Members of the 2026 South Loup girls’ track team include, front row, from left: Kaileena Running Bear, Chloe Coleman, Erin Fitzgerald, Olivia Fitzgerald, Gracie Brennan, Lynae Wiese, Riley Leetch, Tasia Trotter, Claire Kulp, Emma Bierman, and Sophia Gronseth; Back row: Brook Bierman, Nyachay Haidle, Kora Dailey, Rae Hagler, Asa Starr, Jade Bierman, Josie Lehmkuhler, Kamryn Kramer, Emma Stallbaumer, Adalei Tullis, Alley Jorgensen, Kaygan Witthuhn, EvaLynn Wonch, Anna Coleman, Angel Mills, and Delanie Weinman. Not pictured: Chenney Dishman, Chari Pandorf, Jimi Fletcher, Tyra Brestel, and Tillie Bollig. (photo courtesy Debbie Connelly)

After 18 years at the helm as head coach, the name Mike Weverka has become synonymous with South Loup girls track. He is eager to begin a new season, accompanied by assistant coaches Nicole Recoy and Zac Sweet, and volunteer coaches Rick Peterson, Lane Chesley, Katie Berglund, and Diane Spangler.

Last year, the girls’ team finished as MNAC Runners-Up. The team qualified six girls for the Nebraska State Championship Meet, and four of the six are returning this season. Returning state qualifiers are Jade Bierman, Erin Fitzgerald, and alternate Asa Starr from the 4x400 relay team, and EvaLynn Wonch, who went to state in the discus. EvaLynn brought home the 8th-place medal last year in Class C.

Returning letter winners for the South Loup girls are: Seniors - Brook Bierman, discus; Tyra Brestel, shot put; Erin Fitzgerald, sprints and long jump Juniors - Jade Bierman, mid-distance and high jump; Alley Jorgenson, sprints; Charli Pandorf, pole vault; Asa Starr, sprints, long jump and high jump Sophomores - Anna Coleman, hurdles and mid-distance; Olivia Fitzgerald, sprints; Jimi Fletcher, sprints; Rae Hagler, hurdles and sprints; Josie Lehmkuhler, long jump and sprints; Emma Stallbaumer, throws; Delanie Weinman, mid-distance; EvaLynn Wonch, throws The team is also welcoming six freshmen this season, along with four other girls who are coming out for the first time.

“With only losing three girls from last year's team and adding all the newbies, we have 32 athletes out this year,” said Coach Weverka. “Our goals are to compete every day and to stay healthy for the three big meets, which are MNAC, District, and State.”

Coach Weverka notes the team’s speed, numbers and veteran athletes as their biggest strengths. “So we will be strong in every event,” he added. “As a coaching staff, we are very excited to watch this team develop.”

The 2026 track season kicks off today, March 26, for the Bobcats as they compete in Loup City. They will be back on the track at Elwood on Thursday, April 2, with events getting underway at 10 a.m.