ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond Senior High School girls’ indoor track and field team is back for a new season this winter.
It was the school’s only program not to compete during the shortened 2020-21 athletic calendar last year.
But the Lady Raiders and head coach Reggie Miller, along with programs all across the state, have the green light from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association to resume competition.
Richmond, which opens its season on Wednesday, has spent the last several months gearing up for its return. The season officially opened on Nov. 1, but Miller and the Lady Raiders have been having workouts since school started earlier this fall.
“It is very exciting because last year the NCHSAA canceled our indoor track season because of COVID-19,” Miller said of the return. “Even though we didn’t get to compete, we are just happy to get back doing what we love to do.
“My expectations for the team are to stay committed, improve everyday in practice, believe in yourself, and compete at the highest level,” he added. “And if we can do that, we will be successful.”
Left to right: hurdlers Fallon Little, Michala Nechvilova and Aniya Tanksley work through drills at Monday’s practice. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
The Lady Raiders’ indoor track and field team is made up of runners and throwers who compete in cross country and spring track and field. Miller said that the in-between season, which sees athletes compete at indoor and outdoor venues, helps strengthen all three of the school’s running programs.
“This benefits us because our indoor workouts for the girls start in the fall when school starts, and we like to get our conditioning and workouts in early,” Miller said. “Indoor track helps us stay motivated and competitive going into the outdoor season.
“We also get a chance to compete with the runners during the indoor season that we will see again during the outdoor season,” he continued. “I believe indoor track helps grow the foundation for our outdoor track program to be successful.”
Junior Rachel Martin throws a shot put. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
Among those Miller expects to lead the team are juniors Isis Covington, Andrea Ellerbe, Akeya Harrison and Jay’da Williams. Both Ellerbe and Harrison will run in the 300-meter, 500-meter and 4×200-meter relays.
Covington and Williams will round out the 4×200-meter relay team, along with senior Talayeh Covington. Both Covingtons also run in the 55-meter dash and 300-meter race, and Williams adds depth to the 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles and 300-meter sprint.
Freshman Fallon Little will run in the 55-meter hurdles and 300-meter dash, while fellow freshman Ella Munn will serve as a long distance runner in the 1000 and 1600-meter races.
Sophomore Aniya Tanksley and junior Michala Nechvilova are set to compete in one running event (55-meter hurdles) and one field event (high jump).
Sophomore Aniya Tanksley clears a hurdle at practice. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
A host of Lady Raiders will compete in just field events, including senior Rayana Shubert, juniors Honesty Horne and Rachel Martin and sophomore Jasmine Dockery in the shot put.
Senior Janiya Blue is expected to compete in the long, triple and high jumps, and sophomore Zyreia Robinson will join her in the high jump.
“We have high expectations of everyone,” Miller said. “The girls know what’s expected of them and know that every meet that we compete in they must meet a qualifying time to advance to the state championship.
“Returning outdoor girls are Isis Covington, Andrea Ellerbe, Talayeh Covington, Akeya Harrison and Jay’da Williams,” he added. “Aniya Tanksley had a great outdoor season last year and I think their commitment, hardwork and determination will help us obtain our team goal, and that is to qualify and compete for the state championship.”
Freshman Ella Munn completes a lap around the track. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
Richmond will run in the Hoke County Polar Bear 1 meet on Wednesday to start its season.
Below is a complete schedule for the Lady Raider indoor track and field team:
Nov. 17 — Hoke County Polar Bear 1 (Raeford, N.C.)
Dec. 11 — JDL Omega Sports Invitational (Winston Salem, N.C.)
Dec. 18 — JDL Holiday Invitational (Winston Salem, N.C.)
Jan. 22 — Cuthbertson Polar Bear 1 (Waxhaw, N.C.)
Feb. 5 — Charlotte City Championship (Waxhaw, N.C.)
Feb. 11 and 12 — NCHSAA State Championship (TBD)
