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Elkhart girls track coach Bekah Shenk is greatly looking forward to the start of outdoor track season.
“I expect the team to improve on its success from last year,” said Shenk. “There are many returning athletes who are ready to score big points in the big meets, along with new athletes who can contribute right away.
“I can’t wait to see how we can improve in the NIC in many events with a more complete team this year, which is the largest team ever for Elkhart.”
Heading the list of experienced and talented Lions are regional qualifiers Ja’leiiya Williams (100, 200, 400 relay), Brynlee Jellison (shot put), Madilyn Collins (pole vault) and Brendayah Dale (200, 400 relay).
Shenk is also high on the potential of high jumper Rylee Drummond, who placed third at the NIC meet last year.
Williams, Paige Collins, Alaina Dibley, Olivia Gutierrez, Elizabeth Higgins and Taylor Holt are senior captains that will provide valuable leadership to go with their track skill.
“Those six are already making a positive impact on the team with their experience, responsibility, respect and care for their teammates,” Shenk said. “They have a passion for track and field and are committed to the sport.”
Newcomers to watch are Danica Barnes, Miranda Camacho-Flores, Lily Clark and Aarionna Horton.
“Those four will contribute right away,” Shenk said.
The school that Elkhart is chasing down in the NIC is Penn. The Kingsmen have won four straight conference titles and four straight sectional titles.
Once again this year Penn possesses a strong core of experience athletes and some talented newcomers.
The Kingsmen return regional qualifiers Kamerin Malone (long jump) and Ella Bailey (300 hurdles) and sprinters Zoya Turk and Sofia Ugwoke.
Coach Melissa Danner is also looking forward to watching freshmen Addison Hummel (shot put) and Shreya Nayee (middle distance, long distance).
“Addison is an up and comer,” Danner said. “In middle school, Shreya set several Big 11 and Discovery records. She began her high school career by leading the Penn cross country team with her 13th place finish at the state meet.”
In the Northern Lakes Conference, Northridge is looking to build off its strong 2024 season. The Raiders finished 6-1 in regular season league meets and placed third at the conference meet.
“The girls had a successful season last year and we hope to achieve that again this year,” said Northridge coach Trisha King.
“I’m looking forward to seeing which athletes step up to help us be as competitive as we can be.”
Among the returning letterwinners are state qualifier Lily Vasil (pole vault) and defending NLC champion Dakotah Moore (1,600), who are both juniors
Others that will contribute are sophomore Briene Bemis (distance), junior Jenna Frantz (sprints), sophomore Natalie Gillette (sprints), junior Kara Hively (throws), junior Addy Long (distance), senior Ella Mohamed (throws), senior Izzy Snyder (distance), sophomore Alli Steele (Jump), junior Olivia Stoffel (throws), sophomore Kloey Swathwood (distance), junior Harper Thompson (sprints), junior Hadley Troyer (distance) and sophomore Zoe Yeater (throws).
Concord also is looking to be at the top of the league standings. The Minutemen finished second at the NLC meet a year ago and were 5-2 in regular season meets.
“Once again the conference will be very competitive,” said Concord coach Jerry Redmond. “Warsaw will be the team to beat. If we stay healthy and work hard as a team we have a chance to do well.”
Senior Lia Davis was a sectional champion last year in the high jump and qualified for the state finals in that event. Senior Dea ana Emerson was a sectional champion in the long jump and will be one of Concord’s top sprinters. Senior Zoe Roberts qualified for regional in the 1,600.
Others that Redmond is counting on contribute are junior Ava Dixon (hurdles), junior Lucile Odhiambo (hurdles), junior Allison DeFreese (sprinter), sophomore Evie Mashala (hurdles) and sophomore Jayla Young (shot put).
NorthWood will be led seniors Claire Payne and Elayna Yoder, and junior Hanna Clyde.
Payne was a state qualifier last year in the high jump, Clyde was a state qualifier in the 400, while Yoder was a state qualifier in the 400 relay. Yoder is the lone returning runner from that relay, which has made three straight trips to the state finals.
“Both Payne and Yoder will be much needed leaders on a very young and inexperienced track team,” said NorthWood coach Mark Mikel.
“Clyde looks to move up to the 800 this season and utilize her endurance and strength from cross country in that event.”
Like the boys, NorthWood’s girls will be separated from the other Elkhart County schools and this year will be going to the Bremen Sectional.
“As with the boys program, the IHSAA Sectional favors the Lady Panthers as a team and for individuals to advance to the regional,” Mikel said.
“A solid distance core and an emerging field event group (jumps and throws) will be essential to the postseason success of our team.”
Goshen has one of the elite runners in the area in junior Kristina Petkova. The RedHawks standout placed fifth at the state finals last year in the 400. Petkova owns school records in the 100, 200 and 400.
Joining Petkova as returning letterwinners are seniors Kassandra Ortega, Katherine Orellana Pineda, Nora Post and Chloe Hill, juniors Jetci Cid, Lilly Clark, Eliza Herber, Edith Loera-Arambula, Zion Miller and Lindsay Rodman, along with sophomores Valeria Chavoyo Lopez and Aubrie Collins.
“During the past two seasons we’ve had a young roster,” said Goshen coach Graham Clark. “Those classes have been developing and I’m looking forward to what they can do for the team this year.”
Goshen’s squad is a mix of experience and youth. On the team there are 11 seniors, 20 juniors, 32 sophomores and 19 freshmen.
Jimtown begins its first year in the Indiana Northern State Conference, with junior Brooklyn King looking to continue her success in the shot put.
King was the Northern Indiana Conference champion last year in the shot and was a regional qualifier in that event.
Junior Kylie Wiegand is another top performer for the Jimmies. A year ago, Wiegand was a regional qualifier in the 100 and 200.
Senior Tru Whitaker (400, 800, 1,600, relays) is a team captain that will contribute, while freshman Promisse Ruffin is a newcomer to watch.
“Expectations continue to rise each year for our girls,” said Jimtown coach Kenny Kerrn. “We’re excited for the opportunity to compete in the new INSC against some really tough teams.
“There are plenty of state-meet caliber kids in our conference and it will be exciting to compete against them as we make a run at the conference title.”
Elkhart Christian finished second last year in the Hoosier Plains Conference and coach Peter Casaletto is looking forward to watching several of his athletes.
Among the returning letterwinners are senior Hannah Schramm (distance), junior Sheridan Maxwell (1,600) and sophomore Elle Yakym (shot put).
“Schramm has overcome injuries and is steadily improving for the long distance races,” said ECA coach Peter Casaletto. “Yakym also keeps improving.
At Bethany Christian, senior Isa Alverez (1600) and junior Kendra Kern (200, 400) are being counted on to be point producers.
“We have a young team that is working hard,” said Bruins coach Dallan Troyer. “I’m looking forward to seeing our newcomers and their contributions to the team.
“If the girls can stay healthy, I expect to see some good results in the conference.”
In the Northeast Corner Conference, Fairfield coach Kirt Hunsberger has to do some juggling with his roster.
“We lost one girl to graduation that will affect our points per meet,” said Hunsberger, whose squad finished third in the league last year. “We also lost 25 points per meet to kids not coming back out.
“Losing those girls was a huge hit to our program, but we have had kids step up and they’ll do their best to make up the points that we lost.
“We are thin in many events and have depth in others. We will have several kids competing in multiple events throughout the season, so staying healthy is critical.”
Leading the Falcons will be Claira Foust (jumps), Emma Walter (sprints), Jacinda Brown (throws), Joya Holsopple (pole vault, sprints), Jalyn Stofleth (pole vault, sprints), Shelby Miller (pole vault, hurdles), Zoie Miller (400, 800), Natalee Lambright (distance) and Lyla Dennis (distance).
Walter (100), Stofleth (pole vault) and Sheby Miller (pole vault) were regional qualifiers last year.
In Michigan, Edwardsburg will be led by new coach Morgan O’Grady, who previously coached at Penn High School, Discovery Middle School and Grissom Middle School.
Senior Sarah Pippin recorded a PR of 5-6 last year in the high jump.
“Hopefully, she can clear 6 this year,” said O’Grady.
Newcomer Georgia Babcock, who came from South Carolina, should also contribute in distance races.
“Georgia is already killing it in the mile and two-mile,” O’Grady said. “She competed recently at the Nationals in the two-mile and ran 11:04.94.
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“I expect the team to improve on its success from last year,” said Shenk. “There are many returning athletes who are ready to score big points in the big meets, along with new athletes who can contribute right away.
“I can’t wait to see how we can improve in the NIC in many events with a more complete team this year, which is the largest team ever for Elkhart.”
Heading the list of experienced and talented Lions are regional qualifiers Ja’leiiya Williams (100, 200, 400 relay), Brynlee Jellison (shot put), Madilyn Collins (pole vault) and Brendayah Dale (200, 400 relay).
Shenk is also high on the potential of high jumper Rylee Drummond, who placed third at the NIC meet last year.
Williams, Paige Collins, Alaina Dibley, Olivia Gutierrez, Elizabeth Higgins and Taylor Holt are senior captains that will provide valuable leadership to go with their track skill.
“Those six are already making a positive impact on the team with their experience, responsibility, respect and care for their teammates,” Shenk said. “They have a passion for track and field and are committed to the sport.”
Newcomers to watch are Danica Barnes, Miranda Camacho-Flores, Lily Clark and Aarionna Horton.
“Those four will contribute right away,” Shenk said.
The school that Elkhart is chasing down in the NIC is Penn. The Kingsmen have won four straight conference titles and four straight sectional titles.
Once again this year Penn possesses a strong core of experience athletes and some talented newcomers.
The Kingsmen return regional qualifiers Kamerin Malone (long jump) and Ella Bailey (300 hurdles) and sprinters Zoya Turk and Sofia Ugwoke.
Coach Melissa Danner is also looking forward to watching freshmen Addison Hummel (shot put) and Shreya Nayee (middle distance, long distance).
“Addison is an up and comer,” Danner said. “In middle school, Shreya set several Big 11 and Discovery records. She began her high school career by leading the Penn cross country team with her 13th place finish at the state meet.”
In the Northern Lakes Conference, Northridge is looking to build off its strong 2024 season. The Raiders finished 6-1 in regular season league meets and placed third at the conference meet.
“The girls had a successful season last year and we hope to achieve that again this year,” said Northridge coach Trisha King.
“I’m looking forward to seeing which athletes step up to help us be as competitive as we can be.”
Among the returning letterwinners are state qualifier Lily Vasil (pole vault) and defending NLC champion Dakotah Moore (1,600), who are both juniors
Others that will contribute are sophomore Briene Bemis (distance), junior Jenna Frantz (sprints), sophomore Natalie Gillette (sprints), junior Kara Hively (throws), junior Addy Long (distance), senior Ella Mohamed (throws), senior Izzy Snyder (distance), sophomore Alli Steele (Jump), junior Olivia Stoffel (throws), sophomore Kloey Swathwood (distance), junior Harper Thompson (sprints), junior Hadley Troyer (distance) and sophomore Zoe Yeater (throws).
Concord also is looking to be at the top of the league standings. The Minutemen finished second at the NLC meet a year ago and were 5-2 in regular season meets.
“Once again the conference will be very competitive,” said Concord coach Jerry Redmond. “Warsaw will be the team to beat. If we stay healthy and work hard as a team we have a chance to do well.”
Senior Lia Davis was a sectional champion last year in the high jump and qualified for the state finals in that event. Senior Dea ana Emerson was a sectional champion in the long jump and will be one of Concord’s top sprinters. Senior Zoe Roberts qualified for regional in the 1,600.
Others that Redmond is counting on contribute are junior Ava Dixon (hurdles), junior Lucile Odhiambo (hurdles), junior Allison DeFreese (sprinter), sophomore Evie Mashala (hurdles) and sophomore Jayla Young (shot put).
NorthWood will be led seniors Claire Payne and Elayna Yoder, and junior Hanna Clyde.
Payne was a state qualifier last year in the high jump, Clyde was a state qualifier in the 400, while Yoder was a state qualifier in the 400 relay. Yoder is the lone returning runner from that relay, which has made three straight trips to the state finals.
“Both Payne and Yoder will be much needed leaders on a very young and inexperienced track team,” said NorthWood coach Mark Mikel.
“Clyde looks to move up to the 800 this season and utilize her endurance and strength from cross country in that event.”
Like the boys, NorthWood’s girls will be separated from the other Elkhart County schools and this year will be going to the Bremen Sectional.
“As with the boys program, the IHSAA Sectional favors the Lady Panthers as a team and for individuals to advance to the regional,” Mikel said.
“A solid distance core and an emerging field event group (jumps and throws) will be essential to the postseason success of our team.”
Goshen has one of the elite runners in the area in junior Kristina Petkova. The RedHawks standout placed fifth at the state finals last year in the 400. Petkova owns school records in the 100, 200 and 400.
Joining Petkova as returning letterwinners are seniors Kassandra Ortega, Katherine Orellana Pineda, Nora Post and Chloe Hill, juniors Jetci Cid, Lilly Clark, Eliza Herber, Edith Loera-Arambula, Zion Miller and Lindsay Rodman, along with sophomores Valeria Chavoyo Lopez and Aubrie Collins.
“During the past two seasons we’ve had a young roster,” said Goshen coach Graham Clark. “Those classes have been developing and I’m looking forward to what they can do for the team this year.”
Goshen’s squad is a mix of experience and youth. On the team there are 11 seniors, 20 juniors, 32 sophomores and 19 freshmen.
Jimtown begins its first year in the Indiana Northern State Conference, with junior Brooklyn King looking to continue her success in the shot put.
King was the Northern Indiana Conference champion last year in the shot and was a regional qualifier in that event.
Junior Kylie Wiegand is another top performer for the Jimmies. A year ago, Wiegand was a regional qualifier in the 100 and 200.
Senior Tru Whitaker (400, 800, 1,600, relays) is a team captain that will contribute, while freshman Promisse Ruffin is a newcomer to watch.
“Expectations continue to rise each year for our girls,” said Jimtown coach Kenny Kerrn. “We’re excited for the opportunity to compete in the new INSC against some really tough teams.
“There are plenty of state-meet caliber kids in our conference and it will be exciting to compete against them as we make a run at the conference title.”
Elkhart Christian finished second last year in the Hoosier Plains Conference and coach Peter Casaletto is looking forward to watching several of his athletes.
Among the returning letterwinners are senior Hannah Schramm (distance), junior Sheridan Maxwell (1,600) and sophomore Elle Yakym (shot put).
“Schramm has overcome injuries and is steadily improving for the long distance races,” said ECA coach Peter Casaletto. “Yakym also keeps improving.
At Bethany Christian, senior Isa Alverez (1600) and junior Kendra Kern (200, 400) are being counted on to be point producers.
“We have a young team that is working hard,” said Bruins coach Dallan Troyer. “I’m looking forward to seeing our newcomers and their contributions to the team.
“If the girls can stay healthy, I expect to see some good results in the conference.”
In the Northeast Corner Conference, Fairfield coach Kirt Hunsberger has to do some juggling with his roster.
“We lost one girl to graduation that will affect our points per meet,” said Hunsberger, whose squad finished third in the league last year. “We also lost 25 points per meet to kids not coming back out.
“Losing those girls was a huge hit to our program, but we have had kids step up and they’ll do their best to make up the points that we lost.
“We are thin in many events and have depth in others. We will have several kids competing in multiple events throughout the season, so staying healthy is critical.”
Leading the Falcons will be Claira Foust (jumps), Emma Walter (sprints), Jacinda Brown (throws), Joya Holsopple (pole vault, sprints), Jalyn Stofleth (pole vault, sprints), Shelby Miller (pole vault, hurdles), Zoie Miller (400, 800), Natalee Lambright (distance) and Lyla Dennis (distance).
Walter (100), Stofleth (pole vault) and Sheby Miller (pole vault) were regional qualifiers last year.
In Michigan, Edwardsburg will be led by new coach Morgan O’Grady, who previously coached at Penn High School, Discovery Middle School and Grissom Middle School.
Senior Sarah Pippin recorded a PR of 5-6 last year in the high jump.
“Hopefully, she can clear 6 this year,” said O’Grady.
Newcomer Georgia Babcock, who came from South Carolina, should also contribute in distance races.
“Georgia is already killing it in the mile and two-mile,” O’Grady said. “She competed recently at the Nationals in the two-mile and ran 11:04.94.
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