Preview: Nevada Future Stars Outdoor T&F Outlook

As Nevada outdoor track gears up for the 2026 season, several freshmen and sophomores from the classes of 2029 and 2028 already stand out based on last year's outdoor results and indoor momentum. These young competitors have posted some of the strongest performances in their age groups and look poised to emerge as key contributors across sprint, distance, hurdle, and field events.

Sprints

On the boys side, Landon Perkins (Liberty High School) leads the returning group after clocking a 10.74 100m and a 22.42 200m last spring, signaling the potential to contend in the state's top sprint group. Joseph Zuccarini (McQueen High School) and Damir Owens (Democracy Prep) also logged sub‑11.30 times, giving depth to the sophomore sprint ranks.

In the girls sprints, Emoni Young (Shadow Ridge High School) heads the returning group with a 12.39 in the 100m last outdoor season. Close behind are Trishelle Tucay (Liberty High School) and Makayla Johnson (Desert Pines High School), both of whom dipped under 12.50, setting up an exciting group to follow this spring.

Mid‑Distance & Distance

Nevada's distance events feature some intriguing future stars. Boys sophomore Sawyer Hutton (Nevada Track Club) had an outstanding outdoor season, running 4:20.57 for 1600m and 9:45.13 for 3200m, performances that ranked him among the state's best returners. Oliver Pietzke (Lake Tahoe Track Club) and AJ Whitlock (Arbor View High School) also provide quality depth in the middle distances.

The girls side is led by Shelby Erikson (Incline High School), who posted strong times across 400m and 800m last spring, including a 57.64 400m. Gioia Coudriet (Galena High School) tops the returning underclassmen 1600m and 3200m list with a 5:06.96 and a 10:50.40, respectively, making her one of the most accomplished sophomore distance runners.

Early indoor competition has already shown continued progression for underclassman Ollie Reid (Desert Oasis High School), posting a massive PR in the 3200 meters at the Buchanan Distance Classic, running 9:40.66 to take over the state lead and slice more than 30 seconds off his previous best.

Hurdles & Multi‑Event

The hurdles events this spring should highlight several rising talents. On the boys side, Darius Chapman (Spanish Springs) enters with the fastest 110m hurdles mark among returners at 15.09 from last season, with Jayden Patton (Mojave High School) adding strength through the 300m hurdles.

For the girls, distance‑hurdle athlete Piper Sanders (Discovery Charter MS) posted one of the top 100m hurdles marks among her class last spring, suggesting further development as the outdoor season commences.

Field Events

Nevada's field event scene returns several athletes with top marks. In the boys jumps, Nicholas Shannon (Bishop Manogue High School) produced a long jump of 20‑4 last outdoor season, while Rowlandis Eutsy (Desert Oasis High School) was one of the state's most successful high jumpers at 6‑4. In the throws, Jordyn Montgomery (Damonte Ranch High School) and Brodyn Brown (Centennial High) headline the shot put group with strong marks from 2025, with Montgomery also ranking near the top in the discus.

On the girls side, the sophomore group boasts strength in horizontal jumps and throws. Emoni Young (Shadow Ridge High School) not only leads the sprints but also topped the long jump list at 18‑0.50 last season. Nneka Ebonka (Somerset Academy Sky Pointe) leads the returning girls throws with a 36‑7 shot put and 110‑0 discus, giving her multi‑event value. Mackenzie Sellers' (Unattached - NV) indoor pole vault clearance of 12‑6 already shows she could contend for top honors outdoors.