Very early in Nellas’ head-coaching career, when his Lady Lancers made the playoffs in 2000, it was the first time any Deer Lakes Track team had made the playoffs. It proved to be a pivotal moment for the program—that team was State and WPIAL Runner-Up. The girls then proceeded to win the section the next two years, helping strengthen the program. This year’s squad is no different, who went undefeated to claim the section title.

“It’s a very senior-dominated team,” Lou Nellas says. “I had a feeling from the start they could make a run at it. So far, so good, but we have a couple of tough hurdles coming up [with Freeport and WPIALs around the corner.]” Pacing the Lady Lancers on a run for the money are 400m and 1600m relay units who both made the States in 2005. Senior Keri Rodella is a team captain, a 2005 WPIAL medalist, and runs on both of those distance relays. Carrie Brooks, a senior, is also captain and runs on both relays.

Others To Watch: Rodella, 400m & 1600m relays, 300 hurdles; Brooks, 400m & 1600m relays, 100m; Casey Baker, senior, 1600m relay; Anne Leonard, senior, 400m relay, long jump; Ashley Unger, senior, discus (went to States in 2005); Amanda Olar, senior, captain; Carey Mittermeier, triple jump, captain; Michelle Blose, sophomore, 400m relay; Shelby Parks, freshman, 1600m relay