At the halfway mark of the season, the Lady Tigers track and field team has proved to be one of the top teams in 2022. Five meets in, Coweta has won two meets and placed in the top five in two other meets this season.
Leading the Lady Tigers is senior Hailey Secrest who is a returning state placer in the 800m run (4th), 1600m run (4th), and the 4x800m relay (2nd). She has two first-place finishes in the 800m run at the Wagoner and OBU meets this season.
“Hailey runs in four events every meet and never complains,” said coach Scott Chronister. “She is one of the best competitors I have seen on our boys’ and girls’ teams in all my years coaching.”
Another one of Chronister’s top performers this season is sophomore Chaney Helton who competes in the 200m dash, where she was one of two freshmen to place (6th) at state last season. Helton also qualified in the long jump and on the 4x100m and 4x200m relay teams last season.
“Chaney is one of our most gifted athletes,” Chronister said. “I wish I could run her in eight events or have two of her. She could do just about any event on the list and have a chance to win.”
Another underclassman Chronister is excited about is sophomore Sierra Soto who competes in the discus and shot put. With several top-three finishes this season, Soto is looking to qualify for state for the first time after coming close as a freshman.
“She has the talent to break our school records in discus by her senior year,” Chronister said.
A couple of other key returners this season are senior Alex Harper and junior Brelee Burcham. The two qualified for a combined six events at last year’s state meet.
“Alex is gifted enough to be a sprinter and tough enough to be a distance runner,” Chronister said. “Brelee has always shown good leadership and is willing to do the right thing even when it’s not always the popular choice.”
Other key contributors on Coweta’s team this season are seniors Emily Hollingshed, Makenna Stutzman, Olivia Harrington, juniors Riley Buthod, Macey Brooks, and sophomores Whitney Holcomb, Brooklyn Chronister, and Dasia Mason.
