IAAM Preview to the Track and Field Championships
Friday, January 26, 2024
Princes George's Sports and Learning Complex
Story by Gene Williams
Nineteen schools will take part in the 23rd IAAM Indoor Track and Field championship on Friday, January 26 at the Prince Georges Sports and Learning Complex in Landover. First event starts at 3:45 p.m.
Local competition was hard to come by this indoor track and field season as PGC facility shutdowns, along with recent weather issues allowed only three league sponsored meets during the past two months.
Those issues forced teams to travel to a variety of sites in Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia to find meets.
Athletes who did get to compete regularly produced many league leading performances for the upcoming champ meet.
A Conference
With the conference expanding to eight schools, adding St. Mary’s (two time B conference champ) and Roland Park, the defending (and 11 time team champ) McDonogh could be the runaway champ again with stars shinning in very event and top seeds in most.
Returning junior 55 and 300 meter champ Elise Cooper is in the Eagles’ nest along with her nearly as fast sisters Elena and Ella produces unprecedented speed for the traditionally powerful sprint school.
Mary Gorsky paces all entries in 800, 1600 and 3200 runs. The senior is out to defend her 1600 and 3200 wins of a year ago.
Le’la Greene hopes to three-pete in the 55 hurdles, but is challenged by teammates Kelsey Coley and Morgan Heard.
Field events are not neglected with event leaders Julia Norris heads, shot put; Caroline Birdsall, pole vault; plus potential high point scores in the long and triple jumps by Elena Cooper and Coley.
Maryvale (five time league champ) hopes to maintain its runner up team spot by relying on its traditional quality depth. This is especially true in the field events as Nora O’Malley, London Simons, Taylor Conklin, Addison Warren, Kristen DeBolt, all are possible medalist in multiple events.
On the Track Natalie Korrs paces the Lions’ distance runners, Chloe Thomas and Simons in the hurdles and sprint relays.
After being edged into third last year, Archbishop Spalding hopes to move up to second. With the athletes available the Cavaliers may just achieve their highest placing since winning the initial IAAM title in 2001.
Their sprint squad is second only to McDonogh with Jalaia Creary, Karise Manley, Chayse Mitchell, and Athena Stith.
The longer runs feature Marisa Mock and Brooke Heine, and Alexandra O’Connell.
The long and triple jump runways feature Stith, Creary, and Mitchell, while pole vaulter Madison Fuerst are among the leaders.
Mount de Sales returns defending 800 champ Grace Tate who will also go in the 1600 and 3200.
The Sailors also have quality athletes in Britton sprinting twins Mydyson and Mykenzie, who are joined by Marie Smith; plus Amy Jacobs in distances.
Notre Dame Prep is led by Sarah Sterner, high jump leader and hurdler, and Olivia Sobkowicz 1600 and 3200.
Bryn Mawr’s Fiona Santos is in the mix for the 1600 and 3200. Mariah Talley is potentially a scorer in the 300 and 500, along with Abigail Giroux in the hurdles.
B Conference
John Carroll appears to sit atop a more closely matched group from the 11 teams contending for the B Conference title.
Maggie Wassin is the top seeded 1600 and 3200 runner in the conference.
Danika Ross leads the high jump, and triple jumps with company from teammate Rylee Smolenski. Ross also paces the hurdles and is joined by Smolenski over the bariers.
Addison Weaver heads the long jump. Top seeded in the 500 is Lauren Gallagher who also goes in the 300 and shot put.
St. Johns Lily Bandy is a contender in the 55, backed up by Tiana Griffin, Danielle Peterson, and the hurdles.
Makayla Farrell could challenge the record in the pole vault.
Garrison Forest’s Kayla Ardlett, Kennedy Myrie, and Tiana Griffin are among the best sprinters in conference.
Glenelg County’s Camille Wemberly should be among the 500 and 800 race leaders. While Mi-ra Walthour is in the pole vault.
Mercy’s distance depth is no surprise but they are now showing representation in the hurdles, shot put and 500.