Tigresses depth is a strength heading into track season

PRINCETON — Coach Pat Hodge says this year’s Tigress track team, with its mix of established talent and new contributors, will be one of the deepest squads in recent years.

“I think we have a little more depth than we’ve had in the past,” said Hodge. “Even though we don’t have a (last year’s standout) Brittany Lowdermilk, I think we’re stronger down the line a little further.

“It’s going to be an interesting season, we’ve got a lot of new faces and from what we’ve seen in the indoor season, a lot of them are going to make some nice contributions for us,” Hodge said.
One of Hodge’s top returning talents, senior pole vaulter Alyssa Donner, will look to improve on her fourth-place finish at state last year.

“Alyssa has worked her time over the off season to stay shape ... she’s ready, I think, to continue her success,” Hodge said.

Junior Sarah Maynard, who was a state qualifier in the triple jump, as well as the 4x100 and 4x200 relays, is another of the returning standouts that Hodge is counting on to lead his team in the jumps.
Both Donner and Maynard have been performing at a top level already this spring, with both qualifying for the Illinois Prep Top Times meet in Bloomington, the unofficial state meet for the indoor season. Freshman Jasmine Kunkel will join them, after qualifying for the 55m hurdle event.

Also returning for their senior seasons on this year’s Tigress squad are Sarah Schlund, who was the NCIC Lincoln shot-put champ last year, as well as middle distance runner Heidi Zehr, and vaulter/sprinter Andrea Taylor.
Junior Jacqui Kane rejoins the track team after playing soccer last year. Kane, who finished third in the conference in the high jump as a freshman, will look to get back on track in her junior year.

Other juniors on this year’s team include Laura Nelson, who ran on last year’s 4x800 relay that finished in sixth place at the Erie sectional, distance runner Sylvie Tracy, and Amber Ruter, who is positioned right behind Schlund in the throws.

Sophomore Ashley Snow, who finished third at the fresh-soph conference meet in the discuss, will look to continue her success in the throws. Joining Snow in the talented sophomore class are Trisha Smith, who was a member of last year’s sectional medal winning 4x800 relay, as well as sprinters Hannah Brewer, Jessica Eickmeier and Ashley Gilley and middle-distance runners Allie Youngren and April Zehr.