GHS Girls Track Team Primed for Strong 2026 Season

Coach Jody Chapman previews a squad with six returning state qualifiers and high expectations

Mar. 26, 2026 at 2:00pm

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The Galesburg High School girls track team is gearing up for a promising 2026 season, led by veteran head coach Jody Chapman. The Streaks are coming off a 2025 campaign that saw them finish just a half-point shy of a sectional title and qualify nine entries for the state meet, including six returning state qualifiers this year.

Why it matters

The GHS girls track team has established itself as a consistent contender in Illinois, and their success reflects the strength of the Galesburg athletic program and the community’s commitment to youth sports development. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Streaks are poised to make another run at a state championship in 2026.

The details

Coach Chapman, who has led the Streaks for 24 years, has assembled a strong coaching staff including assistants Heather Herchenroder, Valerie Furrow, and Blayze Purchase. The team’s key returners include state qualifiers Ava Marty, Khloe May, Lily Furrow, Taylor Herchenroder, Grace Herchenroder, and Ella Herchenroder. So far in the indoor season, the 4x400 relay team of Grace Herchenroder, Ella Herchenroder, Taylor Herchenroder, and Izzy Kennedy has put up a strong performance just shy of the outdoor state qualifying time.

  • The Streaks’ Invite meet is scheduled for April 10, 2026, with field events starting at 4 p.m. and running events at 5:15 p.m.
  • Galesburg will host a triangular meet with Moline and Geneseo on April 27, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The players

Jody Chapman

Head coach of the Galesburg High School girls track team for the past 24 years, with over 30 years of total head coaching experience.

Heather Herchenroder

Assistant coach for the Galesburg High School girls track team.

Valerie Furrow

Assistant coach for the Galesburg High School girls track team.

Blayze Purchase

Assistant coach for the Galesburg High School girls track team.

Ava Marty

Returning state qualifier for the Galesburg High School girls track team.

Khloe May

Returning state qualifier for the Galesburg High School girls track team.

Lily Furrow

Returning state qualifier for the Galesburg High School girls track team, placing 9th in the triple jump at state in 2025.

Taylor Herchenroder

Returning state qualifier for the Galesburg High School girls track team.

Grace Herchenroder

Returning state qualifier for the Galesburg High School girls track team.

Ella Herchenroder

Returning state qualifier for the Galesburg High School girls track team.

Izzy Kennedy

Member of the Galesburg High School girls 4x400 relay team that posted a strong indoor performance.

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What they’re saying

“For our season to be successful this season first and foremost we need to be healthy at the end of the season. We need a few of our younger kids to develop into filling roles to add to our returners from last year. At sectionals first and second qualify for state and automatic times, so good weather can help that tremendously as we might be able to get times.”

— Jody Chapman, Head Coach

What’s next

The Streaks will look to build on their strong indoor performances as they transition to the outdoor season, with key meets like the Streaks Invite and triangular against Moline and Geneseo on the schedule in April.

The takeaway

With a talented roster of returning state qualifiers and an experienced coaching staff, the Galesburg High School girls track team is primed for another successful season in 2026. Their pursuit of a sectional title and state championship berth will be a source of pride for the Galesburg community.