Girls Track & Field is the focal point of Lakes Athletics, representing Lakes exceptionally well every time they compete. The seniors in particular have done an impressive job at building this program up over the past four years. They lead the underclassmen and help create a community that allows the Girls Track team to grow.

This year, they have clinched NLCC Conference Championships for the Indoor and Outdoor seasons. Madison Twarling (1600 meter run), Paige Caruth (3200-meter run), Joycelyn Crum (100-meter hurdles and pole vault), Ava Bullock (high jump), and Jillian Ellenwood (long jump and triple jump), as well as the 4×100 and 4×200 relays, all won their events, helping secure the 1st place finish for the team. Other honorable mentions include Makayla Williams (2nd in the 100-meter dash), Inclarty Turney (3rd in the 100-meter dash), Becca Runyan (3rd in the 400-meter dash), Madison Perez (3rd in the 800-meter run), Ava Bullock (3rd in 300-meter hurdles), Thea Claire Lungay (3rd in triple jump), and 4×400 placing 2nd. These girls took their success with them to Sectionals at Richmond-Burton High School and dominated.

The team is now crowned back-to-back Sectionals Champions, thanks to the efforts of the hardworking athletes. Paige Caruth (3200-meter run), Joycelyn Crum (Pole Vault), and the 4×200, 4×400, and 4×800-meter relays were placed first. To help solidify the win, Lakes also placed 3rd in the 100-meter dash, 2nd in the 400-meter dash, 2nd and 3rd in 800-meter and 1600-meter run, 2nd in 100-meter hurdles, 2nd in the pole vault, and 4th in the triple jump. The ladies competing at State representing Lakes consist of Jillian Ellenwood, Joycelyn Crum, Josie Gates, Paige Caruth, Madison Twarling, Madison Perez, Becca Runyan, and Makayla Williams.

The program has a history of competing well in the Track & Field State Series. Last season, the 4×400 placed 8th, and the 4×800 placed 2nd while competing down at Eastern Illinois University. Joycelyn Crum also placed 8th in the 100-meter hurdles and 9th in the pole vault while the team was down in Charleston.

This year, the expectation is high, and the girls are more than ready to rise to the occasion. Throughout this year, personal bests have been beaten, and limits are being passed constantly with this team. So, with the State Track & Field Championship being right around the corner, these girls are working hard in order to perform the best they can. Best of luck to all of the ladies representing Lakes at State, the community is rooting for you!