By FRED KRONER
Here’s a little secret that many folks don’t realize: Scanning a list of a school’s all-time leaders doesn’t always reveal what you might think.
The best way to illustrate the point is by examples.
A glance at Mahomet-Seymour’s all-time season boys’ basketball leaders in scoring shows these players in the top five:
1) Grant Coleman, 678 points, 2019-20
2) Cory Noe, 650 points, 2017-18
3) Brett Melton, 645 points, 1998-99
4) Craig Buchanan, 632 points, 1991-92
5) Cory Noe, 612 points, 2016-17
5) Steve Rinkel, 612 points, 1972-73
The list is pretty explanatory and, as far as we know, completely accurate.
Let’s switch over to girls’ track and field.
The leaders’ list at M-S for the 400-meter run shows:
1) Mady Marx, 55.88 seconds, 2025
2) Jessica Franklin, 57.02 seconds, 2018
3) Jessica Melchi, 57.60 seconds, 2012
While the times are accurate, the list doesn’t truly reflect reality.
Since entering M-S, Marx has run the 400 meters outdoors a total of eight times in under 57.00 seconds.
A true list of the school’s top 400-meter times would show Marx with 15 of the top 16 times (with Franklin ranking ninth), followed by Melchi in 17th place.
That’s not the way track and field records are charted. The top performances – not just at M-S, but throughout the state – include only the top performance for each individual.
The reasoning was explained to me back when I was a Cub reporter, still learning my way around a newsroom.
The idea, I was told, is to recognize as many different athletes as possible. Therefore, whatever the event, a person’s best performance – and only the best performance – will be charted on the all-time track leaders’ list.
The same concept applies in swimming. The honor roll listings will feature multiple athletes, but only with their top time or score even if one of them actually recorded the best five times.
The same logic applies in cross-country, but not in baseball or softball.
M-S’ season leaders’ list in softball lists just two different players among the top four for career home runs:
1) Karley Yergler, 17, 2022
2) Karley Yergler, 14, 2021
3) Aubrie Shore, 13, 2018
4) Aubrie Shore, 8, 2019
A word to the wise: be careful how statistical leaders are viewed and valued.
Without further ado, Mahomet-Seymour’s Quarter-Century track and field team for girls.
EMILY ANAND, Class of 2026, DISTANCE. Stands fourth in the school record books for the 3,200 meters (11:23.02). St. Thomas More transfer had a top time of 5:21.70 in the 1,600 meters.
MEAH BEACHAM, 2024, LONG & TRIPLE JUMPS/SPRINTS. All-Stater as a junior (ninth place) in the triple jump. As a junior, had top marks of 35-5 ¼ in the triple jump and 13.94 in the 100 meters.
BRITTANY BOHN, 2011, DISTANCE/HIGH JUMP. All-Stater as a senior (sixth place) in the 800 meters. All-Stater as a sophomore and senior on three relays that placed among the top six at state. As a sophomore, fifth in the area in the 800 meters (2:23.46). As a junior, second in the area in the 800 meters (2:21.00) and 10th in the 1,600 meters (5:38.92). As a senior, was third in the area in the high jump (5-2) and was third in the area in the 800 meters (2:17.56), which ranks third on the all-time M-S list. Was also third in the area as a senior in the 1,600 meters (5:11.70), which is also the school’s fourth-best time. Finished fourth in the area in the 3,200 as a senior (11:48.00).
AVA BOYD, 2024, DISTANCE. All-Stater as a junior (fourth place) in the 1,600 meters. Stands third in the school’s all-time record book for the 1,600 meters (5:07.64) and fifth in the 3,200 meters (11:30.30). Had a time of 2:22.59 in the 800.
DANI BUNCH, 2009, WEIGHTS. Two-time All-Area first-teamer. Two-time state champion (junior and senior) in the shot put and fourth-place finisher as a sophomore. Two-time state-placer in the discus, second as a senior and ninth as a junior. Holds school records in the shot put (51-0 ¾) and the discus (142-6).
SYLVIA BYRON, 2020, LONG & TRIPLE JUMPS/HURDLES. As a freshman, ranked seventh in the area in the 300 hurdles (48.52) and 10th in the area in the 100 hurdles (16.75). As a sophomore, ranked seventh in the area in the triple jump (34-4), ninth in the area in the 100 hurdles (15.88) and 12th in the area in the 300 hurdles (48.98). Had a top time of 48.52 as a freshman in the 300 hurdles.
JESSICA BURKE, 2012, HURDLES/SPRINTS. All-Stater as a senior (eighth place) in the 300-meter hurdles. Also, All-Stater as a senior on a relay. Stands in a tie for fourth place in the school-record books for the 200 meters (25.9), a time she achieved as a freshman, which was the area’s second-best that year. As a sophomore, was 10th in the area in the long jump (16-4). As a junior, was third in the area in the 200 meters (25.92). As a senior, was third in the area in the 300 hurdles (46.11), which is fifth-best on the all-time school list.
EMMA CABUTTI, 2012, SPRINTS. An All-State runner on relays as a freshman, sophomore and junior. The four total relays all placed among the state’s top six. On school-record-setting 1,600-meter relay (3:59.49) with Jessica Melchi, Maggie Prillaman and Katie Forshey. As a freshman, posted the area’s second-best time in the 400 meters (59.70), which stands No. 6 on the school’s career charts. As a junior, was 10th in the area in the 800 meters (2:29.00).
KARA CARNEY, 2025, HURDLES. All-Area second-teamer as a junior. All-Stater as a junior (sixth place) in the 300-meter hurdles. Also as a junior, All-Stater on two relays that placed among the top six at state. Had a top time of 46.37 in the 300 hurdles.
MARY PAT CHOULES, 2005, POLE VAULT. All-Area first-teamer as a senior. Two-time All-Stater in the pole vault (first place as a senior and fourth place as a junior). Holds school record for the pole vault (12-4).
AMY CLAWSON, 2009, DISTANCE. All-Stater as a senior (fifth place) in the 3,200 meters. Stands third in the school record book for the 3,200 meters (11:22.73), which was the area-best time when she set it as a freshman. Also as a freshman, ranked second in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:21.60). Was also second in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:16.95) as a sophomore, when she was the area leader in the 3,200 (11:29.14). As a senior, first in the area in the 3,200 meters (11:26.82) and third in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:27.14).
TAJIA CUMMINS, 2009, HURDLES/TRIPLE JUMP. All-Stater as a senior (ninth) in the triple jump. As a freshman, ranked fifth in the area in the triple jump (34-0). As a sophomore, ranked second in the area (behind senior teammate Laura Morris) in the 100 hurdles (15.50) and led the area in the 300 hurdles (46.96). As a junior, ranked third in the area in the 100 hurdles (15.98), third in the triple jump (34-9 ½) and fourth in the 300 hurdles (47.78). As a senior, third in the area in the 100 hurdles (16.10), fourth in the 300 hurdles (48.09) and fifth in the triple jump (35-6 ½).
KATIE EDEN, 2000, WEIGHTS. All-Stater as a senior (ninth place) in the discus. Her season best toss (125 feet) ranked third in the area.
JENNIFER FALL, 2006, HURDLES/HIGH JUMP. All-Stater as a junior (eighth in the 300-meter hurdles) and as a sophomore (ninth in the high jump). Also, All-Stater as a sophomore and as a junior with three different relays. Stands second in the school career record books for the 300-meter hurdles (44.70) and ranks third all-time in the high jump (5-6). Was the area leader in the 300 hurdles as a sophomore (44.9). As a senior, was the area leader in the 300 hurdles (44.70).
KATIE FORSHEY, 2010, HURDLES/SPRINTS/HIGH JUMP. All-Stater as a junior (seventh place) in the high jump. On school-record-setting 1,600-meter relay (3:59.49) with Jessica Melchi, Maggie Prillaman and Emma Cabutti. Stands fourth in the school’s all-time record book for the 300-meter hurdles (45.91). As a sophomore, ranked second in the area in the high jump (5-4). As a junior, ranked second in the area in the high jump (5-4) and ninth in the area in the 400 meters (1:01.60). As a senior, ranked first in the area in the 300 hurdles (45.91), second in the area in the high jump (5-4).
JESSICA FRANKLIN, 2018, HURDLES/SPRINTS/LONG JUMP. All-Area first-teamer as a senior. State champion as a senior in the 300-meter hurdles. Also as a senior, All-Stater with a relay. Holds school record for the 300-meter hurdles (43.45) as well as in the 800 meters (2:15.83) and also ranks second in the 400 meters (57.02). As a senior, ranked first in the area in the 400 meters (57.02) as well as the 300 hurdles (43.45) and also second in the area in the 800 meters (2:15.83), fourth in the area in the 200 meters (26.20), sixth in the 100 hurdles (15.41) and 11th in the long jump (17-0 ¼ ).
KELSIE FUOSS, 2025, POLE VAULT. All-Stater as a junior (tied for third place) in the pole vault, clearing 10-8. As a senior, had a personal-best of 10-8 ¾ and wound up 14th at state (10-2).
ELISE HOCKING, 2015, HURDLES/HIGH JUMP. As a sophomore, All-State as part of a relay team. As a freshman, fourth in the area in the 100 hurdles (15.83) and sixth in the 300 hurdles (47.50). As a sophomore, third in the area in the 100 hurdles (15.34) and fifth in the 300 hurdles (47.30). As a junior, ranked fourth in the area in the 300 hurdles (47.40) and fifth in the 100 hurdles (15.72). Also as a junior, tied for 10th in the area in the high jump (5-0). As a senior, ranked ninth in the area in the 300 hurdles (48.58) and 12th in the 100 hurdles (16.22).
JULIE JARRETT, 2008, DISTANCE. All-Stater as a sophomore on a relay which placed among the top six at state. As a freshman, posted area’s second best time in the 1,600 meters (5:27.5) and the third-best 3,200-meter time (12:16.87). As a sophomore, ranked fourth in the area in the 1,600 (5:22.90). As a junior, ranked fifth in the area in the 1,600 (5:30.30). As a senior, ranked second in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:20.37), fourth in the area in the 800 meters (2:22.74) and fourth in the 3,200 meters (12:12.00).
MACKENZIE JOOP, 2014, WEIGHTS. All-Stater as a freshman (sixth place) in the discus. Ranked fourth in the area as a freshman in the discus (114-1). As a sophomore, ranked third in the area in the discus (119-10).
EMILY KAUFFMAN, 2015, WEIGHTS. All-Area first-teamer as a senior. All-Stater as a senior (second place in the discus and ninth place in the shot put) and as a junior (eighth place in the discus). Stands third in the all-time school record book in the discus (132-11) and is also third all-time at M-S in the shot put (40-2 ¾). As a junior, ranked second in the area in the discus (124-1) and sixth in the shot put (37-7 ¼). As a senior, ranked second in the area in the discus (132-11) and fourth in the shot put (40-2 ¾).
KAITLIN LEWIS, 2017, MID-DISTANCE. As a junior, ranked fifth in the area in the 800 meters (2:22.19). As a senior, ranked 10th in the area in the 800 meters (2;26.44).
MADALYN MARX, 2026, SPRINTS. Two-time All-Area first-teamer. Two-time state champion in the 400 meters (as a sophomore and junior) as well as the state runner-up as a freshman. As a junior, All-Stater (second place) in the 200 meters. As a sophomore, anchored school record-setting 400-meter relay (49.02). Holds school records in both the 200 meters (24.84) and the 400 meters (55.88).
SHAINA MASSO, 2005, SPRINTS. All-Stater with the school-record-setting 800-meter relay as a senior (1:43.69), joining Jennifer Fall, Colette Wisehart and Amanda Warner. Masso’s top time in the 100 meters as a senior was 12.8 and in the 200 was 25.95, which ranked eighth in the area.
BRISA McGRATH, 2019, DISTANCE. As a freshman, ranked eighth in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:26.27). As a sophomore, ranked eighth in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:21.58) as well as eighth in the 3,200 meters (11:52.66). As a junior, ranked sixth in the area in the 3,200 meters (11:43.64) and ninth in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:21.04). As a senior, had a top time of 11:40.68 in the 3,200 meters. IHSA first-team Academic All-Stater as a senior.
TWINKLE MEHTA, 2015, MID-DISTANCE. All-Area second-teamer as a senior. All-Stater as a sophomore (ninth place) in the 800-meter run and again as a senior (sixth place) in the 800-meter run. All-Stater as a freshman and as a sophomore with two different relays. Ranks fifth in the school record-book for the 800 meters (2:18.86). As a sophomore, the area leader in the 800 meters (2:18.86) and ranked fifth in the area in the 400 meters (1:00.30). As a junior, ranked sixth in the area in the 400 meters (1:00.09), eighth in the 800 meters (2:23.27) and 11th in the 200 meters (26.44). As a senior, ranked first in the area in the 800 meters (2:18.97) and third in the area in the 400 meters (59.79).
JESSICA MELCHI, 2013, SPRINTS/POLE VAULT. Two-time All-Stater in the 400 meters (eighth as a sophomore and fourth as a junior). Also, All-Stater with four total relays as a freshman, sophomore and junior that all placed among the top eight at state. Ranks third in the school record book in the 400 meters (57.60) and fourth in the pole vault (11-9). As a freshman, ranked fourth in the area in the 400 meters (59.56) and was tied for third in the pole vault (10-0). As a sophomore, the area leader in the 400 meters (58.62) and ranked second in the pole vault (10-9). As a junior, the area leader in the pole vault (11-9) and ranked second in the area in the 400 meters (57.60). As a senior, ranked third in the area in the pole vault (11-0) and sixth in the area in the 100 meters (12.65).
LAURA MORRIS, 2007, LONG & TRIPLE JUMPS/HURDLES. All-Area first-teamer as a senior. Four-time All-Stater in the high jump (fifth place as a freshman, third place as a sophomore, second place as a junior and sixth place as a senior). Also, All-Stater as a senior (sixth place) in the long jump. Ranks second in the school record book in both the 100-meter hurdles (14.99) as well as first in the long jump (18-11 ¼), second in the high jump (5-7) and third in the triple jump (36-6).
LYDIA MORRIS, 2001, HIGH JUMP/TRIPLE JUMPS/HURDLES. Tied for fourth in the school record book for the high jump (5-5). As a junior, third in the area in the triple jump (36-6) and fourth in the area in the 100-meter hurdles (15.80). School record-holder in the triple jump (36-10).
LAKEIDA NICHOLS, 2019, SPRINTS/LONG JUMP. All-Area second-teamer as a freshman. All-Stater as a junior as part of a relay. As a freshman, ranked second in the area in the 100 meters (12.23), fifth in the area in the long jump (16-11) and 10th in the 200 meters (26.63). As a sophomore, ranked 10th in the area in the 100 meters (12.85). As a junior, ranked third in the area in the 100 meters (12.65) and 10th in the long jump (17-0 ¼).
ABIGAIL NIELSEN, 2014, DISTANCE. As a junior, ranked fourth in the area in the 3,200 meters (11:39.42) and fifth in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:27.16).
JOSI PARKER, 2007, DISTANCE. All-Stater as a junior with a relay. Stands fourth in the school record book for the 800 meters (2:18.55). As a sophomore, top time in the 400 meters was 1:01.8. As a senior, ranked third in the area in the 400 meters (1:00.40) and was the area leader in the 800 meters (2:18.55).
CASSIE PERRY, 2017, WEIGHTS. All-Area second-teamer as a senior. All-Stater as a senior (sixth place) in the discus. As a sophomore, ranked 13th in the area in the discus (107-2). As a junior, ranked seventh in the area in the discus (119-9) and 13th in the shot put (35-5 ½). As a senior, ranked fifth in the area in the discus (125-4).
MARA PLETCHER, 2020, POLE VAULT. All-Area second-teamer as a sophomore. All-Stater as a sophomore (fourth place) in the pole vault. Also, All-Stater as a sophomore on relays. Stands second in the all-time record book for the pole vault (12-1). As a freshman, ranked fifth in the area in the pole vault (11-1). As a sophomore, ranked second in the area in the pole vault (12-1).
MAGGIE PRILLAMAN, 2013, SPRINTS. All-State with the school-record-setting 1,600-meter relay as a freshman (3:59.49), joining Jessica Melchi, Emma Cabutti and Katie Forshey.
HANNA QUERY, 2008. SPRINTS. All-Stater as a junior (fifth place) in the 100 meters and in the 200 meters (third place). Also, All-Stater as a freshman with a relay. Ranks tied for first in the school record book for the 100 meters (11.8) as well as third in the 200 meters (25.10) and fifth in the 400 meters (58.74). Was the area leader in the 100 meters (12.0) as well as the 200 (25.10) as a junior. As a senior, was the area leader in the 200 meters (25.13) as well as in the 400 meters (58.74).
SHAELIN RUZICH, 2021, POLE VAULT/HURDLES. All-Area second-teamer as a senior. All-Stater as a senior (eighth place) in the pole vault. Stands third in the school record book for the pole vault (11-11 ¾). As a sophomore, had a top time of 47.22 in the 300 hurdles and 15.80 in the 100 hurdles.
HANNAH SCHAAP, 2009, DISTANCE. All-Stater as a senior with a relay which placed among the top six at state. Stands fifth in the school record book for the 1,600 meters (5:14.04), the time which was the area-best her freshman year. Also as a freshman, ranked second in the area in the 3,200 meters (11:36.96). As a sophomore, fourth in the area in the 1,600 (5:28.78). As a junior, ranked fifth in the area in the 3,200 meters (12:15.00). As a senior, 10th in the area in the 800 meters (2:28.99).
MAUREEN SCOTT, 2002, DISTANCE. Four-time All-Stater in the 3,200 meters (eighth as a freshman, eighth as a sophomore, third as a junior and second as a senior) as well as the state champion as a senior in the 1,600 meters and the fifth-place finisher in the same event as a junior. Holds school records in the 1,600 meters (4:54.9) and the 3,200 (10:44.2) and stands second in the 800 meters (2:16.8). As a sophomore, posted the fastest times in the area in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200.
MEGAN SCOTT, 2004, POLE VAULT. All-Stater as a senior (sixth place) in the pole vault. Also, All-Stater as a sophomore with a relay that placed among the top five at state. Stands fifth in the school record books for the pole vault (11-6).
ADDIE TENNANT, 2008, WEIGHTS. Stands second in the school record book for the discus (133-9), which ranked third in the area as a senior. Also as a senior, ranked fourth in the area in the shot put (38-11). As a junior, ranked third in the area in the discus (128-8) and fifth in the shot put (38-0).
BECKY TOLLAKSON, 2016, POLE VAULT. As a sophomore, ranked in a tie for fourth in the area in the pole vault (10-6). As a junior, ranked in a tie for eighth in the area in the pole vault (10-0).
AMANDA WARNER, 2005, SPRINTS. Top time in the 100 meters as a senior was 12.6. Also as a senior, an All-Stater on two relays, including the M-S record-setting 800-meter foursome (1:43.69).
LAUREN WHTEHOUSE, 2016, DISTANCE. All-Area first-teamer as a senior and All-Area second-teamer as a junior. Two-time All-Stater in the 3,200 meters (fifth place as a junior and sixth place as a senior). Stands second in the school record book for the 3,200 meters (10:58.43) and fourth in the 1,600 meters (5:00.22). As a freshman, the area leader in the 1,600 meters (5:18.77) as well as the 3,200 meters (11:25.42). As a sophomore, ranked first in the area in the 3,200 meters (11:16.62) and second in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:17.76). As a junior, ranked first in the area in the 3,200 meters (11:18.49) and third in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:17.35). As a senior, ranked first in the area in the 1,600 meters (5:00.22) as well as the 3,200 meters (10:55.43).
MORGAN YOUNG, 2013, WEIGHTS. All-Stater as a senior in the discus (second place) and the shot put (seventh place) as well as in the discus (ninth place) as a sophomore. As a freshman, seventh in the area in the discus (106-7). As a sophomore, second in the area in the discus (122-3). As a junior, ranked second in the area in the discus (124-2) and third in the area in the shot put (37-4). As a senior, the area leader in the discus (132-1), which ranks fourth all-time at the school, and was second in the area in the shot put (39-6 ½), which is also fourth on the M-S school charts.
