The Emporia High School track and field team is preparing for another season with a strong group of returning athletes and several state qualifiers back in the lineup.
Among the leaders is senior Harley Smith, a multi-time state qualifier who has already signed with Emporia State University to continue her track career. Smith is looking to cap her high school career with a strong final season.
Another future Hornet, Rylan Crowell, is also out for track this spring as he prepares for his freshman football season at Emporia State.
The Spartans also return one of their top field event performers in Paige Newland, who earned silver medals in both the long jump and triple jump at the state meet last year.
Junior Garrett LeBlanc finished fourth in the triple jump at state a season ago and says competing alongside Newland has helped push him in practice. LeBlanc is aiming for a standout junior season and hopes to earn his first Emporia Athlete of the Week honor.
Sprinter Kaylee DeWitt also returns after winning the 300-meter hurdles at the Centennial League meet last spring in her first year competing in the event. This season, she’s focused on building toward a strong performance at the state meet.
Other key returners for Spartans head coach Randy Wells include Chance Duncan and Emma Beatty.
Duncan placed second in the discus, shot put and javelin at the Centennial League meet last season, while Beatty finished 11th in the 1600 meters at the state meet.
Emporia High opens the season March 28 at the ESU Invite hosted by Emporia State.
