The Triad Girls Track and Field team achieved a historic victory, claiming their first-ever Class AA State Championship on May 23, 2026, at Eastern Illinois University. Led by standout performances, the Lady Knights outscored 66 competing teams, finishing with 43 points, a seven-point lead over the second place team. Key contributors included Sophia Schardan, who won the 100m dash, and the quartet of Schardan, Addie Field, Izzy Stein, and Ava Gallia, who set a new state record in the 4x100m relay. The team medaled in six events, capturing gold in two and silver in another, underscoring their dominance throughout the competition.

By the Numbers
  • Triad finished with 43 team points, beating the second place school by 7 points.
  • Sophia Schardan won the 100m dash with a time of 12.05 seconds.
  • The 4x100m relay team set a new state record with a time of 46.87 seconds.
  • Addie Field earned 8 team points, finishing second in the 400m with a personal best of 57.01 seconds.
State of Play
  • The team celebrated their first state title in track and field history.
  • Coach Adam Nelson highlighted the growth and teamwork among the athletes, attributing their success to hard work and perseverance.
  • Triad's performance has set a precedent to attract top athletes to the program in future seasons.
What's Next

The Lady Knights aim to build on this success in upcoming seasons, with hopes of attracting more talented athletes to the program and repeating their championship performance. Continued focus on training and teamwork will be key as they prepare for next year's competitions.

Bottom Line

The Triad Girls Track and Field team's remarkable achievement not only highlights their talent and dedication but also serves as a powerful motivator for future athletes in the program. Their victory exemplifies how hard work and unity can lead to historic success.