes as the anchor on the teamâs 4x800 M relay team during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Franklin Central High Schoolâs Vanessa Curtis, right, breaks from the starting line during the first of seven heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Franklin Central High Schoolâs Vanessa Curtis, high, competes at the front of the field during the first of seven heats of the 1-mile run of the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Fishers High Schoolâs Aaliyah Hayes, left, competes in the second of seven heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Westfield High Schoolâs Gianna Ferreri (19) competes in the second of seven heats of the 1-mile run during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Zionsville High School junior Megan Race competes second of seven heats of the 1-mile run during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Teams gather on the infield of the track during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
The field of runners competing in the first of five heats of the boysâ 1-mile run comes out of the fourth turn at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Noblesville High Schoolâs Gavin Flynn, center, competes in the first of five heats of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Teams gather on the infield of the track during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Danville High Schoolâs Casey Hummel leads Avon High Schoolâs Olivia Haberman, center, and Lily Hwang out of the fourth turn at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Danville High Schoolâs Casey Hummel enters the final straight during the third of seven heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Avon High Schoolâs Dean Semski runs through a gauntlet of student fans as he is introduced before the second of five heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Franklin Central High Schoolâs Ian Tharp runs through a gauntlet of student fans as he is introduced before the second of five heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Homestead High Schoolâs Branson Birkey (8) competes in the second of five heats of the 1-mile run during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Greenfield Central High Schoolâs Braylon Mumaugh competes in the second of five heats of the 1-mile run during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Runners break from the starting line during the fourth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Runners break from the starting line during the fourth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Runners break from the starting line during the fourth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Franklin Central High Schoolâs Kaitlyn Pettet competes in the fourth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Fans urge on competitors during a 1-mile run heat at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Hamilton Southeasternâs Isaac Smith prepares to break from the starting line before the fourth of five heats of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Northridge High Schoolâs Dakotah Moore competes in the sixth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Carmel High Schoolâs Kaitlyn Oshimura crosses the finish line to win the sixth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Competitors in the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run break from the starting line at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Westview High Schoolâs Noah Bontrager leads the field into the first turn to begin the second lap of the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Westview High Schoolâs Noah Bontrager leads the field into the first turn to begin the second lap of the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Westview High Schoolâs Noah Bontrager leads the field into the first turn to begin the second lap of the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Noblesville High Schoolâs Banner Barnes, left, and Bloomington North High Schoolâs Caleb Winders battle for position as they head into the first turn of the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Westview High Schoolâs Noah Bontrager approaches the finish line to win the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Competitors collapse after crossing the finish line following the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Competitors congratulate one another after crossing the finish line following the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Concordia Lutheran High Schoolâs Mallory Weller leads the field into the first turn to begin the second lap of the final heat of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Concordia Lutheran High Schoolâs Mallory Weller leads the field into the first turn to begin the third lap of the final heat of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Concordia Lutheran High Schoolâs Mallory Weller crosses the finish line to win the final heat of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
Concordia Lutheran High Schoolâs Mallory Weller sits on the track after crossing the finish line after winning the final heat of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Whiteland High School anchor for the teamâs 4x800 M relay Trenton Martinelle competes during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Whiteland High School anchor for the teamâs 4x800 M relay Trenton Martinelle competes during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Princeton High School senior Max Moody competes on the teamâs 4x800 M relay team during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Members of Zionsville High Schoolâs girls 4x800 M relay team gather on the track with other competitors during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Competitors in the girlsâ 4x800 M relay gather on the track during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Competitors in the girlsâ 4x800 M relay prepare to start the race during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Westfield High School senior Jordyn Landrum competes as the second leg of the teamâs 4x800 M during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Carmel High sophomore Kalinda Lee competes in the 4x800 M relay during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Brownsburg High School freshman Brinley Yoder, left, competes in the 4x800 M relay during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Carmel High School senior Gabriela Grande Rosas competes as the anchor on the teamâs 4x800 M relay team during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Franklin Central High Schoolâs Vanessa Curtis, right, breaks from the starting line during the first of seven heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Franklin Central High Schoolâs Vanessa Curtis, high, competes at the front of the field during the first of seven heats of the 1-mile run of the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Fishers High Schoolâs Aaliyah Hayes, left, competes in the second of seven heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Westfield High Schoolâs Gianna Ferreri (19) competes in the second of seven heats of the 1-mile run during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Zionsville High School junior Megan Race competes second of seven heats of the 1-mile run during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Teams gather on the infield of the track during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
The field of runners competing in the first of five heats of the boysâ 1-mile run comes out of the fourth turn at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Noblesville High Schoolâs Gavin Flynn, center, competes in the first of five heats of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Teams gather on the infield of the track during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Danville High Schoolâs Casey Hummel leads Avon High Schoolâs Olivia Haberman, center, and Lily Hwang out of the fourth turn at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Danville High Schoolâs Casey Hummel enters the final straight during the third of seven heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Avon High Schoolâs Dean Semski runs through a gauntlet of student fans as he is introduced before the second of five heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Franklin Central High Schoolâs Ian Tharp runs through a gauntlet of student fans as he is introduced before the second of five heats of the 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Homestead High Schoolâs Branson Birkey (8) competes in the second of five heats of the 1-mile run during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Greenfield Central High Schoolâs Braylon Mumaugh competes in the second of five heats of the 1-mile run during the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Runners break from the starting line during the fourth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Runners break from the starting line during the fourth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Runners break from the starting line during the fourth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Franklin Central High Schoolâs Kaitlyn Pettet competes in the fourth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Fans urge on competitors during a 1-mile run heat at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Hamilton Southeasternâs Isaac Smith prepares to break from the starting line before the fourth of five heats of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Northridge High Schoolâs Dakotah Moore competes in the sixth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Carmel High Schoolâs Kaitlyn Oshimura crosses the finish line to win the sixth of seven heats of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Competitors in the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run break from the starting line at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Westview High Schoolâs Noah Bontrager leads the field into the first turn to begin the second lap of the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Westview High Schoolâs Noah Bontrager leads the field into the first turn to begin the second lap of the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Westview High Schoolâs Noah Bontrager leads the field into the first turn to begin the second lap of the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Noblesville High Schoolâs Banner Barnes, left, and Bloomington North High Schoolâs Caleb Winders battle for position as they head into the first turn of the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Westview High Schoolâs Noah Bontrager approaches the finish line to win the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Competitors collapse after crossing the finish line following the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Competitors congratulate one another after crossing the finish line following the final heat of the boysâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Concordia Lutheran High Schoolâs Mallory Weller leads the field into the first turn to begin the second lap of the final heat of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Concordia Lutheran High Schoolâs Mallory Weller leads the field into the first turn to begin the third lap of the final heat of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Concordia Lutheran High Schoolâs Mallory Weller crosses the finish line to win the final heat of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
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Photo gallery from Franklin Central Flashes Showcase
Concordia Lutheran High Schoolâs Mallory Weller sits on the track after crossing the finish line after winning the final heat of the girlsâ 1-mile run at the annual Flashes Showcase, a meet highlighted by 1-mile races, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis.
âGoing into that last lap, I was like, man, I really had some gas left, and it hit me with 200 to go, I should push through rather than going lactic the last 300 or 400 than conserving,â Bontrager said. âItâs part of how I learn and how I need to move forward.â
Bontragerâs decision to endure Friday at Franklin Central wasnât solely out of personal ambition.
Roughly eight of the 23 athletes in Heat 5 gathered for a picture after the race and waited for Bontrager as fans congratulated him. The nine then huddled and prayed. One of the athletes ran over to Bontrager during his conversation with IndyStar and handed him a jersey, which a group of them decided to wear after Bontrager suggested the idea via text Thursday night.
Thereâs a camaraderie among the competitors, a brotherhood fueled by faith, genuine friendship and a love for track.
âItâs hard to push up front, and itâs something very uncomfortable, but itâs something worth doing,â Bontrager said. âBut itâs needed for the sport, and hopefully I push those other guys to fast times too.
âGod has given me all the talent and ability that I can be here today with these other guys. God has given me the friends and put me in a position where I can be the head of the race tonight, but those guys are praying us out before and after the meet, so itâs really cool sharing my faith with those guys.â
Entering Friday, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran senior Mallory Weller had not lost an individual race in Indiana since her fourth-place performance in the 800 at state in 2024. The North Carolina State commit showed why she is the best long-distance runner in the state once again at Flashes Showcase.
Weller clocked a time of 4:42.69, more than seven seconds faster than runner-up Bloomington Southâs Ellie Barada (4:49.48).
Weller, who had a 30-meter lead with 200 meters left in the race, joked sheâs a âlittle saltyâ because she expected to run faster, but is proud of herself for sticking to her plan of starting aggressively and widening the gap as the race progressed.
âI felt really good coming off of not my best indoor season since I was injured for cross country season,â Weller said. âComing back was a struggle, but I ended indoors on a pretty high note, so I came into my first outdoor race (Flashes Showcase) pretty happy.â
Weller suffered a stress reaction in her tibia in late September. She said she was âmiserable through it all,â and has since tried to forget the harder days that came with recovery. However, the senior benefited from the setback.
âIt reminded me not to take things for granted,â Weller said. âI got stressed at the end of last outdoor season with just a lot of pressure on me. I was getting out there on the national stage, and it was a lot to hear my name more often. But having to sit on the sidelines for cross country, I was like no I like the pressure and people recognizing me and it sucked not being out there.â
Coach Scott Steffen applauded Weller for not trying to âkill every workout and practiceâ this season. Weller is approaching practice at a steady pace, building on each day rather than exerting all her energy in one practice session.
âThe injury helped her get there,â Steffen said. âThereâs always a reason behind things, and sometimes we donât know what they are, but it allowed her to test herself and showed Godâs power to heal not just her leg but her mind, with a chance to grow as a young lady. There were struggles, but it helped her to get to where she is today.â
Weller still isnât satisfied. The reigning state champion in the 1,600 and 3,200 has her sights set on a repeat.
âThereâs a lot more to come in the mile and the 32,â Weller said.
