For Julianna “Jules” Ondrisko, the 300-meter hurdles became more than another event on a busy track schedule. It became the race where she left her mark on Pahrump Valley High School.
Ondrisko, a senior for the Trojans, broke the PVHS school record in the 300 hurdles at Regionals, then lowered her own record again at the State Championship meet, closing her high school career with a milestone she had been chasing all season.
“It was actually a really big relief,” Ondrisko said. “I thought I had to break 46, and I was like, this is going to be really tough. But then when I found out it was 47, I was like, this is very much doable this season. I can do it.”
With the record within reach, Ondrisko focused on the technical side of the event, especially her hurdle form and jumps. By the time Regionals arrived, she felt ready.
“I was focusing a little bit more on jumping and getting my form down,” she said. “Once I started figuring out that my form was getting down, it was really like a breathtaking moment because I was like, Regionals, I have to do it.”
The weather was right, her mindset was set and Ondrisko entered the race believing there was “nothing” that was going to stop her.
Still, when she crossed the finish line, she was not immediately sure if she had done it.
“I looked over at the finish line and I saw the times,” Ondrisko said. “At first, I was like, did I just do it?”
She quickly ran to PVHS Track and Field Head Coach Dan Nagle, asking him to confirm the record.
“I was like, ‘Pull up the thing. Pull up the record breaker. Pull it up immediately,’” she said.
When it became official, the moment hit her.
“As soon as I broke it, I cried a little bit,” Ondrisko said. “I was so happy. It really felt like a huge sign of relief.”
The celebration had to be quick, as Ondrisko still had the 800-meter run shortly after. But the meaning of the moment stayed with her, especially when she went on to break her own record again at state with a time of 47.0.
“When I broke it again at state, I was just so happy,” she said. “It’s like a nice moment. I broke my own record.”
Ondrisko credited Nagle as one of the biggest influences in her high school career, saying he became the coach she felt most comfortable turning to when she needed guidance or reassurance.
“He always says things positive to me,” she said, adding that his humor and encouragement helped push her through moments of doubt.
She also credited PVHS Cross Country Coach Erik Odegard for never giving up on her and continuing to encourage her growth as a runner. Ondrisko said his belief in her helped her realize what she was capable of.
Another major influence was Coach Ben Veloz, who first introduced her to running in middle school.
“I would not have done running if it wasn’t for him,” Ondrisko said.
Family support also played a major role. Ondrisko thanked her mother, Heather Martin, along with Anthony Banuelos, Jack Hines, Brandon Ondrisko, Annabella Ondrisko, Isaiah Banuelos and Sophia Banuelos for helping her through practices, meets and the demands of being a multi-sport athlete.
She also spoke proudly of her grandmother, Meeme Lori Gallear, a lifelong runner and former Olympic torch runner who continued showing up for Ondrisko throughout her career.
“She’s always been there,” Ondrisko said. “She would wake up at five o’clock in the morning if she had to.”
Ondrisko also credited the Dockter and Holzer families, including Preston “Zach” Dockter and Katie and Derrick Holzer, for being a constant source of encouragement.
“No matter if I did bad or I thought I did bad, they always told me I should still be proud of myself because I got through it,” she said.
Her teammates helped make the record even more meaningful. Benjamin De Santiago and Joaquin Flores were among those cheering her on, with Flores’ voice often standing out during races.
“I couldn’t even hear my coach because Joaquin was screaming his lungs out,” Ondrisko said.
She also pointed to Addi Nelsen and Ella Odegard as part of the group that helped motivate her. Ondrisko said she hopes Odegard may someday be the one to break her record.
“I tell her all the time, when I’m gone, beat my record,” Ondrisko said. “She believed in me, and now I believe in her.”
For Ondrisko, the school record represents far more than a time posted on a results sheet. It reflects the countless early mornings, difficult workouts, encouraging voices from the stands and the coaches, teammates, friends and family members who helped shape her journey along the way.
Now, as she prepares to continue running at Nevada State University, Ondrisko leaves Pahrump Valley not only as a record holder, but as an athlete whose determination and personality made a lasting impact on the Trojan program.
And even with her name now etched into PVHS track history, Ondrisko is already looking ahead — hopeful that the athletes following behind her will continue pushing the standard even further.
