By Lindsey Houck
The girls track and field team has enjoyed their success the last couple of seasons and hope to keep the trend going. The official start to their season will be at the Don Faix Invitational hosted at Crestwood High School on Apr. 4.
“Our team this season looks really strong already. We have some awesome talent coming in from a few freshmen, and our upperclassmen are truly much stronger than they have been in our past seasons. I’m really excited for this upcoming sea- son,” sophomore Kayla Thompson said.
With losing a couple important seniors, the girls are still confident in leading the team to victory once again with a help of returning athletes.
Among those athletes is senior Sam Shaver, the defending Northeast Ohio Conference River Division MVP. Shaver qualified for states in not only the 200, but also qualified for nationals in the 800 relay and sprint medley relay. She also holds four school records total in individual and relay events.
Another key returner is senior Tiffany Pryce, who has qualified for states in hurdles in past years. She is also a two-time national qualifier in the sprint medley relay and shuttle hurdles relay.
Added to the mix is junior Jessie Stout and sophomore Kayla Thompson. Stout has quali- fied for nationals in the long jump and 800 re- lay, while Thompson was a national qualifier in the sprint medley relay last season.
“My goal this season is to help the team get our 6th NOC win, and I hope we can get as many people we can to states and nationals,” Thompson said.
In the past five years, the Lady Bulldogs have won the River Division championship in the NOCs. This may be the final year for the NOCs, but the girls are looking to claim one last title.
Returning seniors along with Pryce and Shaver are Abigail Dunn, Allison Brewer, Caitlin Helfeldt, Cassidy Wood, Courtney Bradford, Kelly Vantrease, Mara Diewert and Shelby Brown.
Stow has finished second overall in the Division I district meet for the last two years and have compiled a dual meet record of 55-11, with the help of head coach Aaron Morris.
“I am looking forward to another undefeated season and hoping our team places first at districts,” sophomore Chrissy DeMarino said.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING--Anyone can call the tip line: 330-790-1383 or email safehs@smfschools.org 