AHSTW Girls Track and Field Poised for Strong Season with Lamp's Return

Junior Bella Lamp's comeback from injury boosts the Lady Vikes' hopes for success in 2026.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:49am

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The AHSTW girls track and field team is gearing up for a promising season, with 16 athletes out for the team and the return of junior Bella Lamp, who was one of the top runners in the 400 and 400 hurdles last year before suffering a season-ending injury. Head coach Traye Pelzer says the team is better with Lamp back, and they have strong middle distance runners in seniors Ava and Makenna Paulsen. The Lady Vikes are also looking to their sprinters, throwers, and jumpers to contribute to their success.

Why it matters

AHSTW's girls track and field team is poised to be a contender this season, with the return of a key athlete in Bella Lamp and a strong supporting cast of experienced runners and field event specialists. The team's performance will be closely watched in the local community and could lead to increased interest and participation in the sport.

The details

Last year, Lamp was having a standout season in the 400 and 400 hurdles, but she suffered a season-ending injury just before the conference meet. Now healthy, her return boosts the Lady Vikes' chances of success in the relays and individual events. The team also has strong middle distance runners in seniors Ava and Makenna Paulsen, who will lead the 400s and 800s. Sophomores Kennedy Wyman and Emery Brockhoff will join the Paulsens and Lamp in the relays. In the sprints, Brooke Lee and Natalie Stoakes will lead the way, while Addison Carroll and freshman Katy Scheffler will contribute in the throws. Lee will also compete in the long jump.

  • AHSTW will open their outdoor season at the Early Bird Outdoor Meet at Audubon on Monday, March 30.

The players

Bella Lamp

A junior who was one of the top runners in the 400 and 400 hurdles last year before suffering a season-ending injury.

Traye Pelzer

The head coach of the AHSTW girls track and field team.

Ava Paulsen

A senior who runs in the middle distance events for the Lady Vikes.

Makenna Paulsen

A senior who runs in the middle distance events for the Lady Vikes.

Kennedy Wyman

A sophomore who will join the Paulsens and Lamp in the relays.

Emery Brockhoff

A sophomore who will join the Paulsens and Lamp in the relays.

Brooke Lee

A sprinter and long jumper for the Lady Vikes.

Natalie Stoakes

A sprinter for the Lady Vikes.

Addison Carroll

A thrower for the Lady Vikes who also competes in the mile and two-mile.

Katy Scheffler

A freshman thrower for the Lady Vikes.

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What they’re saying

“Last year, Lamp was having a huge season but just before the WIC meet, she went down with a season ending injury. At the time, she was one of the top runners in the 400 and the 400 hurdles. Now she is back and Pelzer says the team is better for it”

— Traye Pelzer, Head Coach

“Both the 4x400 and the 4x800 made it to state last year without Lamp — the 4x400 finished 14th and the 4x800 finished 13th. Sophomores Kennedy Wyman and Emery Brockhoff will join the Paulsens and Lamp in the relays says Pelzer”

— Traye Pelzer, Head Coach

“Overall Pelzer says the team is showing a lot of potential”

— Traye Pelzer, Head Coach

What’s next

AHSTW will open their outdoor season at the Early Bird Outdoor Meet at Audubon on Monday, March 30.

The takeaway

The return of Bella Lamp, combined with a strong supporting cast of experienced runners and field event specialists, has the AHSTW girls track and field team poised for a successful season. The community will be closely watching to see if the Lady Vikes can capitalize on their potential and make a deep run in the state championships.