Nicholas Eader is entering his first year at the helm of the East Knox girls’ track and field team, and he said while he is still in the process of getting to know the Bulldogs, he has a strong mix of youth and seniority on his team this spring.
“The goal for this year is to show constant improvement while building towards a strong showing at KMAC Championship Meet,” Eader said.
Eader has nine years of coaching experience, but it his first season at East Knox and also as a head coach. He has formed his coaching philosophy around the influence of Marty Dahlman, who was the head track coach at Watkins Memorial High School and offered him his first coaching job. Eader also said current WMHS Coach John Jarvis has been integral in his coaching skills, as he learned a lot from him when working with him.
“Both put an emphasis on being a team which isn't always common in a largely individual sport,” Eader explained. “It makes for a better practice environment which leads to greater success and a more enjoyable season.”
Eader’s strategy is to be as competitive as possible at all meets this year. He said he will be leaning on East Knox boys' track Coach Jason Ewalt for his decades of experience as they work their way through the regular season and up to the postseason.
“He is a phenomenal leader for East Knox Track and Field, and helps me with everything,” Eader said.
Junior Isabella Grennell is a top notch thrower, and one to watch for this season.
“Still need to refresh myself with other records, but I know for sure that Isabella Grennell is on the verge of breaking both the shot put and discus throw records,” Eader said.
Senior Taylor Severt is an athlete to watch out for. She will be running the distance events, including the 800 meters, 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters.
Junior Adrian Clutter will be running the 800 meters and also the 100 meter hurdles. Sophomore Macie Fawcett is running the 400 meters.
The team will also have a few freshmen who could do big things running and jumping. Isabelle Bostic is running the 400 meters and also competing in pole vault. Cloe Tucker is running the 200 meters and 400 meters. Malena Streby is running the 800 meters and the 1600 meters.
The team has three seniors this season including Severt, Hiba Ezzarouali and Ella Vannatter.
“Excited to watch our team compete against many different schools this season,” said Eader. “There are a ton of opportunities to grow for each athlete. Would love to see a strong finish at KMAC that rolls into strong district, regional, and state meet performances.”
Bulldogs 2024 Roster
Barlock, Brooke 2027 (9th)
Bostic, Isabelle 2027 (9th)
Clutter, Adrian 2025 (11th)
Ezzarouali, Hiba 2024 (12th)
Fawcett, Macie 2026 (10th)
Grennell, Isabella 2025 (11th)
Neighbarger, Alexis 2027 (9th)
Severt, Taylor 2024 (12th)
Streby, Malena 2027 (9th)
Tucker, Cloe 2027 (9th)
Vannatter, Ella 2024 (12th)
Wilson, Mackenzie 2026 (10th)
2024 Schedule:
3/23/24 @ Fredericktown Invite 10:00am
3/30/24 @ Plymouth Invite 9:00am
4/9/24 @ Crestline 4:30pm
4/13/24 @ Loudonville Invite 9:00am
4/16/24 @ Danville Quad 4:30pm
4/20/24 @ Danville Invite 10:00am
4/24/24 HOME Tri w/Lucas & Danville 4:30pm
4/26/24 @ Fredericktown Invite 4:30pm
4/29/24 @ Centerburg Quad 4:30pm
5/3/24 @ Mt. Vernon Invite 4:00pm
5/7/24 @ KMAC (@ Fredericktown) 5:00pm
5/14/24 @ Districts (@ Granville-Day 1) 3:00pm
5/15/24 @ Districts (@ Granville-Day 2) 3:00pm
5/18/24 @ District Final at Granville 9:00am
