During the beginning of his outdoor track season running the 3,200-meter, junior Frankie Hackl shaved over 20 seconds off his personal record, setting a new school record of 9:26.80.*

Previously, the school record for the 3,200-meter was held by Cole Branstrom, with a time of 9:27.17 from 2025. Hackl broke this record by 0.34 seconds. He joined indoor and outdoor track to run all season, using it to stay active and maintain his pace, Hackl said. He was able to break the school record because of his commitment to training throughout the school year, Hackl said.

“Switching to track felt natural because I did cross country earlier this year,” Hackl said. “There has also been a lot of opportunities to run and train between cross-country and track.”

Hackl was running behind senior Junior Lopez all throughout the race, Hackl said. Lopez usually takes off during the second half of the 3,200-meter, but Hackl continued to push forward. Running behind Lopez motivated Hackl to keep going toward the finish line, he said.

“I was surprised that I was able to stick with Lopez at the end and outkick him–which I do not usually do,” Hackl said.

Hackl passed Lopez, not knowing he had broken the school record, he said. Hackl’s work ethic and mindset helped him achieve this record, Lopez said.

“Hackl is very persistent, and always runs as hard as he can,” Lopez said. “For track season specifically, he makes me go faster because I have someone running with me.”

Lopez also helps motivate Hackl and increase competition, as training together and competing in meets has helped Hackl perform at his best, Jonathan Novotny, Varsity Boys’ Track and Field Head Coach.

“Having Lopez and Hackl battle each other is what sets them up for success,” Novotny said. “Lopez goes against Hackl every day in practice, which pushes him to work harder, and at meets, Hackl competes with someone breaking records.”

Hackl’s attitude and effort have allowed him to achieve his goals, and positively impact team culture, Novotny said. His willingness to be conversational with his teammates has helped them stay mentally grounded and look up to him as a prime example of leadership, Novotny said.

“Having common conversations makes him approachable and a good mentor for younger athletes,” Novotny said. “Hackl does not complain or ask many questions–he just wants to do what is best for himself and his teammates.”

For future meets, Hackl hopes to keep improving his time, he said. He believes he can break the record  again and plans to keep training.

“I do not think this will be the last time it will be broken this year,” Hackl said. “Hopefully by the end of the season, I can get my time down to 9:20, or even lower than that.”

*Record was as of May 7, read an updated story here.