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ELKHART — Elkhart High School unified track coach Todd Sheely admits that the athletes in his program, like any other, like the trophy that comes with winning.
But this IHSAA sanctioned sport, in which the Lions are the two-time defending state champions in, is much, much bigger than the final results on any scoreboard.
Unified Track is an inclusive sport where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together on the same team, promoting social inclusion, teamwork, and personal growth.
The sport is all about inclusion, team and culture when it comes to the Lions.
"At the end of the day, we all come together here to be a team," said Elkhart junior Ian Krempec. "I like the unity of being part of this team. It shows me that we all have our differences, but that does not matter."
From 2025: Back-to-back: Elkhart unified track and field squad claims another IHSAA state title
Krempec, who also plays soccer and basketball at EHS, is in his second year on the team. His older brother Colin was a senior last year.
"I love how this gives everyone an opportunity to participate," Krempec stated. "I enjoy playing sports and I enjoy supporting all of my teammates on this team and enjoy seeing them have the same opportunity to play that I do."
Sheely's team won sectional and regional titles a year ago before outscoring Penn 123-119 to repeat as IHSAA state champions. The Lions bested second place Fishers 124-112 in 2024 to win the state title.
Sheely, who is also the boys soccer coach at EHS, has now won three state titles, three regionals and six sectionals in the past eight years. He guided Elkhart Memorial to a state title in 2018.
"Our culture here has a lot to do with it," said Sheely of the amazing run of success in a growing sport. "Our kids know what to expect, and that makes it so much easier from a team standpoint. We never leave anyone behind. We work hard and compete, but we do it as a team. That makes things a lot easier."
More: Feathers family remembers loving mother, wife with fondness
The Lions, who are just one of three programs statewide to win multiple state championships, are set to compete Saturday, May 23 in the 11-team sectional at NorthWood High School in Nappanee. The top three teams there earn a spot in the NorthWood Regional May 30, with the top four teams in the regional advancing to the state finals on June 6 at North Central High School in Indianapolis.
Sheely's team this year has 59 members. Unfortunately, only 30 can be on the sectional roster. Sheely saw his team take a big step forward at its final regular-season meet at Warsaw on May 14.
"I saw them come together and really support each other," noted Sheely. "That was really great to see. It takes some time. We had like 20-plus new kids on the team this year from last year, so it's a little different."
Olivia Baca is a junior who is also a second-year member of the team. Baca, who competes in the long jump and the relay, also plays Unified flag football.
"I like running, so I decided that I would try this and I liked it," said Baca of how she became involved with Unified track. "I love being with my teammates. Everyone is happy and laughing and I just love being around them."
Sheely also gives out immense credit to his two assistant coaches Kris Bartley and Brian Ketchum. He also credits paraprofessionals Kendall Maurer, Russ DeFord, Ray Shon Smith and Dajshiana Williams, who come to practice every day to help with the team.
"There is no way that we could operate at the level we do without all six of them," Sheely emphasized. "100 percent no way. We're very blessed to have all of them."
Krempec competes in the long jump and the 400 relay event.
"I respect all of my teammates, and there is a bond with them," Krempec said. "Our main goal is just for everyone to do their best. We rely on everyone to do that. We've done pretty well this season and now our goal is to win the sectional.
"I really respect coach Sheely. I'd say that I do this because of a combination of him and that my brother also did that."
Sheely knows his team will put its best foot forward come Saturday.
"Our kids like the trophy, but it's all about seeing them succeed," Sheely said. "We had a kid drop his time 22 seconds in his race at Warsaw and the smile on his face was what this is really all about.
"That being said, I'm always anxious and nervous for postseason. But I know that our kids will give it their best on Saturday at the sectional. Our goal is top three and advance."
Bartley, who teaches Special Education at EHS, praised both Baca and Krempec.
"Both of those kids have grown immensely," said Bartley. "Olivia has come so far. She was very quiet last year. This year, she is taking freshman under her wing.
"The thing about this sport is that you get to see kids grow as human beings. You see them take a teammates hand."
Baca was spot on when she summed up what this sport is truly all about.
"I'm excited for sectional and it's important to be close to them (my teammates)," said Baca. "But it's not about the winning or losing."
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Elkhart High School looking for third IHSAA unified track state title
Continue reading...
But this IHSAA sanctioned sport, in which the Lions are the two-time defending state champions in, is much, much bigger than the final results on any scoreboard.
Unified Track is an inclusive sport where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together on the same team, promoting social inclusion, teamwork, and personal growth.
The sport is all about inclusion, team and culture when it comes to the Lions.
"At the end of the day, we all come together here to be a team," said Elkhart junior Ian Krempec. "I like the unity of being part of this team. It shows me that we all have our differences, but that does not matter."
From 2025: Back-to-back: Elkhart unified track and field squad claims another IHSAA state title
Krempec, who also plays soccer and basketball at EHS, is in his second year on the team. His older brother Colin was a senior last year.
"I love how this gives everyone an opportunity to participate," Krempec stated. "I enjoy playing sports and I enjoy supporting all of my teammates on this team and enjoy seeing them have the same opportunity to play that I do."
Sheely's team won sectional and regional titles a year ago before outscoring Penn 123-119 to repeat as IHSAA state champions. The Lions bested second place Fishers 124-112 in 2024 to win the state title.
Sheely, who is also the boys soccer coach at EHS, has now won three state titles, three regionals and six sectionals in the past eight years. He guided Elkhart Memorial to a state title in 2018.
"Our culture here has a lot to do with it," said Sheely of the amazing run of success in a growing sport. "Our kids know what to expect, and that makes it so much easier from a team standpoint. We never leave anyone behind. We work hard and compete, but we do it as a team. That makes things a lot easier."
More: Feathers family remembers loving mother, wife with fondness
The Lions, who are just one of three programs statewide to win multiple state championships, are set to compete Saturday, May 23 in the 11-team sectional at NorthWood High School in Nappanee. The top three teams there earn a spot in the NorthWood Regional May 30, with the top four teams in the regional advancing to the state finals on June 6 at North Central High School in Indianapolis.
Sheely's team this year has 59 members. Unfortunately, only 30 can be on the sectional roster. Sheely saw his team take a big step forward at its final regular-season meet at Warsaw on May 14.
"I saw them come together and really support each other," noted Sheely. "That was really great to see. It takes some time. We had like 20-plus new kids on the team this year from last year, so it's a little different."
Olivia Baca is a junior who is also a second-year member of the team. Baca, who competes in the long jump and the relay, also plays Unified flag football.
"I like running, so I decided that I would try this and I liked it," said Baca of how she became involved with Unified track. "I love being with my teammates. Everyone is happy and laughing and I just love being around them."
Sheely also gives out immense credit to his two assistant coaches Kris Bartley and Brian Ketchum. He also credits paraprofessionals Kendall Maurer, Russ DeFord, Ray Shon Smith and Dajshiana Williams, who come to practice every day to help with the team.
"There is no way that we could operate at the level we do without all six of them," Sheely emphasized. "100 percent no way. We're very blessed to have all of them."
Krempec competes in the long jump and the 400 relay event.
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"I respect all of my teammates, and there is a bond with them," Krempec said. "Our main goal is just for everyone to do their best. We rely on everyone to do that. We've done pretty well this season and now our goal is to win the sectional.
"I really respect coach Sheely. I'd say that I do this because of a combination of him and that my brother also did that."
Sheely knows his team will put its best foot forward come Saturday.
"Our kids like the trophy, but it's all about seeing them succeed," Sheely said. "We had a kid drop his time 22 seconds in his race at Warsaw and the smile on his face was what this is really all about.
"That being said, I'm always anxious and nervous for postseason. But I know that our kids will give it their best on Saturday at the sectional. Our goal is top three and advance."
Bartley, who teaches Special Education at EHS, praised both Baca and Krempec.
"Both of those kids have grown immensely," said Bartley. "Olivia has come so far. She was very quiet last year. This year, she is taking freshman under her wing.
"The thing about this sport is that you get to see kids grow as human beings. You see them take a teammates hand."
Baca was spot on when she summed up what this sport is truly all about.
"I'm excited for sectional and it's important to be close to them (my teammates)," said Baca. "But it's not about the winning or losing."
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Elkhart High School looking for third IHSAA unified track state title
Continue reading...
