Spring Sports Preview Lady Whippets look to build on strong track legacy
The tradition-rich Shelby ladies track team is looking to continue on its long-running success during the 2024 season.
The Lady Whippets return 20 letterwinners, and seven state qualifiers from the 2023 season.
Channon Cundiff, who will be a four-year letterwinner, qualified in the 800-meter run and the 4x800 relay team. Cundiff recently qualified for the National Indoor event in early March.
Kailyn Schwall, also a four-year letterwinner, qualified in the 4x800. Junior Emma Montgomery, a two-year letterwinner, was also part of the 4x800 team that qualified for state.
Ava Bowman, a junior, qualified for state in the 100 meters and the 4x100 relay. Bowman was also a regional qualifier in the 200 meters and 4x200 relay.
Madison Henkel was also a double-state qualifier. Henkel qualified in the long jump and the 4x100. Henkel was also part of the 4x200 regional qualifier team.
Jaleeza Zehner, a twoyear letterwinner was part of the 4x100 state qualifying team and was part of the 4x200 regional qualifying team.
Alainah Carmel, a four-year letterwinner was also part of the 4x100 state qualifying team and the 4x200 regional qualifying team.
Princess Timko, a sophomore and one year letterwinner, will be looked at to be one of the top sprinters.
Shelby ladies coach Patience Lewis feels the team will be strong in all areas.
“We have the strongest girls, and state qualifiers in the distance events,” she said.
“We look for Channon and Kailyn to have strong senior seasons,” Lewis said. “Emma is a strong distance runner and should have a good junior year. Also, Anna Will had a successful middle school season and had a strong freshman season in distance.”
Lewis added, “Ava and Maddie get stronger every year and we look for them to have great junior seasons. Jaleeza and Alainah are experienced sprinters and should have strong senior years.”
Grace Garrett and Lily Clark should lead the discus throws and Lily Collier and Kassidy Riggle are returning letterwinners in the shot put.
Rees Lewis, Kailyn Mahon, Mylee Shackle, Courtney Stiving are all returning letterwinners in distance events.
Peyton Putnam is a four-year letterwinner in sprints. Zada Marquis, Alyssa Niese, Julia Sickmiller are returning sprint letterwinners.
Sophia Long is a returning letterwinner in throwing events.
Lewis feels her team should compete for a league title.
“Our first goal is to win the league. The league is always tough,” she said. “Ontario brings in a new coach and should be really good.”
“I think we had the most girls ever qualify for state last year and we hope to send as many back again this year,” Lewis said in summary.