Local Athletes Shine at IHSAA Girls State Track and Field Championships

The Indiana high school girls track and field season concluded with the IHSAA state championship held on Friday, June 5, at North Central High School in Indianapolis. Southwestern Indiana athletes showcased their talents, competing against some of the best in the state.

Highlighting the event was De'Janay Layne, a senior sprinter from North, who capped off her illustrious career by clinching the state title in the 200 meters with a time of 24.30 seconds. This victory marks her second championship in this event, having first won during her sophomore year. Additionally, Layne finished as the runner-up in the 100 meters, clocking in at 12.12 seconds, just .18 seconds behind Chesterton's Kenedi Bradley.

Layne's achievements place her among the elite in Evansville history, as she has reached the state finals podium seven times, including a relay during her sophomore year. Her success is underscored by her sweep of the City, Southern Indiana Athletic Conference, sectional, and regional titles this spring. She joins a select group of female athletes with multiple state titles, which includes names like Alexia Smith, Yamani Hunter, Cassandra Lander, and Kayla Tucker.

Other notable performances from the Evansville area included Jasper sophomore Katherine Woebkenberg, who secured fourth place in the pole vault with a height of 12 feet, 6 inches. Boonville senior Ava Kelley finished eighth in the 100 meters with a time of 12.26 seconds and also participated in the long jump, where she placed 16th. Forest Park freshman Ellie Meunier garnered ninth place in the 400 meters, completing the race in 57.38 seconds.

Carmel emerged as the overall team champion, while North High School, bolstered by Layne's contributions, ranked 11th in the final standings with a total of 18 points.