Girls Preseason Track Preview
By: Coach Davyd Cash
4x100 Relay
Northrop
The Bruins return all four very talented runners on a squad that placed fifth at the state meet.
Warren Central
They lost Female Sprinter of the Year Ebony Wright, but being who they are, they should be able to reload quickly.
Ben Davis
They shouldn’t have much of a drop off between the departed Chanel Simmons, and her replacement, Destiny Patterson.
Wayne
They lost a strong leg in Chelsea Ross, but they have three very good sprinters left. They could be helped or hurt with a transfer or two…something that always happens in Fort Wayne.
Pike
I actually think that they have the potential to run faster than they did last year, despite losing two seniors from the squad. They will have another strong freshman class.
Penn
Oh, this team can be so, so, so good. Grochowalski looked amazing early last year, but struggled in the thick of the season. She will be better. Hummel and Redman avoided the sophomore slump. I may be underrating this team.
Gary West Side
They return all four runners from last year’s all state squad, including the beastly Darnecia Suggs
Madison
Madison has been really strong over the last few years, and this relay squad should be just one of many bright spots for their season
St. Joseph’s
They ran 49 flat at the state meet last year, but lost one runner from the squad. I expect them to be faster this year, adding Czarnecki or Chamblee to the relay.
Harding
Fredrica Rodgers is poised for a breakout season, and I think that this relay will go as far as she will take them. They do have to replace a runner, which may not be easy considering their size.
Westfield
I’m not really sure what this relay will look like. All four runners from last year return, but Bre’anna Smith is such a versatile runner, that she may choose an event that conflicts with the 4x1.
Plainfield
Plainfield is actually on the rise in track and field, and the members or this relay are at the core of what may end up being the best team in Hendricks County.
South Bend Washington
They lose Claudia White, but the Colonials shouldn’t have too much trouble replacing her.
Jeffersonville
They will always be dangerous as long as they have Shanice Gholson and the ghosts of the Sedwicks. If the other three runners can get her within striking distance of the leaders, she may leave the state meet with three blue ribbons.
Columbus North
They have a very solid program, so it wouldn’t be too much to ask of them to replace just one runner from this relay. But when that runner is Mollie Stafford…suffice it to say that it won’t be easy.
Broad Ripple
I would love to have them as my darkhorse pick, but they seem to have bad luck at bad times. What they have going for them is good coaching, and five really promising sprinters.
Southport
I think that the Cardinals will break their school record this year, and it may be now or never. Juanesha Byrd and Saymah Kollison should both have a good year.
FW South Side
They return everyone from a solid team last year. Although Carmen Perry is the best runner, Anansa Harris will be the key runner.
Lake Central
The funny thing about the Indians is that you could run any combination of six runners on the team, and you’ll probably get the same time. They are solid and well coached.
Snider
Katie Barbour and Akilah Sims are studs, but I’m not sure if they will find a replacement for Shea’alisha (has there ever been a more unnecessary apostrophe in a person’s name?) Brown.
Lawrence North
They won’t be as fast as last year, but they will still be one of the top squads in the state. Christa Hammond will be ready to step up as the key runner.
Munster
A very experienced team, but they may struggle to advance from regionals.