Coach: Kyle Ralph and Chuck Myers
Key losses: New Palestine finds itself in a great situation this year, as the Dragons bring back most of their athletes. Two big losses, however, were Rachel Wineman, a high jumper, and Erin Trimpe, a pole vaulter, according to Myers.
Key returnees: The Dragons have a wealth of depth and experience returning to help offset their key losses this track and field season. Among those back for coaches Ralph and Myers include: Courtney Smith, a senior sprinter; Emily Jonas, a junior thrower; Lillie Cain, a junior thrower; Annabelle Dockins, a senior long jumper and sprinter; Olivia McKilligan, a sophomore sprinter; Kylie Dhonau, a junior hurdler; Bailey Wallace, a senior distance runner; Mattie Waggoner, a senior distance runner; Sarah Schwartz, a senior distance runner and Natalie Shanahan, a sophomore sprinter.
Newcomers: Those athletes that could make an immediate impact are: Victoria Crowder, a freshman sprinter; Grace Voelz, a freshman distance runner; Tete Hart, a freshman sprinter; Reagan McMurray, a junior sprinter and Julie Strange.
Outlook: Both girls track and field coaches Kyle Ralph and Chuck Myers said ethey believe New Palestine will taste success this season.
Myers said the Dragons can be a major factor in 2015-16 when it comes to competition both at the Hancock County Meet and in the Hoosier Heritage Conference Championship.
Ralph said he agrees.
“Our girls have had success in quite a few events. I believe this year though, we will be much deeper and more talented as a whole, so the goal is to put together a full meet where each of our events is experiencing success,” Ralph said.
One word Ralph used to describe his squad was “talented.”
“We have a nice combination of distance, sprints and throws like we haven’t had in a while. It all comes down to how hard they are willing to push themselves, and if they buy into the team attitude of doing whatever it takes to be the best we can be as a whole, not just as individuals,” he said. “That being said, I think our girls have that attitude already, so we are expecting great things.”
The Dragons placed eighth overall at the Shelbyville Sectional last year. Waggoner is the highest returning place-winner, taking fourth in the 1,600-meter run with a run in 5 minutes, 50.11 seconds.
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Tuesday, April 5: vs. Greenwood, 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 7: at Greenfield-Central vs. Shelbyville, 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 14: vs. Rushville, 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 16: Midwest Prep Meet at Lawrence Central, 11 a.m.
Monday, April 18: at Waldron four-way meet, 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 21: at Anderson vs. New Castle, 5 p.m.
Friday, April 22: at Franklin Central, 6 p.m.
Monday, April 25: vs. Franklin Central & Roncalli, 5 p.m.
Friday, April 29: at Zionsville, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 4: Hancock County Meet at Greenfield-Central, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10: Hoosier Heritage Conference Meet at Mt. Vernon, 5:30 p.m.
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