.jpg)
LAUREL — With numbers, experience and depth across multiple events, the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge track team is aiming for a strong 2026 season.
Head coach Shannon Benson welcomed 41 Bears and Lady Bears to practice earlier this month and said leadership from returning upperclassmen will set the tone.
“We have some great leadership coming from our returning upperclassmen and women,” Benson said. “I hope we can follow the high standard they have set for our season.”
Benson is joined on the coaching staff by Nate Sims, Zeke Stephens, Brandi Settje and Nick Puppe.
The Lady Bears return several athletes with state meet experience, led by distance standouts Kate Tasler and Faith Galvin. Both competed in Omaha last year and are expected to contend again in individual events and relays.
“We should have a very solid distance team this season,” Benson said. “Faith and Kate will be our leaders, but we have some other runners who contributed last year and have improved.”
On the boys side, Drey Puppe returns after a state appearance and is expected to be a top contender in the hurdles. He will also compete in the pole vault and high jump after earning a state medal a year ago.
Boston Brown joins the Lady Bears lineup after qualifying for state last season and is expected to contribute in both running and jumping events.
“Boston works very hard and is driven and wants to improve,” Benson said. “We hope she has a very successful 2026 season.”
Jaylen Carpenter and Carlie Kvols also return after narrowly missing state last season and will look to take the next step this spring.
Benson said the team’s depth will be a key strength, particularly in distance and relay events.
“Addie Hoeppner, Shane Langford, Hunter Benson, Justice Olson, Sebastian Von-Drongelen and Ava Christiansen all had solid seasons in 2025 and will be a big part of our distance and mid-distance groups,” he said. “We hope to have two solid 3,200 relay teams.”
In the field events, Kolton Settje, Cade Johnson and Paul Allison will lead the throws, while Laney Folkers and Tyler Recob are expected to contribute in the jumps.
“Hannah Hart, Aubri Kleinschmit and Maddy Campbell will be in the throws and are ready to take a big step this season,” Benson said.
A strong sophomore class could also make an impact. Taelynn Settje, Weston Patefield, Josiah Tasler, Grace Galvin, Jolynn Kinkaid and Nathan Boysen all return after impressive freshman campaigns.
“They will look to improve and compete for medals in the sprints, jumps, vault and relays,” Benson said. “This group is very focused and determined to help the team.”
Additional contributors include Alex Allison, Turner Thompson and Devyn Staples, who add depth in the throws and sprints.
Benson also pointed to a group of younger athletes — Ruby Jonas, Kloie Ferris, Nora Sprecht, Willa Roberts, Mady Ross, Lisa Jackson and Nolan Nordby — as key pieces for the future.
“The future is bright with these athletes,” he said. “They work hard and will have a very successful season.”
Owen Johnson is expected to bolster the distance events and relays after a strong cross country season.
LCC will open its season April 2 at the Plainview Invitational before competing April 8 at the Knox County Invitational in Creighton.
