As Danville High School’s track and field team gears up for the season, head coach Matthew Blum is eager to see how his young but experienced squad performs.
Blum, in his fourth year as head coach, has helped expand the program’s participation and competitiveness. He started as an assistant in 2021 before taking over, drawn by the opportunity to build relationships and enhance the program. His goal remains to develop athletes’ speed and skills while fostering a strong track team.
This year, Blum is especially excited about the team’s depth in sprints, throws and hurdles. Sophomore Kelsey Hackman leads the group after a standout freshman season, where she won four Knox Morrow Athletic Conference titles, a district championship in the 100-meter hurdles, and qualified for state.
The team also returns key throwers, including senior Andrea Holland and sophomores Owen Gronberg and Brookelynn Carter. With strong underclassmen and growing participation—now over 70 athletes—Blum expects increased competitiveness, particularly in distance events, as Danville aims for another successful season.
