Youth springs eternal…especially when your team is as young as the Vian Lady Wolverines track squad. What began as a roster with limited experience continues to evolve as the result of optimism, determination and continuous hard-working efforts to find victory at the finish line.
“We’re a very young team consisting of four juniors and nine freshman,” said head coach Tina Ramos. “And even though we don’t have any returning state qualifiers, these girls know what it takes to succeed. I’m super proud of this group.”
The competitive spirit of the Lady Wolverines is resulting in success.
“Our top performer has been Maci Smith who captured medal winning results in our first three meets this spring competing as a junior in the high jump,” said Ramos. “Her progress with higher jumps is a result of how hard she’s worked.”
Not to be outdone, the will to win of the freshmen are stacking up points for this year’s team.
“Our surprise performers have come from our freshman group in the hurdles,” Ramos said while pointing to her winning tally on the coach’s score sheet. “Rebel Simon, Kalli Jo Kennedy and Kala Gibbins have lowered their times while producing points in the 100m hurdles. Kala and Kalli also run the 300m hurdles.”
A fourth “rookie” is fast becoming a seasoned veteran, according to the coach.
“Ally Trotter is the type of kid that could probably compete in every event,” Ramos noted. “She’s in the 200m and 400m run as well as the high jump scoring points in our last three events.”
Waiting on the final tally as the Class 2A regional and state meets arrive, Ramos is confident her squad will be successful.
“These girls have come to practice and embraced the challenge through their hard work everyday in the tradition of Wolverines.”
2022 Vian Lady Wolverines Track
Maci Smith Jr. High Jump/200m
Taya Hunt Jr. Shot Put/Discus
Emilee Cook-Cobb Jr. Shot Put/Discus
Nikki Stoner Jr. 100m/200m
Rebel Simon Fr. 100m Hurdles/100m
Avery Wright Fr. Long Jump/100m
Kalli Jo Kennedy Fr. 100m Hurdles/300m Hurdles
Kala Gibbins Fr. 100m Hurdles/300m Hurdles/Long Jump
Annie Neal Fr. 100m/200m/Long Jump
Ally Trotter Fr. High Jump/200m/400m
Gracie Risley Fr. Shot Put/Discus
Jaden Frazier Fr. 100m/200m
Ary Garrison Fr. Manager
Head Coach: Tina Ramos
Assistant Coach: Athena McCoy