The spring sports are about to go into motion. One of the most promising and most exciting spring sports this year has to be the track and field program this year. From some underclassmen that showed potential last year, to seniors ready to really swing the hammer this year, the Eagles are gearing up for one of the best track and field seasons yet.
For sprints, there is a big bar to be raised after last year. In 2024, we saw Cannon Cunningham have an incredible season, showing dominance in the 400, while also anchoring the record breaking 4×400 relay team. On the girls side, Lelani Green had a good season as well, being the school record holder of both the 100 and 200 meter. In mid distance, Nolan Schlattman managed to smash the 800 school record, while also being in the all-state achieving 4×800 relay. Imane Larhdiri also was a big aspect on the girls distance side, being a part of the girls all-state achieving 4×800 relay. For field events, Connor Place got a historic third at state, managing to easily get the school record for the triple jump along with it. Zakkary Kash also got a school record in the javelin. For the girls, we saw Marley Nelson grab the long jump school record, and Meredith Washburn snagging the pole vault record.
However, all of these were seniors last year, and now are gone. With all of these seniors leaving and setting a high bar, will the next crew of athletes be able to compete?
According to many, not only will this bar be achieved, but it will also be raised even more. For the boys, there are many returning athletes that made huge progress. Kaileb Rhen (12) is returning, who managed to easily get the shot put school record while also making state. Christian Williams (11), who got all-state freshman year, is now fully back from his injury, and is looking to make a huge return. Williams also shows promise in the 400, possibly being the odd man out in what seems is going to be a distance runner dominated event this year.
Most of the distance squad is also returning this year, with the spot left by Schlattman being up for grabs. Nate Wietbrock (11) currently seems to be the most likely to fill this spot, However, runners like Aidan Leiendecker (12) and Henry Carlson (12) also have a shot at taking the spot. Landon Jones (12) and Cale Eldredge (12) are ready for a great season. Landon Jones also made big improvements this cross country season, and Eldredge has now completely recovered from his injury, running 1:57 in an indoor 800 race this winter. Ayden Taylor (12) is ready to make big moves in the state this year. Taylor currently has a #3 indoor mile in the state, just barely being behind Luke Sievers and Jackson Miller with a time of 4:15.
On the girls side, many returners are ready to make a splash. For the field events, Ella Nelson (11) was able to break the shot put record, and seems to be ready to do even more this season. A couple distance girls are also ready to light up the track. Kailey Lawrence (11) barely missed all state this cross country season, and is looking to have a great track season this year. The star of the girls has to be Bella Navarro-Sanchez (10) though. This cross country season, Sanchez managed to win state, despite not even being seeded in the top 10. Sanchez also was a part of the all-state 4×800, and was able to get both a school record and an all-state medal in the open 800.
Without taking a deeper look in, it is pretty clear that the Eagles have proved that they are ready for more, and are able to have a great season this year. This isn’t just speculation. The coaches also are planning for this, and are gearing up for another great season.
