High school track preview: These are the top 50 Boise-area athletes to watch this spring
We surveyed track and field coaches throughout Southwest Idaho looking for the 50 elite athletes to keep an eye on this season.
Below are the results, as well as the top athletes on each team. Athletes are not ranked in order. They are grouped by classification and sorted alphabetically by school.
TOP BOYS TO WATCH
Chase Lawyer, sr., Boise: He qualified in three events at last year’s state meet, taking third in the 110 hurdles, fourth in the 300 hurdles and second in the 4x200 relay. He owns the second-fastest time in the 110s this season and also ranks second in the open 200.
Jordan McDonald, sr., Boise: A pulled hamstring kept him off the track much of last season, but he finished first in the high jump at the 5A state meet and is looking to contend in the 110 hurdles.
Eli Rich, jr., Boise: He made the podium in the 100, 200 and 4x200 relay as a sophomore and now owns the state’s No. 1 times in the 100 (10.86) and 200 (22.40) this season.
Jack Sheesley, sr., Boise: He was a part of the Brave’s state-winning 4x800 relay and placed sixth in the 1,600 and fifth in the 3,200. He boasts the No. 1 times in the 1,600 (4:22.50) and 3,200 (9:39.63) so far this season.
Jacob Farmer, sr., Eagle: The top returner in the pole vault after placing second last season, he’s adding the long jump to his arsenal in 2025.
Blake Johns, sr., Meridian: He took second in the 5A shot put a year ago after a tie was broken based on each thrower’s second toss. He is a Utah State commit.
Carver Martin, sr., Meridian: He’s the top returner in the long jump after taking second with a leap of 22-6 at last year’s 5A state meet.
River Spaulding, jr., Meridian: He’s already cleared 15-3 in the pole vault this season, which ranks No. 1 in the state and would have been good enough for second at last year’s state meet.
Nate Stadtlander, sr., Meridian: The reigning 6A state cross country champion went from fourth to first to win the 1,600 final at state last season. He also placed fourth in the 800 and seventh in the 3,200.
Joseph Miraya, sr., Mountain View: Among the top throwers in the state last season, he took second in the discus and fourth in the shot put at the 5A state meet. The Weber State signee leads the state this season in the shot put (60-10) and has the third-best throw in the discus (159-4).
Timothy Price, sr., Rocky Mountain: He’ll be a force in the jumps following a runner-up finish in the high jump and third-place showing in the triple jump at last year’s 5A state meet.
Ethan Kirkendall, jr., Timberline: He could emerge as a contender in the sprints this season following a third-place finish at state in the 400 along with seventh in the 200 and fifth in the 4x100 relay.
Hudson Lewis, jr., Timberline: He’ll be a favorite to win the 6A boys 100 title after placing second a year ago. He also placed fifth in the 200 and 4x100 relay.
Isaac Edwards, sr., Bishop Kelly: The College of Idaho signee was part of the Knights’ state-winning medley relay and also took second in the 1,600 and ninth in the 800.
Owen Kane, sr., Bishop Kelly: He’ll be among the favorites in the jumps this season following a runner-up state finish in the triple jump and a fifth-place showing in the long jump.
Kenyon Carter, sr., Emmett: A favorite in the hurdle races after placing second in the 300 hurdles and fourth in the 110 hurdles at state last year. The College of Idaho commit currently ranks second in the 300 hurdles (38.69) and third in the 110 (14.55).
Zack Wolfe, sr., Ridgevue: The reigning 4A District Three champion in the pole vault will be the top contender in his classification after a second-place showing a year ago at state. He ranks fourth in the state this season (14-0).
David Gummersall, sr., Vallivue: His comeback could be inspiring. The 2023 state champion in the 400 broke his right leg during last year’s 4A District Three meet and missed out on state. He’s already back on the track ready for redemption his senior season.
Ezekiel Van Hofwegen, jr., Fruitland: With a leap of 21-10.5, he claimed the 3A state championship in the long jump. He added a sixth-place finish in the triple jump. He leads the state in the triple jump (46-5.25) and is tied for first in the long jump (21-11).
Ben Walker, sr., McCall-Donnelly: He earned runner-up finishes at last year’s 3A state meet in the 300 hurdles and 4x400 relay.
Charlie Speirs, so., McCall-Donnelly: He qualified for state as a freshman in all three distance events (800, 1,600 and 3,200) and is poised for a podium showing in 2025.
Chase Klahr, sr., Parma: He swept the shot put and discus at last year’s 3A state meet and currently ranks second in the state in the shot put (52-0) and fifth in the discus (150-7) this season.
Ian Johnson, jr., Nampa Christian: The school record holder and reigning 2A state 400 champion also anchored the Trojans’ winning 4x200 relay and was part of the runner-up 4x400 relay.
Everett Metier, sr., North Star Charter: He ran to a runner-up finish in the 3,200 and added a sixth-place showing in the 1,600 at last year’s 2A state meet.
Wyatt Stiff, jr., Tri-Valley: He’s a favorite in this year’s revamped 2A classification on the heels of a second-place finish in the 3,200 and fifth-place outing in the 1,600 at last year’s 1A state meet.
TOP GIRLS TO WATCH
Audrey Orme, jr., Boise: She’ll be one of the top contenders in distance races, grabbing a runner-up finish in the 1,600 last season along with placing fourth in the 3,200, second in the 4x800 relay and eighth in the 800.
McKenna Chavez, jr., Capital: The four-sport standout also stars on the softball team in the spring. Chavez is the reigning 5A state champion in the shot put.
Eden Francis, jr., Capital: The javelin will become an official state meet event this season, and Francis has the best throw in the state (101-3). She’ll also compete in the 100 hurdles, long jump and triple jump.
Christine Huckins, jr., Capital: She wrapped up the 2024 state track meet with gold medals and meet records in the 100 and 200 meters, and anchored the Eagles’ winning 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams.
Hallie Esmiol, sr., Centennial: After placing fifth in the 100 hurdles at the district meet, she ran her way to a runner-up finish at the 5A state meet in 2024.
Makenzie Baisch, sr., Eagle: She ran to a pair of third-place finishes in the 100 and 300 hurdles at last year’s state meet. She owns the state’s top time in both events this season.
Paisley Taylor, sr., Meridian: She’ll look to carry the momentum from an individual cross country title in the fall. She placed third in both the 1,600 and 3,200 at last year’s state meet and currently owns the state’s best time in the 800 (2:18.75).
Kami Clayton, jr., Mountain View: She placed third in the shot put at state last season and already has a mark of 39-5 this season, which is a personal best and ranks No. 3 statewide.
Quincy Keller, jr., Mountain View: She was among the fastest sprinters in the state in 2024, placing second in the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay and taking third in the 4x200. She currently ranks second in the 200 (25.37) and third in the 100 (12.24) this season.
Madilyn McCarty, sr., Mountain View: The Northwest Nazarene commit is chasing another podium finish in the shot put after coming in third in 2024. Her throw of 128-9 ranks No. 2 in the state this season.
Hallie Heemeyer, jr., Rocky Mountain: After placing third at the state cross country meet in the fall, she’ll be a contender in the distance races. She ranks first in the 1,600 (5:02.58) this season.
Aubrey Montoya, sr., Rocky Mountain: She’s qualified for state every year since she was a freshman, including the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay last season. She has the state’s No. 2 time in the 100 (12.21) so far this season.
Nadja Burkholder, so., Timberline: She qualified for the 5A state meet in two events last season, earning a runner-up finish in the triple jump and placing fourth in the 4x100 relay.
Nadia Kouskov, fr., Timberline: She’s already proved herself at the varsity level with a 10th-place finish at the state cross country meet. She ranks second in the 800 (2:22.95) and third in the 1,600 (5:10.75) this season.
Addi Richards, so., Emmett: She set a personal best with a clearance of 11-4 to win the 4A state meet in the pole vault last season. Richards has already cleared 11-1 to start the 2025 season.
Camilla Freeman, jr., Skyview: She took second at the 5A state cross country meet in the fall and landed on the podium at last year’s state meet in the 1,600 (sixth) and 3,200 (fourth).
Lydia Lindsey, sr., Fruitland: She had a monster 2024 3A state meet, winning the 100, 200, 100 hurdles and long jump. Lindsey is an 11-time state champion and has committed to Idaho State.
Olyvia Denison, jr., Payette: Watch for her to contend for a state title in both the long jump and triple jump after placing fourth and second, respectively, at the 3A state meet last season.
Kailee Lerew, Weiser: The reigning 3A state champion in the 400 and medley relay also placed second in the 200 and 4x100 relay.
Claire Matthews, jr., Weiser: She’ll be among the favorites in the distance races after coming off a sophomore campaign in which she placed second in the 800, third in the 1,600, fifth in the 3,200 and sixth in the 4x400 relay at the 3A state meet.
Macie Kern, sr., Cole Valley Christian: She cleared 10-6 to win the 2A state championship in the pole vault while also placing sixth in the 400.
Avery Reece, so., Nampa Christian: She made quite the debut, winning the 2A state championship in the 100 hurdles and adding runner-up finishes in the 100, 200 and long jump.
Aliceann Hilleshiem, jr., North Star Charter: Expected to contend for a state championship in the jumps following runner-up finishes in the triple jump and long jump last season.
Emma Barton, sr., Tri-Valley: She qualified for the 1A state meet in three events last season — triple jump (second), long jump (10th) and 4x100 relay (fifth).
Taliah Rogers, jr., Victory Charter: She placed second in the 800 a year ago and ran legs on the Vipers’ 4x200 (eighth), 4x400 (sixth) and distance (third) relays at state.
TEAM PREVIEWS
The top athletes to watch from each team around Southwest Idaho. Teams not listed did not respond to the Idaho Statesman’s preseason survey.
6A SIC
Boise: Jordan McDonald, sr.; Jack Sheesley, sr.; Eli Rich, jr.; Chase Lawyer, sr.; Audrey Orme, jr.; Will Studebaker, so.
Borah: Sierra Middleton, sr.; Anna Niyongahire, sr.; Booker Barrus, sr.; Garrett McMasters, sr.; Wyatt Rowedder, so.; Lucy Johnson, jr.
Caldwell: Nevaeh Jasso, sr.; Camus Book, jr.; Cody Call, sr.; Emilee Suarez, jr.; Anthony Barron, so.; Alan Navarro, fr.
Capital: Christine Huckins, jr.; Lily Sullivan, sr.; Eden Francis, jr.; Marcellus Clay, sr.; Waylor Legler, jr.
Centennial: Carson Burrup, sr.; Jada Miller, sr.; Hallie Esmiol, sr.
Eagle: Mackenzie Baisch, sr.; Ellery Brooks, sr.; Savannah Bub, sr.; Jacob Farmer, sr.; Betsy Reeder, so.; Aliceann Hillsheim, jr.
Kuna: Adric Tait, fr.; Izaiah Allen-Heinrich, sr.; Aubri Minnick, jr.; Myles Johnson-Nicholson, sr.; Deakan Richesen, sr.; Reagan Heinzerling, so.
Meridian: Hannah Bingham, sr.; Blake Johns, sr.; Nate Stadtlander, sr.; Paisley Taylor, sr.; Carver Martin, sr.; River Spaulding, jr.
Mountain View: Quincy Keller, jr.; Joseph Miraya, sr.; Madilyn McCarty, sr.; Kami Clayton, jr.; Lilja Walmsley, jr.; Nathan Bunning, sr.
Nampa: Tegon Lords, sr.; Max Heinz, sr.; Kartez Hernandez, jr.; Danae Martinez, sr.; Claire Schinerer, jr.; Sylvia Wells, jr.
Owyhee: Mason Gibbons, sr.; Carter Burdick, sr.; Josie Davis, sr.; Faith Johnson, sr.; Lilli Denhardt, jr.
Ridgevue: Zack Wolfe, sr.; Tristin Veach, sr.; Cash McKie, sr.; Caden Warren, jr.; Jake Farar, jr.
Rocky Mountain: Aubrey Montoya, sr.; Hallie Heemeyer, jr.; Cody Lucas, sr.; Timothy Price, sr.; Kaiden Kimble Turner, sr.
Timberline: Nick Janecko, sr.; Ethan Kirkendall, jr.; Sasha Livingston, jr.; Hudson Lewis, jr.
5A SIC
Bishop Kelly: Jack Tobin, sr.; Isaac Edwards, sr.; Zoey Stauffer, sr.; Caroline Henry, sr.; Reed Martin, sr.; Owen Kane, sr.
Columbia: Collin Wimer, sr.; Marcos Garcia, so.; Landon Hammer, jr.; Tyson Winkelman, so.; Jade Anderson, jr.; Molly Dribnak, sr.
Emmett: Kenyon Carter, sr.; Addi Richards, so.; Erin Hadley, sr.
Middleton: Breanna Martin, sr.; Elsie Wyatt, sr.; Taggart Stucki, so.; Logan Anderson, sr.; Finlee Fried, jr.; Miley Steele, jr.
Skyview: Tyler Bird, sr.; Dane Bowman, sr.; Cache Peterson, jr.; Makayla Naylor, sr.; Camilla Freeman, jr.; Isla Anderson, so.
Vallivue: David Gummersall, sr.
4A SRV
Fruitland: Lydia Lindsey, sr.; Zeke Van Hofwegen, jr.; Spencer Tracy, jr.; Kelvin Obot, jr.; Ella Smith, so.; Bennet Smith, sr.
Homedale: Rafael Cuenca, sr.; Aleczander Campos, so.; Kade Hall, jr.; Tayler Trout, sr.; Morgan Nicoletti, jr.
Payette: Jenna Cortwright, sr.; Anthony Fugate, jr.; Olyvia Denison, jr.
Weiser: Kailee Lerew, sr.; Claire Matthews, jr.
3A WIC
Nampa Christian: Ian Johnson, jr.; Avery Reece, so.; Thomas Duerre, sr.; Noah Howerzyl, sr.; Micah Evenhouse, sr.; Hope Grace Myers, sr.
New Plymouth: Ben Briggs, sr.; Gabe Cox, sr.; Lanyne Lee, fr.; Payton Travis, sr.; Josie Johnson, fr.
Parma: Chase Klahr, sr.; Megan Atkinson, sr.; Lily Houston, sr.; Layla Page, so.; Brady Roland, sr.; Lily Yeakley, so.
2A WIC
Cascade: Finley Wilkins, jr.; Garrett Rogers, so.; Nova Guest, so.; Jordyn Cummins, so.; Hannah Rowley, so.; Kayla Boring-Bartlett, sr.
Horseshoe Bend: Trey Bauer, sr.; Cole Gorski, so.; Gage Kennedy, so.; Lukken March, jr.; Colby Swan, sr.; Tristan Martinez, jr.
Meadows Valley: Natalie Ruth, so.; Jackie Steiner, jr.; Wyatt Frandin, so.
Rimrock: Ronaldo Gomez, sr.; Morgan Field, jr.; Kolton Jewett, jr.; Bryllie Mendoza, so.; Lainee Raymond, so.; Jeannie Trader, fr.
Victory Charter: Carson Hacking, fr.; Taliah Rogers, jr.; Caleb Schlerf, jr.; Libby Stockett, so.; Alyssa Hust, fr.; JD Willey, fr.
