As the outdoor track and field season has begun in many states across the country, Nevada is just getting underway. That includes the state's middle school athletes, many of whom will be looking to establish themselves this spring, while others aim to build on the momentum and experience gained during last year's season.
Sprint Events
The girls sprint events are led by Hannah Hill (North Tahoe High), who posted the fastest returning marks in both the 100m (12.91) and 200m (27.09). Her range across the short sprints makes her one of the top returning middle school athletes entering the outdoor season.
Among the younger class, Anna Ganong-Krawczuk (Alder Creek Middle School) leads the returning 2031 athletes after running 13.03 in the 100m. Logan Peek (Doral Academy of Northern Nevada) also showed versatility, ranking among the top performers in both the 100m and 200m.
In the longer sprint events, Mara Litchfield (Lake Tahoe Track Club) returns with the fastest 400m time at 1:01.37, while Emma Rodriguez (Eagle Valley Middle School) leads the 2031 group after running 1:04.28.
On the boys side, Gizmo Pierce (Eagle Valley Middle School) returns as one of the most versatile sprinters after leading the 400m last season in 57.45 and ranking among the top performers in the 200m as well. Wyatt Pulido (Grace Christian Academy) also returns as a sprint contender after running 12.06 in the 100m.
Distance Events
The distance events feature several athletes who already posted strong marks at both the middle school and club level.
Mara Litchfield (Lake Tahoe Track Club) leads the returning girls 800m runners after running 2:21.45, while Dylan Dubach (Doral Academy of Northern Nevada) returns close behind with a 2:24.06 performance.
Avery Aldrich (Alder Creek Middle School / Lake Tahoe Track Club) is another key name to watch after running 5:18.23 in the 1600m and 12:22 in the 3200m last season. Adalene Bowman (Doral Academy of Northern Nevada) also returns with the fastest 3200m mark among middle school athletes at 12:11.
Among the boys, Wyatt Pulido (Grace Christian Academy) showed range by placing among the top performers in both the 800m and 1600m, while several returning runners from last season's distance rankings provide additional depth across the longer events.
Hurdles
The hurdles events highlight a few athletes beginning to specialize in the discipline.
Ava Takeuchi (Pantera) leads the returning girls field after running 17.77 in the 100m hurdles. At the same time, Amelia Royan (Las Vegas Day School) posted one of the fastest times among the returning 2031 athletes at 21.07.
On the boys side, Wyatt Pulido (Grace Christian Academy) also ranked among the top hurdlers last season, adding another event to an already versatile profile.
Field Events
The field events return several athletes competing across multiple disciplines.
Taya Noble (Marce Herz / Raise the Bar Pole Vault Club) is one of the most versatile athletes entering the season. She leads the returning long jump field with a mark of 15-9 and also cleared 9-6 in the pole vault.
In the high jump, Marastella Card (Shaw Middle School) cleared 4-10 to lead returning athletes, while Bronwyn Nichols-Shipley (South Tahoe High School) leads the 2031 class with a mark of 4-6.
The throws also return experienced competitors. Riley Hartman (Lake Tahoe School) leads the shot put with a throw of 34-11, while Natalia Russell (South Tahoe High School) posted the top discus mark at 85-1. Among the younger athletes, Gemma Cluff (Doral Academy of Northern Nevada) ranks near the top in both shot put and discus.