By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Southeast of Saline track and field teams will hit the road one final time on Friday and Saturday for this year’s state track meet at Cessna Stadium.
All-in-all 17 Trojans and Lady Trojans qualified for this year’s finale, including ten boys who helped SES secure a regional victory in Phillipsburg.
“We were very pleased with our regional performance,” Southeast head coach Wade Caselman said. “We had several fifth-place finishes that might have gotten in at other regionals but we were happy and we’re excited for what should be a fun weekend. This is one of the biggest teams that we’ve ever brought to state and it’s a great group of kids.”
Jentrie Alderson will be in search of a back-to-back individual title in the 1600 and 3200, with Dylan Sprecker looking to do the same in the 800 and 1600, and Chase Poague seeking a repeat in the 110 and 300m hurdles.
On the boy’s side, the Trojans are hunting a second-straight championship, but will face some steep competition in a loaded 3A field.
“The kids are excited to go back,” Caselman said. “They’ve had a good week of practice despite the rain and they’re excited for a chance to go out and compete and for our boys a chance to bring back another state title.”
Before the first starting pistol sounds on Friday let’s take a look at the 17 Trojans and Lady Trojans competing at Cessna Stadium this weekend.
Athlete: Chase Poague
Class: Senior
Events: 100m Dash, 110m HH, 300m IH, 4x400 alt
State experience: 3x state qualifier, Defending State Champion in both hurdle races
Quote from the coach: “Chase has been a solid member of our track and field team that has given our kids a lot of leadership”
Athlete: Dylan Sprecker
Class: Senior
Events: 800, 1600, 3200, 4x400 Relay
State experience: 3x state qualifier, Defending State Champion in the 1600, 800, and 4x800 relay
Quote from the coach: “Dylan has been very solid this year and has worked very hard to get to where he is at today. He has provided Great Leadership to our team.”
Athlete: Nakari Morrical-Palmer
Class: Junior
Events: 200 M, 400 M, 4x400 Relay
State experience: 2x state qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Nakari is very strong in and adds a lot of depth to our sprints.”
Athlete: Michael Murray
Class: Junior
Events: 100 M & 200 M dash
State experience: 1st-time qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Michael helps lead our sprinters and seems to be getting stronger each meet.”
Athlete: Drake Augustine
Class: Junior
Events: 4x400 Relay
State experience: 2-year qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Drake ran on our state championship 4x800 relay in 2021 and has done a very nice job of competing this season in the mid-distance races.”
Athlete: Damion Jackson
Class: Junior
Events: 1600
State experience: 2-time Qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Damion has been very consistent this season and is ready for a solid performance at state.”
Athlete: Levi Allen
Class: Sophomore
Events: 1600, 3200
State experience: 2-time state qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Levi has been a very nice addition this year to Southeast and has competed very well for the Trojans.”
Athlete: Cayden Walker
Class: Sophomore
Events: 3200
State experience: 1st-time qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Cayden's hard work in the off-season has helped him to improve so much this year.”
Athlete: Omar Calzada
Class: Sophomore
Events: 4x400 Relay
State experience: 1st-time qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Omar is running track for Southeast for the first time this year and has been a great addition to the team.”
Athlete: Tate Nurnberg
Class: Freshman
Events: High Jump, Triple Jump
State experience: 1st-time qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Tate has been improving a lot over the last several meets and we are excited to see what he can do at state this year.”
Athlete: Jentrie Alderson
Class: Senior
Events: 1600, 3200
State experience: 3x state qualifier and defending State Champion in the 1600 and 3200
Quote from the coach: “Jentrie has been a solid performer for Southeast these last 3 years and she has really run some very fast times this year. We look forward to seeing her finish her high school career with two very fast performances at State.”
Athlete: Mallorie Pearson
Class: Senior
Events: 4x800 Relay
State experience: 2-time state qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Mallorie has been a very good leader to our distance program over the years.”
Athlete: Joni Schroeder
Class: Senior
Events: 4x800 Relay
State experience: 1st-time qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Joni has been a hard worker and has added depth to our teams over the last two years.”
Athlete: Ashley Prochazka
Class: Junior
Events: 1600, 3200
State experience: 2-time state qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Ashley was a state placer last year and we look forward to seeing her do the same this year.”
Athlete: Abby Commerford
Class: Freshman
Events: 3200
State experience: 1st-time Qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Abby has been a strong competitor for our distance team this year in both cross country and track. We hope to see her on the podium in Wichita.”
Athlete: Brynn Hawbaker
Class: Junior
Events: 4x800 Relay
State experience: 1st-time qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Bryyn continues to improve throughout the season and has been a hard worker who has seen real improvement.”
Athlete: Cali Augustine
Class: Freshman
Events: 4x800 Relay
State experience: 1st-time qualifier
Quote from the coach: “Cali has been a solid member of the distance team in both cross country and track this season.”