Fresh off a record breaking season and multiple strong regional finishes, the track and field team is getting back into action.
With spring around the corner, track and field season is starting.
In the 2025 season, Lakeland Hawks Track and field team was unstoppable. They had a strong season with both the boys and girls team placing second in regional’s. It was a young team last year, only losing 4-5 seniors, which gave them lots of underclassmen valuable experience.
“Our girls relay teams are consistently strong, and our boys 4×400 relay team returns all four runners.” Coach Jacob Munyer said. “Our distance group is back after an outstanding season, and we have talented individuals in all field events, including throws and jumps.”
Most track athletes compete in other sports, and their experiences in basketball, football, volleyball, swimming, cross country, cheer/dance, and wrestling help prepare them for track season. It helps them gain strength and speed that they need for their main sport.
As the season kicks off, the track team welcomes back an amazing group of athletes to represent LHS, while the talented ninth-grade class is anticipated to provide several pleasant surprises as they gain experience.
In April, LHS is looking forward to competing in a couple of meets in the Tri-Cities where the warmer weather provides great conditions. Their biggest focus is Meet of Champions, districts, and the state meet in May.
The head coach, Tim Kiefer, does an excellent job empowering the other coaches, creating an environment where athletes enjoy practice and continue to improve.
“Our culture is built on competition and continuous growth.” Munyer said
Track and field offers many opportunities to contribute, and unlike a softball roster of 14, they have a large group of athletes who impact their success. Sophomore, Sapphire Ruelle, returns as the defending champion in the 100m and 200m. Senior, Karstyn Kiefer, took second in the 300-meter hurdles.
Kiefer’s goal this season is to improve her 300 hurdle time, make it to track state for her senior year and spend time hanging out with her friends in her last high school season.
As a team this year she hopes that they can make improvements and do better in track meets as a whole. Looking on the girls side, she hopes relay teams can make it to state this year.
“I expect Sapphire Ruelle to help out the team the most this year by earning several points in the events she participates in” Kiefer said.
The hawks are well prepared for this season with all the hard work they have put into the off-season to be ready to compete.
LHS first track meet is on Mar. 19 at Lakeland High School.
“This year, both our girls and boys teams will be strong in the field events and fast on the track.” Munyer said.
