| LEWISTON, Idaho – The Warrior Track and Field program added 12 All-Americans and two national titles to its history last season and heads into the 2023-24 campaign with hopes just as high. All but one All-American returns from last year, including two-time NAIA National Champion and Lewiston native Jennah Carpenter.
In all, 31 LC State records were set in 2023 highlighted by Madigan Kelly and London Kirk. Both local products, Kelly (Lewiston) has her name at the top of four Warrior events while Kirk (Deary) has been part of seven. Both advanced to nationals last year and Kirk earned his first All-American honor in the 400m.
There is a lot for LC State to build off of heading into the new year as Head Coach Mike Collins enters his 23rd season leading the track and field program.
“Building is definitely the word this year,” Collins said. “Both building to get better, but building in general when it comes to the foundation of our program. We are down in numbers, so there will be a lot more responsibility from less people to try and get the same team success. Hopefully the success of last year will be motivating to them all that raising the bar is an expectation they had for themselves and not just the coaching staff.”
Returning All-Americans include Carter Gordon (600m, outdoor 4x800m relay), Kirk (outdoor 400m), Kobe Wessels (outdoor 4x800m relay), Conner May (outdoor 4x800m relay), Griffen Parsells (outdoor 4x800m relay), Christian Bothwell (decathlon), Carpenter (indoor and outdoor high jump, pentathlon) and Geraldin Correa (indoor 800m). Ashley Britt (400m hurdles) was the lone graduate in the group. Wessels and Brooklyn Shell are also coming off All-American finishes in cross country.
The Warriors will need to work hard to maintain the growth the program has seen in the last few years in as athletes such as Carpenter, who overcame injury to sweep the indoor and outdoor high jump titles.
“Biggest thing is sticking to routine. Jennah is well grounded and our other returning all-conference and All-American athletes have good routines, are good goal setters and focus on day-to-day tasks,” Collins explained. “That is part of what makes them successful. We will be working to maintain this type of focus.”
The Warriors added talented underclassmen to the rosters as well including Lewiston product Luke Mastroberardino and Asotin’s Haylee Appleford. Sprinters Macey Gunderson and Preston Cooper will be in the mix, and two-sport athletes Gianna Anderson and Karissa Lindner will continue their already strong first years. Both were standouts for Warrior Volleyball this season.
“We are looking forward to seeing local freshman step up,” Collins said. “It usually takes some time and this first meet will be an eye opener, but Luke and Haylee will be fun to watch out there. Also, Macey from Mountain Home as she starts up a sprint career. We think Preston will have an immediate impact on the men’s side as well. We think Karissa will be an important factor, but we are letting her recover from volleyball season so won’t see her compete until after the new year.”
The season opens on Saturday at the Spokane Invitational held at The Podium. A large portion of the team will compete in the indoor event, as well as Warrior alum and Olympian Sam Atkin as he looks to set the facility record in the mile. LC State will be looking for national-qualifying marks at the meet.
“It would be nice to see some national-qualifying marks,” Collins added. “I think we have a number of individuals that are mentally ready to go. Will have to see if their bodies are ready as well.”
After the Spokane Invitational, the Warriors break until they compete at Idaho’s Lauren McCluskey Memorial Open on Jan. 19. After three more meets at The Podium, LC State will conclude the regular indoor season at the EOU Last Chance Invite. Indoor nationals are scheduled for Feb. 29-March 2 in Brookings, S.D.
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