Spring Sports Preview
By Jennifer Redden
A new era of Pendleton County Track and Field begins this spring as the team inaugurates their new facilities.
In addition to resurfacing the track, new long jump, high jump, shot put, pole vault, and discus amenities were installed. Also, the team was able to get new equipment, including new hurdles, blocks, and batons. For the first time in years, PC will host a meet for middle school teams on May 9 and for high school teams on May 10.
Track and Field includes the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter sprints and long distance races including the 800 meter, the 1600 meter, and the 3200 meter. There are also relay races for the 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, and 800 meter distances. There are also two races involving hurdles. Field events include the long jump, triple jump, pole vault, high jump, shot put, and discus.
Head Coach Sara Remley is returning as head coach. “I am looking forward to my seventh season as a track coach for PCHS. We have a great group of kids and a beautiful new track, with brand new equipment,” according to Coach Remley. “We are so thankful to all who helped make this possible for our team.” Jennifer Redden is also returning as the Unified Coach. Unified is a part of the team that pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete as a team. According to Redden, “I am so excited to have a large turnout for Unified again. Last season, we had a very successful season and had 13 athletes compete at the state. I am looking forward to another successful season.”
Former coach Craig Chaplin retired from coaching after 49 seasons. Kelsey McCain, a 2010 alum, replaced Chaplin as the long distance coach. She earned two high school state titles, one in track and one in cross country. McCain graduated from Murray State with three degrees. McCain states, “This is my first year assisting track as a coach. It’s wonderful to see how the program has continued and changed since I was a runner. I’m excited to see how this year’s athletes grow and what they’re able to accomplish this season.”
Also joining the team this year is Emma Record. She is a 2021 PC graduate and was a sprinter and a long jumper. Emma is currently studying Exercise Science at NKU. Record is excited for her first season saying, “I am so thrilled to be coaching back at PC. We have such a great team filled with strong seniors--Sam Hodge, Tyler Redden, Michael Schaller, Jayla McIlvain, Lucas Dennison, Katie Black, and Jacob Craig--that will be able to help lead the team to success. I can’t wait to see how the season turns out.”
Over 40 athletes have joined the track and field team this year. The team will be participating in seven meets, the Campbell Quad, the Lloyd Memorial Invitational, the Harrison County Invitational, the Grant County Dorning Friday Night Lights Invitational, the Scott Eagle Classic, the Ryle Varsity Invitational, and the Pendleton County Classic. The first track and field meet is on March 27.