Pre-Track Season Team Rankings: Girls

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Pre-Track Season Team Rankings: Girls

As stated in our initial boys' team rankings, these rankings are based on a traditional track scoring system of 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1, with placements determined by our individual rankings. The rankings reflect our projections for team scoring in distance events at the regional meet (4x800m relay, 3200m, 1600m, and 800m) and include the exact points we anticipate each team will earn. Each athlete is listed only once, ranked in what we believe to be their primary event. As the season progresses, we’ll update both individual and team rankings to reflect athletes competing in multiple events. Let’s dive into the rankings!

Hilliard Davidson: 36 (41) Points

While their runner-up finish at the cross country regional championships may have been disappointing, the Lady Wildcats enter the track season as heavy favorites to dominate the distance events. Our individual rankings are packed with Wildcat athletes. They are so dominant in the 800m that they currently hold three of our top four projected spots. These projections will adjust once we determine which two athletes will compete in the 800m and which one will likely contest the 1600m. For now, we’ve listed the Wildcats with 36 points; however, including their third 800m runner, their total would increase to 41 points. Familiar names from our cross country rankings, such as Celia Schulte, Gemma Pusateri, and Erica Kaulen, highlight the Wildcats’ formidable distance lineup. With depth across all events, they are also the favorites to claim the regional 4x800m relay title.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 1st place (10 points)
800m: Celia Schulte, 1st place (10 points)
800m: Emi Schoyer, 2nd place (8 points)
800m: Gemma Pusateri, 4th place (5 points)
3200m: Erica Kaulen, 2nd place (8 points)

Dublin Jerome: 22 Points

A familiar name in cross country, the Celtics of Dublin Jerome will rely on their top athletes to rack up points on the track. While they lacked the depth to contend with the top two teams in cross country, their star trio of Abbie McBrearty, Natalie Fouts, and Helen Randolph is among the most balanced in the region. Each is projected in the top five of different events, and they will team up to form our projected runner-up 4x800m relay.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 2nd place (8 points)
800m: Abbie McBrearty, 5th place (4 points)
1600m: Natalie Fouts, 5th place (4 points)
3200m: Helen Randolph, 3rd place (6 points)

Olentangy Liberty: 22 Points

Tied for second with 22 points, the Patriots of Olentangy Liberty are poised to carry their cross country momentum onto the track. With top-three projections in two individual events and a strong 4x800m relay, the Patriots won’t lack firepower at Pickerington North. They’ll be headlined by Bridget Snider in the 800m and reigning 3200m state champion Elena Aldrink, who is coming off an undefeated season in the 3200m. Aldrink will aim to defend her title while helping her team secure a top-three 4x800m finish.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 3rd place (6 points)
800m: Bridget Snider, 3rd place (6 points)
3200m: Elena Aldrink, 1st place (10 points)

Olentangy Orange: 14 Points

The Pioneers are led by junior standout Brooke Chapman, who dazzled during cross country and is the reigning 1600m state champion. Chapman, our top-ranked 1600m runner in the region, will be supported by teammate Bella Conforti, who broke out during cross country and could add individual points as well. Together, they will anchor a solid 4x800m relay team.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 5th place (4 points)
1600m: Brooke Chapman, 1st place (10 points)

Lancaster: 13 Points

The cross country regional champions enter the track season ranked fifth. While their depth was a strength on the grass, standout individual performances will be crucial if the Gales hope to remain the region’s top distance team. Senior Marisa Heil, who boasts a sub-5:00 personal best in the 1600m, will lead the charge. Lancaster will also rely on its cross country depth to assemble a strong 4x800m relay capable of challenging for a top-three finish.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 4th place (5 points)
1600m: Marisa Heil, 2nd place (8 points)

Bishop Watterson: 7 Points

The Eagles round out our preseason rankings. They are the only remaining team scoring in three different events. Freshman Kaitlyn Van Zandt will look to continue her momentum in the 3200m, while teammate Leighton Coey adds support in the 800m. Together, they will contribute to a 4x800m relay team aiming for a podium finish.

Scoring Breakdown: