Scott Neal’s track and field program is set to improve on last year’s state showing. For the Lady Indians, a 22nd-place finish; for the Indians, a 12th-place finish.
The girls have some key pieces back from last year’s run. Leading the charge is senior Jace Ibemere, a 3-year state qualifier in jumps and relays. Others who figure to be relied on include sophomores Joanna Miller (relays and 400 meter dash) and Olivia Henderson (distance), juniors Meredith Orr (distance) and Selah Wiltshire (fresh off a state championship in swimming; will help in sprints, jumps, and relays), and senior Jovana Dermanovic (hurdles).
“A TFS Legacy Student, Ibemere brings strong leadership and experience,” adds Neal. “Miller has worked diligently in the weight room in the offseason honing the championship mindset. Dermanovic and Orr contribute to the life of the team also as role models of teamness. Our theme is ‘BYE’ – Best Year Ever – as we strive valiantly to take risks, empower courage to each other, and compete with an earned confidence, no matter the outcome.”
Meanwhile, the Indians return senior thrower Ade Akisanya, who collected seven points for TFS at state last year. A solid sophomore group of Teagan Penland (distance), Ryan Anderson (400, 800, relays), Gavin Simmons (mid-distance), and Brian Neely (jumps) will steer Tallulah Falls.
“Our emphasis is to develop a bond of brotherhood so strong that it affects every area of our lives and ripples across the campus and everywhere we go,” adds Neal. “Be, do, and expect GREAT from ourselves and from our brothers. We want to be open to the unimaginable, to risk, to develop faith, and to enjoy the moment together. We want to have a story at the end of the season about how the ability to focus on the task at hand has created a championship mindset.”
The track and field teams begin the season on February 12 in the Chestatee Throws/Distance Time Trials, with the first full meet on March 4 at Commerce.
