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 ...
