Minerva girls track and field, no surprise, has talent everywhere on roster

Clichés become clichés for a reason. They are witty phrases embodying some truth that are repeated over and over again.

One such cliché? Great programs don’t rebuild; they reload. A cliché for sure. But for the Minerva Lady Lions’ track and field team, it’s also the truth. For every talented athlete that contributes to Minerva’s storied success and graduates, newcomers are prepared to take step in and pick up the slack.

Such is the case this year, as head coach Olivia Scott enters her 12th season leading a Lady Lions program that is primed for success following a seventh-place finish at the OHSAA Div. II regional meet in 2025.

“The Minerva girls track team is excited to begin another season and build on the success of recent years,” Scott said. “We return a group of very talented and highly motivated athletes.”

The name Minerva is synonymous with distance running thanks to the Lions’ achievements in both cross country and track. In 2026, Minerva’s distance group once again figures to be a strength, even after graduating key contributors. Sophomore Tateum Richard leads the way after an outstanding indoor season in which she captured a state championship in the 800 meters. Richard, along with Addison Keyser, Charlie Galley, and Chloe Carson, also helped Minerva’s 4x800 relay to All-Ohio honors after placing seventh.

“I am excited to see what she can accomplish this spring,” Scott said of Richard, who enters this season a returning EBC champion, district champion, and outdoor state qualifier.

Junior Makenzie Beavers is another key distance runner to watch after breaking the school record during cross country season, while athletes such as Taylor McGeorge add depth to a group that continues to develop.

In the field events, Minerva returns a strong and experienced throwing unit led by regional qualifier Lanae Walter, along with senior Autumn Thompson and juniors Jayden Kirkpatrick and Rachel Benedict. Their leadership and experience should provide stability and scoring potential.

“We are excited to see the progress this group can make throughout the season,” Scott said.

The sprint and jumping events will also be an area of growth, with several athletes expected to contribute. Emma Catlett returns after helping the 4x400 relay qualify for the state meet last season, as does letter winner Rainique Simmons. Meanwhile, Ivey Rettig, Callie Yeagley, and Carley Wolf headline a promising hurdles group.

The addition of newcomers should also improve depth, giving the Lions more flexibility across events.

Despite the optimism, Minerva will need to adjust to the absence of multi-sport standout Kyleigh Lippincott, a returning state qualifier who will miss the season following surgery.

“Her absence will certainly leave a void for the team,” Scott said of Lippincott, who will continue her academic career while playing soccer for Mount Union. “But we are proud of her accomplishments and excited for her future.”

Even with that loss, the Lady Lions remain confident in their ability to compete.

“Our league is always the best around when it comes to track and field,” Scott said. “I believe we can compete with any of the teams.”

With a strong and replenished core of distance runners, experienced throwers, and developing depth at nearly every event, Minerva’s girls’ team looks ready to continue its upward trajectory.

As Minerva prepares for the season ahead, look for the Lady Lions to compete at their customary high level while also making another statement in the EBC this spring.