Eight Seasons Strong: Honoring Poland’s Tradition of Track and Field Excellence
- district news
There was no calm after this storm as the Poland Tornadoes whirl through the 2024-25 track season with Section III Championship and League Championship titles.
The Tornadoes had a strong run in both the NYSPHSAA Section III Class D Championship and the Center State Conference League. Senior Maddison Haver led the charge once again, in the 200 meter dash (27.20), 400 meter dash (1:02.85), and long jump (16-0), proving to be an irreplaceable force on the track and in the field.
Rising star and eighth grader Hailey Haver showed her promise in the 400 meter dash (1:03.88) and an impressive 200 meter dash (27.84), while senior Zyanna Irving-Summers followed up with another strong showing in the triple jump (31’10.5”) and discus throw (84-8).
Relays were another key to the championship run, with the 4x400 meter relay team of Emma Muller, Ariel Pope, Riley Archer, and Alaina Meyer clocking a strong 4:59.12. Meanwhile, the 4x800 meter relay squad — Cassariah Bronson, Emma Muller, Ariel Pope, and Alexa Pope — put up a gritty effort at 13:40.46.
Athletes across the roster stepped up this season. From Ryan Vail’s determination in the pentathlon or the consistent presence of athletes like Kendra Houghtaling, Alexa Pope, and Isabele Horan across hurdles and distance races, the future looks exceptionally bright.
“It feels amazing to see all our hard work pay off and these championships mean the world to me and my team,” said junior Ryan Vail.
“There is always more pressure when you are trying to repeat as champion. The competition was very good this year too.” said head coach John Allen. “To come out on top in both the league and section again is a huge accomplishment.”
This year’s triumph marks the fifth sectional championship for the program (previously winning in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2024) and the sixth league title in seven seasons, continuing a tradition of excellence in Poland’s track and field history.
As Coach John Allen put it, “This team tends to find a way to rise to the challenge. They focus on having success individually and they are all able to contribute to the success we've had as a team. That’s why they’ve been able to finish as champions.”
Poland Girls Outdoor Track and Field 2024 - 2025 Team
Grade 8
Riley Archer
Hailey Haver
Alaina Meyer
Emma Muller
Bentlee Roark
Grade 10
Cassariah Bronson
Julia Ossont
Grade 11
Braelyn Foster
Grace Grems
Ariel Pope
Ryan Vail
Ashley Waterman
Grade 12
Maddison Haver
Isabele Horan
Kendra Houghtaling
Zyanna Irving-Summers
Alyssa Militello
Alexa Pope
Results