Who I'm watching in SCAL Girl's Track & Field...

The Versailles Lady Tiger Classique opens the high school girls season this Saturday

Rain, snow or sunshine - the high school girls track season begins this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. In the Shelby County Athletic League we'll see Botkins, Houston and Russia all open on Saturday at the annual Lady Tiger Classique in Versailles. The other four league schools get underway in the days that follow and plenty of talent returns this year with one common goal in mind - to be competing the first weekend of June at Jesse Owen Memorial Stadium in Columbus. Below is a rundown of which SCAL athletes I will be keeping my eyes on as the season unfolds.

Russia

Grace York is one of the top returners in all of Shelby County

A trio of Lady Raiders with state meet experience returns. Senior Grace York is an outstanding 800 runner, competing at the state meet last year in both the open 800 and 4x800 relay. She can also break 60 seconds in the 400 and may be the biggest key to Russia's success this year. Much like Grace, senior Shae Goubeaux was an important leg on that 4x800 relay team and has challenged in the open 800 as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see Shae shift her focus to a shorter distance this season, perhaps in the open 400. Finally, junior Emily Bohman will be one to watch in the pole vault this spring after a busy off-season competing both in Ohio and out of state. Emily broke a Russia school record last year during the regular season when she vaulted 10'-6" and later went 11'-0" to finish 13th at state.

The Lady Raiders have quite a tradition in track. They've won the SCAL championship the last six consecutive years and are my early favorite to capture the title again. Coaches Brad Heaton and Dan Schafer have a history of using their limited number of athletes and finding the right combination to pull off wins. This year will be a real test for the coaches though, as the league may be as competitive as it's been in a long time.

Ft. Loramie

The graduation of Olivia Quinter, Andrea Meyer and distance runner Rachel Schmitmeyer leaves a huge hole in the Lady Redskins track and field program. Both Olivia and Andrea competed at the state meet last year. Olivia was 2nd in the 300 hurdles, 6th in the 100 hurdles, and Andrea was 9th in the pole vault. However, that hole from last year could be filled quickly with some fantastic newcomers this spring.

Freshman Paige Rethman had a very successful cross country season in the fall and will take over nicely in distance events like the 800, 1600 and 3200. I'm also looking forward to a big season from freshman sprinter Kennedi Gephart who can run anything from the 100 through 400. Perhaps the brightest freshman though will be hurdler Alyssa Wrasman. Alyssa is already an exceptional talent in the 100 hurdles and should have no problem transitioning to the longer 300 hurdles as well. She stayed competitive in the off-season too, qualifying for the Indoor State Championships in the 60 hurdles.

My early feeling on Ft. Loramie is excitement for where their program is heading, but they're not a lock for a league title right now. I think the Lady Redskins will be an interesting team to watch this season and seem to be in the beginning stages of building something special.

Paige Rethman is one of several talented freshman this year at Ft. Loramie

Anna

Krista Gehret will score a lot for Anna

The Lady Rockets is an appropriate name for this group, because these girls can fly. Leading the way is senior sprinter Krista Gehret who will contribute in a lot of events. Her best race may be the 200, but she will also score points in the 100 and both sprint relays.

Speaking of sprint relays, Anna's 4x100 went to state last year and back from that group along with Krista Gehret are juniors Beka Emerson and Rylie Edwards, as well as sophomore Hannah Shoemaker. In the 4x200, sophomores Claire Bensman and Lauren Stephens had a memorable 2016 and were joined by Krista Gehret and Beka Emerson. And if all that isn't enough, senior Kennedey Glover and junior Rachel Shoemaker return this year and will most likely be included in that whole mix.

I expect sophomore Shana Roe to push teammate Rylie Edwards in the 100 hurdles. I also look for a good season from senior Claire Spicer in the shot put. One last event I'm keeping my eye on is Hannah Shoemaker in the pole vault. Although she kept busy with cheer and gymnastics this winter, I will be curious if Hannah can improve upon her success from last year.

Botkins
When you graduate a legend like Chloe Flora who made it to state in three events last year, it's going to hurt. However, the cupboard is far from bare at Botkins.

Maybe the brightest star returning is thrower Grace Homan who made a splash last year as just a freshman. Grace went to Columbus in both the shot put and discus, and will be the early favorite to win the county in those events this year. Another returnee is sophomore Andriana Jutte who got a taste of Jesse Owens Stadium on the Lady Trojans 4x400 relay team. I really like Adriana in the 300 hurdles and will be anxious to see what she can do in that event this season. Finally, junior Hannah Bailey was part of that 4x400 relay last year with Adrianna and Chloe. Hannah is a middle distance runner and I think her best solo race could be the 800.

Adriana Jutte is only a sophomore, but returns with state meet experience

Houston, Jackson Center & Fairlawn

Keep an eye on Morgan Ely this year

Houston will have a couple athletes to watch in field events. Senior Caity Falls won the SCAL in the high jump last year and sophomore Shelby Ayers will be stronger in the discus throw after finishing 10th at regionals. I also see junior Morgan Ely emerging as a threat in the 3200 for the Lady Wildcats.

At Jackson Center the top athlete will be sprinter Kennadie Reese who just came off a successful basketball season. Kennadie went to state with the Lady Tigers 4x200 relay team last spring, but could be the league's best in the 100 dash this year.

Last, but not least, over at Fairlawn I'll be interested to see if sophomore Madison Huelskamp can win a county title in the long jump. The two seniors that finished in front of her last year are gone and Madison made it all the way to the regional meet as a freshman for the Lady Jets.