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60 high school track and field boys and girls to watch in SW Indiana this spring

treasure washington, evansville courier & press
·10 min read

EVANSVILLE — The track and field talent across Southwestern Indiana remains loaded.

Multiple individuals in the area competed for IHSAA state championships last season and three took home state titles. Will another champion (or more) from this area emerge at the end of this season? That answer is to be determined.

For now, here are 60 of the top returning track and field athletes, listed alphabetically:

High school sports: 99 athletes to watch in Southwestern Indiana in 2024

Boys

Carson Anslinger, Memorial

The senior led off a 4x400 relay team that took home City and sectional titles last season. He also led off the 4x800 team to a third-place sectional finish.

Boonville’s Marques Ballard reacts after the 200 meter dash during the 2023 IHSAA Boys Regional Track and Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Boonville’s Marques Ballard reacts after the 200 meter dash during the 2023 IHSAA Boys Regional Track and Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Thursday, May 25, 2023.

Marques Ballard, Boonville

The senior and Kentucky Wesleyan football signee qualified for state in the 200-meter dash and long jump. He broke his own school record in the former event and won a regional title in the latter.

Grant Boyd, Pike Central

A name to be on the lookout for on pole vault in Southwestern Indiana. The sophomore qualified for state in the event last season.

Kaden Buse, Barr-Reeve

The senior is the Vikings' only returning regional qualifier. Won Blue Chip and sectional titles in the 400-meter dash.

Calvin Crabtree, South Knox

One of the best distance runners in the area. The senior and Southern Indiana signee qualified for regionals last season in the 1600- and 3200-meter runs.

Timothy Dixon, North

The senior became a state qualifier last season after being the regional runner-up in shot put. Committed to Wabash for football and track.

Landon Fleck, Jasper

The senior qualified for state while leading off the Wildcats' 4x100 team. The unit won a sectional title and broke the school record twice.

Gus Hagedorn, Forest Park

One of the Rangers' top athletes heading into this season. The senior qualified for regionals in the 400-meter dash and 4x400-meter relay, winning a PAC title in the former event.

Castle's Antonio Harris, right, and Harrison's Myles Terry near the finish line in the 400 meter relay during the IHSAA Boys Sectional 32 Track and Field Meet at Central Stadium Thursday evening, May 18, 2023. Castle was first with a time of 43.33 seconds and Harrison placed second in 43.80.
Castle's Antonio Harris, right, and Harrison's Myles Terry near the finish line in the 400 meter relay during the IHSAA Boys Sectional 32 Track and Field Meet at Central Stadium Thursday evening, May 18, 2023. Castle was first with a time of 43.33 seconds and Harrison placed second in 43.80.

Antonio Harris, Castle

One of the Knights' returning state qualifiers, the senior anchored the 4x100 team to SIAC and sectional titles and a regional runner-up finish. Committed to Purdue for football.

Memorial anchor Dasmon Johnson finishes in first place in the 4x400 relay during the IHSAA Boys Sectional 32 Track and Field Meet at Central Stadium Thursday evening, May 18, 2023. Memorial finished with a time of 3:31.07.
Memorial anchor Dasmon Johnson finishes in first place in the 4x400 relay during the IHSAA Boys Sectional 32 Track and Field Meet at Central Stadium Thursday evening, May 18, 2023. Memorial finished with a time of 3:31.07.

Dasmon Johnson, Memorial

The senior ran on the 4x400 team and is another top athlete for the Tigers. He also was a part of the 4x100 team.

Dane Kramer, Castle

Another name to watch for the Knights. The sophomore led off the 4x800 team to SIAC, sectional and regional titles last season.

Castle’s Gabe Land hugs Jackson Kramer after finishing first in the 3200 meter relay during the 2023 IHSAA Boys Regional Track and Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Castle’s Gabe Land hugs Jackson Kramer after finishing first in the 3200 meter relay during the 2023 IHSAA Boys Regional Track and Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Thursday, May 25, 2023.

Jackson Kramer, Castle

The senior ran the third leg of the 4x800 team. Also finished third in the 1600-meter run in the sectional.

Bret Lange, Heritage Hills

The junior qualified for state in the 300-meter hurdles last season for the Patriots. Also took home a sectional title in the event as a freshman.

Blake Longabaugh, Princeton

One of two returning state qualifiers for the Tigers. The senior tied for third place at the regionals in the pole vault.

Castle's AJ Lothamer clears 12' 6" in the pole vault during the IHSAA Boys Sectional 32 Track and Field Meet at Central Stadium Thursday evening, May 18, 2023. It was the winning jump, but Lothamer eventually cleared 13' 7".
Castle's AJ Lothamer clears 12' 6" in the pole vault during the IHSAA Boys Sectional 32 Track and Field Meet at Central Stadium Thursday evening, May 18, 2023. It was the winning jump, but Lothamer eventually cleared 13' 7".

AJ Lothamer, Castle

The senior is one of the top pole vaulters in the SIAC. Took home conference and sectional titles in the event last season.

Cooper Maurer, Gibson Southern

The senior is one of his team's many returning state qualifiers. Punched his ticket to Bloomington in the 4x400- and 4x800-meter relays and won a sectional title in the 800-meter run.

Jasper’s Brandon Mehringer lands in the long jump pit during the SIAC track and field meet at Central High School Tuesday eying, May 11, 2022.
Jasper’s Brandon Mehringer lands in the long jump pit during the SIAC track and field meet at Central High School Tuesday eying, May 11, 2022.

Brandon Mehringer, Jasper

A regional qualifier from last season in both the 4x400 relay and long jump. The senior won a sectional title leading off the former event.

Reitz Donovan Moore clears the bar in the high jumb during the 2023 IHSAA Boys Regional Track and Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Reitz Donovan Moore clears the bar in the high jumb during the 2023 IHSAA Boys Regional Track and Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Thursday, May 25, 2023.

Donovan Moore, Reitz

The sophomore is the Panthers' only returning state qualifier. Was a sectional runner-up in the high jump and took home fourth place at regionals.

Sawyer Mossberger, Reitz

The junior is a multiple-time cross country state qualifier for Reitz. Was the sectional runner-up in the 3200-meter run last season.

Daniel Nash, Vincennes Lincoln

The senior is one of the area's best shot put athletes. Was a sectional champion in the event last season.

Runners compete in the 1600 meter run at the 2023 Boys & Girls City Track & Field Meet at Central High School Monday evening, April 24, 2023. Reitz's Jackson Nolan won the event with a time of 4:29.02 seconds.
Runners compete in the 1600 meter run at the 2023 Boys & Girls City Track & Field Meet at Central High School Monday evening, April 24, 2023. Reitz's Jackson Nolan won the event with a time of 4:29.02 seconds.

Jackson Nolan, Reitz

The junior is one of Southwestern Indiana's best distance runners and a multiple-time All-State cross country honoree. Won City, SIAC and sectional titles in the 3200-meter run.

Cainen Northington, North

Another returning state qualifier for the Huskies. The senior and future Purdue Fort Wayne sprinter was a regional champion on the 4x400 team and finished third in the 400-meter dash.

Karwin Pope, Princeton

The sophomore is the second of the Tigers' state qualifiers. Was a PAC and sectional champion in the 100-meter dash.

Reagan Shaver, Mater Dei

Over the last three seasons, a Wildcat runner has qualified for state in the 400-meter dash. Shaver, a junior, competed in Bloomington after being a regional runner-up in the event.

Alex Spindler, Gibson Southern

A state qualifier in both track and cross country with the Titans. The senior led off the 4x800 team to a regional runner-up finish and was a sectional champion in the 3200-meter run.

Kyle Sterchi, North

One of the top distance runners in the SIAC and yet another talented senior for North. Finished third in the sectional in the 3200-meter run.

Myles Terry, North

The senior is one of Southwestern Indiana's most elite sprinters. Finished third at state while running the 4x100 as a sophomore with Harrison.

Noah Terry, Tell City

The junior was a regional qualifier in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, as well as the 4x100 relay team. Was a sectional runner-up in the latter two events.

Gibson Southern’s Connor Wirey hands Lucian Wicker the baton during the 1600 meter relay Friday, June 2, 2023, during the IHSAA boys track and field state finals at Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex at Indiana University in Bloomington.
Gibson Southern’s Connor Wirey hands Lucian Wicker the baton during the 1600 meter relay Friday, June 2, 2023, during the IHSAA boys track and field state finals at Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Lucian Wicker, Gibson Southern

One of Southwestern Indiana's best hurdlers took home sixth place at state in the 300. The senior also anchored the 4x400 relay team.

Reece Wolf, Forest Park

Another area distance runner on the rise. The junior was a regional qualifier in both the 1600- and 3200-meter runs.

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Girls

North’s Alishia Darrett leads in the 300 meter hurdles during the 2023 IHSAA Girls Track and Field Sectional 32 at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday evening, May 16, 2023.
North’s Alishia Darrett leads in the 300 meter hurdles during the 2023 IHSAA Girls Track and Field Sectional 32 at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday evening, May 16, 2023.

Alishia Darrett, North

One of the Huskies' many returning standouts. The sophomore was a sectional champion in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles.

Emma DeWeese, South Spencer

The senior has been one of the Rebels' top athletes throughout her career. She won a sectional title in the 800-meter run last year after being a runner-up in the event the last two seasons.

Jasper’s Ava Englert clears 5’4” during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Jasper’s Ava Englert clears 5’4” during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Ava Englert, Jasper

The senior finished sixth in the state in the high jump and tied her own school record in the event. Also was a sectional runner-up as part of Jasper's 4x100 team and finished third in long jump.

Central’s Emma McGee trails behind Castle’s Heidi Giannini for the 3200 meter run during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday evening, May 3, 2023.
Central’s Emma McGee trails behind Castle’s Heidi Giannini for the 3200 meter run during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday evening, May 3, 2023.

Heidi Giannini, Castle

The sophomore is one of the Knights' key returners. Finished third in the 3200-meter run in last year's sectional.

Riley Hinson, Forest Park

The sophomore was one of the two Rangers to compete in Bloomington last season. Was a sectional champion and regional runner-up in the pole vault.

Reitz's Cordelia Hoover takes an early lead and eventually the win in the 1600 meter run with a time of 5:20.43 seconds at the 2023 Boys & Girls City Track & Field Meet at Central High School Monday evening, April 24, 2023.
Reitz's Cordelia Hoover takes an early lead and eventually the win in the 1600 meter run with a time of 5:20.43 seconds at the 2023 Boys & Girls City Track & Field Meet at Central High School Monday evening, April 24, 2023.

Cordelia Hoover, Reitz

The senior and Southeastern Missouri State signee is a state qualifier in both track and cross country. Won City and SIAC titles in the 1600-meter run last season and was the sectional runner-up.

Castle's Gretchen Hurt competes in the shot put during the IHSAA Sectional 32 at Central Stadium Tuesday evening, May 16, 2023. Hurt's 38' 1/2" was enough to secure first place in the event.
Castle's Gretchen Hurt competes in the shot put during the IHSAA Sectional 32 at Central Stadium Tuesday evening, May 16, 2023. Hurt's 38' 1/2" was enough to secure first place in the event.

Gretchen Hurt, Castle

One of Castle's two returning state qualifiers. The senior and Navy commit was the regional champion in shot put and discus.

Elle Jo Johnson, North Posey

The sophomore had top-five finishes in the 100- and 400-meter dashes in both the sectional and regional meets. She also won a PAC title in the latter event and the 200-meter dash.

Tecumseh's Ava Kissel competes in the long jump during the IHSAA Girls Regional 8 Track & Field Meet at Central Stadium Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023. She placed third with a longest attempt at 17' 5 1/2".
Tecumseh's Ava Kissel competes in the long jump during the IHSAA Girls Regional 8 Track & Field Meet at Central Stadium Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023. She placed third with a longest attempt at 17' 5 1/2".

Ava Kissel, Tecumseh

A two-time state qualifier for long jump. The junior is also a two-time sectional champion in the 100-meter dash.

Elle Knepp, Barr-Reeve

The senior and Indiana signee is one of the area's top hurdlers. Qualified for state in the 100-meter hurdles and also won a sectional title in the 300.

Jasper’s Madelyn Knies clears a hurdle in the 300 meter hurdles during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind.,, Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Jasper’s Madelyn Knies clears a hurdle in the 300 meter hurdles during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind.,, Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Madelyn Knies, Jasper

The sophomore finished ninth at state in the 300-meter hurdles and nearly broke the school record in the event. Also was an SIAC, sectional and regional champion as part of the 4x400 team.

Molly Kramer, Jasper

Another sophomore to watch for the Wildcats. Was the sectional runner-up in the pole vault and nearly advanced to state in the event with a fifth-place regional finish.

Elsie Krodel, Castle

The junior is also one of the area's top pole vaulters. Won the SIAC title in the event last season and finished third in the sectional.

De'Janay Layne, North

Another talented sophomore for the Huskies, Layne was a sectional and regional champion as part of the 4x100 team. Finished third in the sectional in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes.

Vincennes’ Maya Miller clears a hurdle in 100 meter hurdles during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Vincennes’ Maya Miller clears a hurdle in 100 meter hurdles during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Maya Miller, Vincennes Lincoln

A multiple-time regional qualifier in hurdles during her time with the Alices. The senior was the sectional runner-up in the 100 last season.

Aubrey Nowaskie, South Knox

The senior and IUPUI signee is an elite runner in both track and cross country. Finished ninth at state in the 800-meter run last season.

Jahzara McAlister, Central

The senior has been a regional qualifier throughout her time with the Bears. She finished fifth in last year's sectional in the 100-meter dash.

Reese McKannan, Gibson Southern

The sophomore qualified for regionals in the 400-meter dash and as part of the Titans' 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams. She was a sectional champion in the former two events.

Ava Olamajeye, Signature School

The senior and Indiana signee is ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the 200- and 400-meter dashes, respectively. Finished fifth in the 400 at state last season.

Wood Memorial's Josie Page competes in the high jump Saturday, June 3, 2023, during the IHSAA girls track and field state finals at Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex at Indiana University in Bloomington.
Wood Memorial's Josie Page competes in the high jump Saturday, June 3, 2023, during the IHSAA girls track and field state finals at Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Josie Page, Wood Memorial

Another Indiana signee, Page is the only returning state champion in the area. The senior is defending her title in the high jump.

Memorial’s Carson Parks finishes in first place for the 3200 meter run during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Memorial’s Carson Parks finishes in first place for the 3200 meter run during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Carson Parks, Memorial

One of the best distance runners in the SIAC. The junior won the conference title in the 3200-meter run.

Abrielle Richard, Evansville Christian

The senior was one of the Eagles' two state qualifiers from last season. Finished seventh at state in the 800-meter run.

Castle’s Amaya Royal leads in the 100 meter dash during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Castle’s Amaya Royal leads in the 100 meter dash during the 2023 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Girls Track & Field meet at Central High School in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Amaya Royal, Castle

One of the area's top sprinters and a multiple-time state qualifier. The senior finished sixth in the 200-meter run last year in Bloomington and set a new school record.

Anna Seibert, Castle

Another top distance runner for the Knights. The sophomore was the SIAC champion in the 800-meter run and finished third in the sectional.

Angelica Sierra, Southridge

Another name in the area to watch in shot put. The junior is a state qualifier and sectional champion in the event.

Evansville Christian's Ann Elise Sloan clears 11' 5" in the pole vault during the IHSAA Sectional 32 at Central Stadium Tuesday evening, May 16, 2023.
Evansville Christian's Ann Elise Sloan clears 11' 5" in the pole vault during the IHSAA Sectional 32 at Central Stadium Tuesday evening, May 16, 2023.

Ann Elise Sloan, Evansville Christian

The second of the Eagles' two state qualifiers, the junior was a sectional and regional champion in the pole vault. Finished fourth in the Adidas Nationals in the event right after state.

North's Iana Tecson anchors the 4x100 meter relay team to a first place finish during the IHSAA Girls Regional 8 Track & Field Meet at Central Stadium Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023.
North's Iana Tecson anchors the 4x100 meter relay team to a first place finish during the IHSAA Girls Regional 8 Track & Field Meet at Central Stadium Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023.

Iana Tecson, North

The sophomore anchored the Huskies' 4x100 team last postseason and was the leadoff on the 4x400. Also finished third in the regional in the 100-meter dash.

Morgan Wannemuehler, Mater Dei

The sophomore is one of the Wildcats' top runners going into this season. Was a City champion in the 400-meter run and a sectional runner-up as the 4x400 anchor.

Mallory Watt, Princeton

The sophomore anchored the Tigers' 4x800 team to a sectional title and regional runner-up finish. Also finished third in the sectional in the 800-meter run.

Xavery Weisman, Pike Central

The junior is another elite track and cross country runner in Southwestern Indiana. She was a regional qualifier in both the 800- and 1600-meter runs last season and won the PAC title in the former event.

Courier & Press sports reporter Treasure Washington can be reached via her email, treasure.washington@courierpress.com, and on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Twashington490.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA track and field: 60 athletes to watch in SW Indiana in 2024