Clark County R-1 Track & Field Preview: Q&A with Head Coach Ethan Allen

With the spring season underway, the Clark County R-1 boys and girls track teams are gearing up for another competitive year. Head coach Ethan Allen shared his thoughts on returning talent, team strengths, and what to expect in 2026.

Q: Who are some returning athletes we should watch this season?

Allen: On the boys side, we’ve got a strong group coming back. Mason McDaniel, Brennan Fuller, Avery Biggerstaff, Kai Binsbacher, Dylan Butler, Ryles McIntire, Riley Moeller, Lukas Weaver, Wyatt Billings, Quintin Roach, Reid Sammons, Grant Smeltser, Breckin Webster and Chris Randle all return with experience.

For the girls, Mya Anderson, Presley Ames, Madison Boyd, Alexis Hageman, Irelyn Plenge, Brooklynn Wallain, Maggie Wheeler and Lillian Shaffer are some key returners for us.

Q: What are your team’s strengths heading into the season?

Allen: Having Mason McDaniel back in the distance events is a big strength because of both his talent and leadership. We’ve also got some good guys around him, and overall I think we’re going to be competitive in all areas. The guys are working really hard and competing for spots, which is great to see early in the season.

On the girls side, our biggest strength is numbers. We’ve got more athletes out and should be able to fill all events, which helps with team points. We’re excited about that depth.

Q: What events do you expect to score points in consistently?

Allen: I’m pretty confident we’ll score well in the distance and mid-distance events for the boys, but I’d be surprised if we don’t score well across the board.

For the girls, we’re still figuring that out. We’ve got a lot of young and new athletes, so it may take some time to find the best fit for everyone.

Q: What are the biggest challenges or areas of focus for your team?

Allen: We’ve got some athletes trying the hurdles, but only a couple have experience there. It’s a tough event, but those kids are putting in a lot of effort and we really appreciate that.

Q: Who are some newcomers or under-the-radar athletes who could make an impact?

Allen: For the boys, Konner Howell, Liam McIntire, Samuel Miller, Malaki Phillips, Landon Roberts, Conner Smith, Gabe Tournear and Wylie Winters are names to watch.

On the girls side, Khloe Ball, Sydnee Binsbacher, Miah Griffey, Kennyck Nixon, Cabell Palmer, Chloe Shatley, Ally Winters and Kiara Winters could all make an impact.

Q: What are your goals for the season— individually and as a team?

Allen: Our main goal is to be competing at our best by the time districts come around and to qualify as many athletes for the postseason as possible. I think we’ve got a great opportunity to send several athletes on.

Mason had a tremendous year last season, and I’m excited to see what he can do again. Our 4×800 relay team also has a chance to be really special. Avery Biggerstaff and Brennan Fuller both made it to state last year in field events, and we’re looking for them to have big seasons and get back there with a chance to earn a medal.

Q: Who are your assistant coaches, and what events are they helping with?

Allen:

John Weaver — Sprints/Jumps

Andrew Daw — Distance/Mid-Distance

Erin Hopp — Throws/Hurdles

Jaden Bethel — Throws/Sprints

Jade Birch — Horizontal Jumps

Corbyn Harper — Mid-Distance/High Jump

With a strong returning core on the boys side and increased depth for the girls, Clark County appears poised to be competitive across multiple events as the season progresses—especially as the Indians build toward district competition later this spring.