KANKAKEE, Ill. – The Kankakee Girls Track and Field Team once again demonstrated their dominance as they clinched the IHSA Class 2A State Championships for the second consecutive year. The Kays outperformed their rivals at Eastern Illinois University Saturday with an impressive score of 66 points, surpassing Geneseo by eight points to secure the team title.
Returning home to a hero’s welcome, the Lady Kays arrived in Kankakee on Saturday night at 8 PM, following exit 312. Led by an escort from the Kankakee Fire and Police departments, the community lined the streets to celebrate the state champions and join in the festivities held in their honor at the high school.
Throughout the competition, the Kankakee team showcased their exceptional talent on the track, delivering standout performances. Nevaeh Lowe sprinted her way to a personal best time of 12.03 seconds in the 100-meter finals, securing a well-deserved second-place finish. Naomi Bey-Osborne, Lowe’s teammate, exhibited her speed and agility in the 200-meter finals, clinching second place with a time of 24.58 seconds. Bey-Osborne continued her dominance in the 400-meter race, claiming the gold medal with an impressive time of 56.20 seconds.
The Kankakee relay team proved their strength and coordination in the 4×100-meter and 4×200-meter relays, earning first place in both events with times of 47.72 seconds and 1:41.78 minutes, respectively. In the 4×400-meter relay finals, the Lady Kays secured another first-place victory with a time of 3:57.65 minutes.
The team’s success extended to individual events as well, with notable performances from athletes such as Nikkel Johnson, who finished sixth in Shot Put Finals with a throw of 11.73m, and Na’Kyrah Cooks, who placed fourth in Long Jump Finals with a leap of 5.46m.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Marques Lowe, the Lady Kays’ victory at the IHSA 2A Girls State Track & Field Championships is a testament to their exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and remarkable teamwork. As back-to-back state champions, the Kankakee Girls Track and Field Team has left an indelible mark in the annals of Kankakee High School’s track and field history.
Full 2023 Lady Kays Roster includes:
- Aniya Lewis
- Arielle Lawrence
- Brooklynn Baptist
- DaMariana Tooles
- Genesys Hill
- Jerika Harris
- Laurin McIntosh
- Marielle King
- Naima Jones
- Na’Kyrah Cooks
- Naomi Bey-Osborne
- Nevaeh Lowe
- Nikkel Johnson
- Saniyah Simington
- Taleah Turner
- Taniya Munson
- Trinity Noble
- Tytiana Sutton
Coaching Staff:
- Erica Baptist (Assistant Coach)
- Joceynn Crowell (Coach)
- Sarah Ganster (Assistant Coach)
- Alfred Hollis (Coach)
- Marques Lowe (Head Coach)
- Kurt Weigt (Meet Director)
