by Mark Cheffey
The Marion County R-II boys and girls track teams are up in numbers with a combined 21 athletes going into the spring season.
“The boys team has a chance to be solid in middle distance and distance events with the returners we have from last season,” said Coach Ryan Wood.
The group includes Levi Wright, a sophomore, who advanced to state in both 1600 and 3200 meter events as a freshman last year.
Other returners who advanced to sectionals are, sophomores, Caden Stotts in hurdles, Porter Britt in distance, and Mason Wood, Rheo Schluckebier, Wright, and Britt in the 4 x 800 meter relay.
“We believe we will improve in a number of races with the addition of freshman, Wyatt Tuley, junior, Shawn Martin, and sophomore, Nick Kelso,” Wood said. “Joey Lagemann will focus on jumping events and several throwers are making strides.”
Other boys athletes include junior, Cason Morgan, sophomore, James Walker, and freshman, Gavin Handy.
On the girls side, Wood has some returning throwers including Shayleigh Whetstone, a junior, who reached sectionals last season, and Samantha Kindhart, a sophomore, who Wood believes will have a great chance of qualifying, too.
Wood looks for freshmen, Maya Bock, in middle distance, Kennedy Hathaway, in hurdles, and Alyssa Lee, in jumps, to “have opportunity to compete consistently in the meets as well.”
Other girls athletes include sophomore, Sharlie Wagner, and freshmen, Kara Smith, Mylee Myers and Hannah Kenney.
“We are looking forward to the season and will aim to improve tremendously throughout the year,” Wood said.
2023 MCR-II Track
& Field Schedule
3/23 at Monroe City
3/27 at South Shelby
3/28 at Knox Co.
3/30 at Monroe City
4/4 at Clark Co.
4/6 at Palmyra Open
4/10 at South Shelby
4/12 at Highland
4/18 at D. Hancock Invite.
4/27 at Knox Co. Relays
5/4 at Knox Co. Open
