Are they back on track?

With track season finally back up and running, fans are wondering what the team’s chances are for winning State. How good will the they be considering that COVID totally wiped out their last season? Will the combination of the two schools—each with strong runners—make Elkhart High School even better?

Certainly, the two schools joining to make one great track team is exciting. Both Elkhart boys and girls started off on the right foot, beating Goshen by double digits in their opening meet. However, this was not to be a one-and-done. Elkhart had its second  meet against South Bend Adams and won again–with the boys winning 85 to 46 and the girls edging out Adams slightly, 66.5 to 65.5.

If the team’s beliefs are correct, this is going to be a great year for Elkhart. Their proof? Elkhart swept Goshen in the 100m for both JV and Varsity. The Boy’s Varsity 100m dash consisted of Derrick Woods, Tyren Mason, Rodney Gates, and Rodrigo Moran. Sprinter Derrick Woods ran a 11.09 in the 100 in his first race as a Senior. With such a promising start, Woods has a bright future this year in State when he’s in his prime. Elkhart’s Varsity 4x100m also ran 44.05, which is remarkably fast for their first meet.

Let’s not forget the girls either.  For the Girl’s Varsity 100m dash, Emily Anderson, Daneen Swanson, Grace Wesselhoft, and Tsehai Bean made up that powerhouse team. Emily Anderson also excels in the 100 and 200. At the Adams meet, she won 2st place in the 100 with a time of 12.91 and got 1st in the 200 with a time of 26.62. Elkhart was also great in throwing; they swept Goshen in all throwing events for boys and girls.

Next up: South Bend Riley on April 20, who took 3rd in the Penn IHSAA Sectionals during the 2018-19 season. If Riley is as good as they used to be two years ago, then it’s going to be a challenge that Elkhart has to be ready for. And, they are confident that they are.

How do they figure this? That same year that Riley took 3rd at Sectionals, Elkhart Memorial were the champions; Elkhart Central was runner up. Elkhart-East freshman and track member Jaiven Sharp said this: “We could really produce this year! We have an amazing Varsity team that could do great when it’s time for State.” He then adds, “We also have an amazing young team, so that when it’s time for the seniors to graduate, then we’ll be set for next year.”

On a more cautionary note, Sharp concludes his thoughts with this: “Our team is definitely one of the best in Northern Indiana right now, but there are also definitely some holes that we could fill.” With this team, there are definitely some big running shoes to fill!