SALAMANCA — Salamanca girls track is beginning its fourth indoor season with head coach Laurie Lafferty-John believing the team has a lot to look forward to.
Top hurdler and long and triple jumper Michealynn Lecceardone has graduated, but there are still experienced athletes to look to for leadership.
“We have several top athletes this season beginning with four stellar seniors,” Lafferty-John said. “All four of these girls are outstanding athletes but also excel in the classroom as the top in their class. Their dedication to our program has helped us experience tremendous team success.”
Senior Ryanna Brady opened the season with two school records in the 1,500-meter run (5:18.82) and 3,000 (11:22.2) while qualifying for the section 6 championships.
“Qualifying for this meet is extremely difficult as indoor track encompasses every school in section 6 with no division into large and small schools,” Lafferty-John said. “When she sets a goal she is just amazing to watch as she has incredible determination.”
Isabella Milks is another senior that has set a record. In the long jump her record is 14-4 and she is also the current record holder for the high jump with 5’0.
“Her work ethic is impressive as she spends time outside our practices working on technique to fine tune her abilities,” Lafferty-John said. “Her personality is very precise and that quality really helps her to be extremely consistent in her marks on the approaches which is always a key factor in doing well. She has been such a great kid to coach.”
Senior Aubrey Domres is another athlete to look out for. She has thrown two feet farther than her best last season with a 28-9.5, already qualifying for the section 6 championships.
“We are working on consistency with Aubrey in both throw events,” Lafferty-John said. “She is the school record holder in the weighted throw and will work to establish some new marks to make that distance hard to beat in the future.”
Summer Downey is one of the most experienced and versatile athletes on the team.
“In a sense, she is like a team mom to our new athletes helping them learn the ropes in a compassionate yet high expectation way that continues to perpetuate the team culture we are looking for,” Lafferty-John said. “She is definitely a utility player for us, from her talents in the sprints to mid-distance, she also gives us tremendous depth in the relay events. Summer is our top leader with her compassionate yet tough love she gives her teammates.”
Freshman sprinter Jamila Nelthrope has impressed with her athleticism and natural speed so far. She primarily runs the 55 and 300 meter sprints but is also working on the hurdles, high jump, and pole vault. Nelthrope has already set a school record in the 55 meters.
“The main focus with her is developing her form and allowing her to stay focused on her own journey,” Lafferty-John said. “It’s amazing what a year can do for a young athlete. Already one can see a huge difference in the way she is approaching and preparing herself for this season. She is hungry to excel and determined for success.”
Other contributors to look for include thrower Ariyanah Blunt, runners Kaylin Lemon and Daisy Lichy, and race walker Boston Haley. Newcomers include throwers Jaylynne Cooper, Kylynne Day and Corey Day. As well as sprinters Destiny Jimerson and Deaja Martinez with Mary Chen as a race walker.
“We are looking to be in the Top 5 at the Class C Championships, last year we were seventh overall,” Lafferty-John said. “This could be a big year for us. We need to stay healthy and motivated, as it’s a long season.”
