LEAPS AND BOUNDS. Senior Colton Brendel is looking to reach the state sectionals again as a track and field athlete and advance further. He recently received the High School Scholar All-American Award from the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the United States Marine Corps. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
‘ROUND THE TRACK. Abram Denney (left), Ian Studdard (center) and Parker Whaley (right) jog together. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
Track And Field Springs Back Into Action
Sullivan’s track and field team have been working hard at perfecting their techniques over the past few weeks.
Co-head coach Terry Wood looks forward to seeing how their results will turn out at the home Early Season Quad on Monday, Mar. 18, which kicks off at 3 p.m.
With the season almost dawning, Wood explained that “the big thing going forward is that small things matter. We talk about being diligent about their mechanics, about their positioning; all the small little details are going to add up to the bigger outcomes that they’re looking for in the later half of the season.”
Girls
Senior girl leaders Eva Heady and Breanna Mayberry have trained relentlessly this offseason to reach the state level.
Wood is also ready to see what the newcomers will bring to the track. “What has me really excited, though, is that we have a young crop of kids that are eager, willing to learn, putting in the work, and showing some really surprising results,” he stated.
He gave a nod to freshman Mariah Denney, whom he coached to state for cross country in a record-breaking season. Wood said that “she’s one of our stronger distance runners from the cross-country season. She’s got a stellar middle school career, breaking records there. She’s already cited a couple of records on the board that she wants to take down.”
Wood also mentioned Karlee Head, whom he described as a “talented, talented runner” with “a lot of raw athleticism that we’re ready to take advantage of.”
With returning athletes like 2023 Players Choice Award winner Daveah McClain, Wood said this squad is “eager to do some really exciting things.”
Boys
The boys are also looking to build on their success from last year, with many hoping to reach the state sectionals. Senior Colton Brendel, junior Zechariah Beagle, junior Abram Denney and senior Parker Whaley are among those few striving for that level this year.
But some, like senior Wyatt Kraus and junior Robert York II, aim for a shot at the state championship again.
The boys’ head coach, Zachary Carey, was unavailable for comment due to the recent birth of his newborn child.
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