By BRAD BAUGHMAN, for The Democrat

Jay Myers, girls varsity track and field coach at Brown County High School, welcomed a small but talented group of athletes to the 2021 season. And, after missing last season because of COVID, he senses a bit more eagerness in his runners.

“I think the loss of last season will make everyone appreciate this season a little bit more. So far there has been a real sense of excitement for the season to finally get back out and compete,” Myers said.

With only 15 runners on the roster, Myers said “it is going to be a stretch to try and fill every event, but the events we do have athletes entered in, we will be competitive.”

It’s a close-knit group as well. “I think the greatest strength of our team is our culture and how close all the girls are to one another. They have shown that they love being at practice and love being around one another,” he said.

A trio of talented distance runners could spell problems for Eagle opponents this spring. Sophomores Abby Fleetwood and Hadley Gradolf have yet to run in a high school track meet, but Myers has good reason to believe in their abilities. “Following a successful cross country season, I am excited to see them compete in the distance events on the track,” Myers said. Senior Eme Koester will add depth and experience to the distance events.

Junior Christy Sebastian will be the Eagles’ primary sprinter, and Myers likes her versatility. “I feel that Christy can be competitive in whichever sprinting event we put her in,” he said. Early season workouts have shown “she has gotten faster since last year.”

Natalie Suding, senior pole vaulter, is poised to have a successful season, as she has experience competing in the postseason and big meets. She will be looking to improve on her personal best jump of 8 feet, 6 inches.

Coach Myers and his girls should get their first taste of competition Tuesday, April 6 in a three-way meet at Bloomington North with the host Cougars alongside Bedford North Lawrence.