New Palestine
Head coach: Kyle Ralph
Key losses: Lillie Cain, Emily Jonas, Kylie Dhonau
Key returnees: Jordan Reid, Victoria Crowder, Kaylin Casner, Olivia McKilligin, Sophia Taylor
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryPreview: It’s going to be difficult to follow up the season that New Palestine had in 2017. The Dragons took home championships from the Hancock County and Hoosier Heritage Conference meets, as well as sent a handful of girls to the state championships, and three of those runners return to this year’s team. The team is aiming to defend both their county and conference championships, but coach Chuck Meyers suggests that task won’t come easy. “Both (meets) have quality teams that are well-coached,” Meyers said. “So we have to improve every day and be prepared to compete at our best at the big meets.”
Mt. Vernon
Head coach: Kean Coy
Key losses: Meg Schleter, Alexa Christenson, Riley Chambers
Key returnees: Alexis Franklin, Kiara Gibson, Arianna Mack, Hannah Watson, Kassy Ramirez, Rilee Hartman, Kamryn Eason, Grace Yeadon
Preview: The Marauders had a solid 2017 season but struggled down the homestretch due to injuries from some of the team’s key contributors. Two of those contributors, Alexis Franklin and Kiara Gibson, are now back and joined by freshman Arianna Mack, who already set school records in the 60-meter dash and the 400-meter dash indoors. In addition to his sprint squad, first year head coach Kean Coy is happy to have Hannah Watson, Kassy Ramirez, Rilee Hartman and Kamryn Eason, who have all scored both individually and in relays at the conference meet in recent years. Off the track, pole vaulter Grace Yeadon is hoping to qualify for the regional meet for the third straight year. “Track is generally thought of as an individual sport, but I want to ensure that our girls are all approaching the season from a team aspect and working hard not only for themselves, but for one another,” Coy said. “If we can buy into that philosophy, then that will be our first step towards success.”
Eastern Hancock
Head coach: Jade Galyan
Key losses: N/A
Key returnees: Taylor Stine, Kayla Fancher, Hannah Gates, Aly Spaulding, Bailey Allen, Lainey Effing, Libby Durham
Preview: The Royals may be young, but they are looking to have one of their best seasons yet. The Royals had a great showing at last year’s Sectional meet — Bailey Allen won the shot put, Taylor Stine was runner-up in the 400, and Hannah Gates was 3rd in the 300 hurdles, all qualifying for regionals. Regardless, Galyan seems primarily focused on one thing: improvement from everyone. “We hope to break a lot of records this year,” Galyan said. “We are already setting PRs (personal record) at every meet.” This past weekend, the Royals had their best showing ever at the Hoosier State Relays. The 4×200 meter relay placed ninth, and dropped their season-best time nearly 10 seconds. The 4×400 relay also finished top 10, finishing in 10th while cutting six seconds off of their season-best time. The highlight of the meet came from freshman Chloe O’Neal, who placed 2nd in the long jump with a school record of 17 feet, one-half inch.
Greenfield-Central
Head coach: Reuben McCracken
Key losses: Jennifer Flora, Emily Jones
Key returnees: Sydney Cook, Lindsey Pope, Olivia Moss, Crystal Peterson
Preview: Crystal Peterson entered her high school campaign under the radar. One year later, all eyes are on her. Last year, as a freshman, she was a county champion in the long jump, 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles. She qualified for the state championships in the 300-meter hurdles, finishing 19th. She went to the state meet with two teammates, however, both of those teammates have graduated. Along with Peterson, Greenfield-Central returns nearly its entire varsity squad from 2017. “With only 2 seniors and a small number of juniors, we are a young team, but the girls who are with us have been working hard and improving daily,” head coach Reuben McCracken said. “We would not be complete with the few seniors and juniors, but the sophomores and freshman will be making large contributions this year.” The Cougars were led in nearly every event by underclassmen last year, and since they took the indoor season off from competition, this young team will be more experienced and prepared going into the 2018 season.
