Coming off a season that witnessed the Washington High School girls track team added their second girls state track championship to the trophy case, giving the school their 51st state title in school history and third title in 2024.
Head coach Kami Beller is looking forward to getting this group back on the track to compete for another title.
“We are coming from winning the Class 3A 2024 State Championship for our track team! We will have many runners and field event athletes that will have another good chance of winning many state medals in track this year,” said coach Beller.
One name everyone will recognize is Rielyn Scheffe. Scheffe is one of the more productive track athletes in WHS history with four state medals last season and has been a state medal winner every year in track for the past three years. Scheffe competes with the 4×800, 4×400, 4×200 and the 300-hurdles. Scheffe looks to make her senior season her best yet.
Also look for Ava Salcedo who is a four-time state placer as well. Salcedo competes in the 4×100, 4×200 and will run the 100 and 200-meters. Her freshman season was a breakout year, and she will likely anchor both relays this season.
Don’t forget to watch Olivia Palumbo (Sr.) in the 4×100 and 4×200 relays. A fastpitch softball player who signed with Iowa State, Palumbo is an outstanding athlete and someone who can help this team make the podium.
Every team needs a backbone. Someone there to support the team. That role is met by Jayleen Calvert the team manager. Coach Beller said of Calvert, “She is always encouraging our runner and field event athletes. She helps time athletes. She gets the athletes snacks and drinks. She helps with block holding and is always working to help our team be its best. We love Jayleen! She works extremely hard for our team,” said Beller.
Photos by Holli B, Ron Ladelee, and Sam Hegeman
