The Clarksville girls track and field had a decrease from 10 athletes out in 2024 to seven out for the team this year. There is no shortage of talent for the Indians as they have three upperclassman state qualifiers, Emmalee Manwarren, Claire Lodge and Paige Kampman returning.
Head Coach Darren Bohlen on top events for these three and others to watch this year.
“Those three girls were state qualifiers in the relays two years ago. We’ve moved Addie Johnson, she ran distance for us the last three years and she’s now going to be a sprinter, so she fits in well for that relay. I think the 4×100, 4×200 and the sprint relays are going to be pretty solid for us this year,” says Bohlen. “We have got two decent hurdlers, Kara Bohlen and Eve Jordan who did a great job at the first indoor meet, their technique is pretty good. You throw Paige Kampman in there and Emily Manwarren, they set a school record in the shuttle hurdle two years ago. We’re gonna be able to move things around.”
Manwarren also qualified for state in the long jump in 2024, placing 21st in the field. Kampman missed the 2024 track season due to injury. Kampman in 2023, in addition to her leg on the Indians state qualifying relays qualified for state in the long jump placing 22nd.
Bohlen on technique focus areas as the team transitions to outdoor season.
“We’re just focusing on our form, focusing on our short sprints and trying to get faster. I think if we keep doing that, we’re going to be able to run the 200’s faster. We’re going to be able to maybe occasionally run a four in there. Obviously, we’re going have to work on some handoffs for those relays. Indoor, we did a lot of open handoffs, going outside, we’re going to do closed handoffs. If we get those down, we’re just going to be able to be a little bit more efficient and cut our times down. The hurdles, we’re going go over 10 hurdles rather than just five. We’re going to have to be able to maintain our techniques for a little bit longer.”
The Indians first outdoor meet is scheduled for April 1 at Sumner-Fredricksburg.
