BROWNSTOWN — The Brownstown Central boys’ and girls’ Track and Field teams celebrated their seasons on Wednesday evening.

Isiaah Engle made it the farthest this season for the Braves, finishing 26th in the state competition in the 300-Meter Hurdles at Robert C. Haugh Track Complex in Bloomington.

The boys had a compiled overall record of 75-10, celebrating a Mid-Southern Conference Title. The team finished in third place in the Brownstown Sectional.

The guys had 11 regional qualifiers in Hudson Fritz, Chance Ratliff, Shane Ratliff, Isiaah Engle, Gregory Hutcheson, Eli Crockett, Ryan Branaman, Jack Pace, Jaden Disque, Damien Owens, and Garrett Driver.

Coach Derrick Koch was also named MSC Coach of The Year for their dominant performance this season. Koch spoke about the season for the Braves.

“I was very pleased how we competed all year especially in the big meets towards the end of the year,” Koch said. “We have a group of guys that love to compete, and it showed in every meet. It was a fun group of guys to coach this year.”

Seven seniors were on the boys’ team; Branaman, Driver, Engle, Bryce Peak, Fritz, Brady Blann, and Traven Wellman. Coach Koch spoke about the group of graduated seniors.

“We are obviously going to miss our seniors because of the leadership they provided to the team, the energy they brought to every meet and the points they were able to score,” Koch said. “When you look at our points scored, the seniors scored over a third of our points. That’s a big gap to make up next year.”

Koch also announced his retirement from Brownstown Central High School and coaching the boys’ track team. He was there for over 25 years.

“I will miss everything about coaching,” he said. “We have a great work ethic at Brownstown Central. It is no coincidence that our athletic teams were so successful this year. Hard work led to great results this year.”

The Lady Braves ended their season with an overall record of 40-12 and a third-place finish in the sectional meet at Seymour High School.

Seven girls advanced to the IHSAA Regional in Bloomington; Noelani McPherson, Hailey Bair, Ella Nehrt, Addison Darlage, Sophie Wischmeier, and Olivia Fritz all advanced.

Head Coach Maria Conklin spoke about the season for the team.

“It was a great year for the Lady Braves,” Conklin said. “We improved throughout the season, finished 3rd at conference and sectional, and had regional qualifiers in 7 events.”

She spoke about the senior group of Tori Lokey and Lexi Wheeles and how pivotal their leadership has been.

“Tori Lokey and Lexi Wheeles were outstanding senior leaders for us,” Conklin said. “They both improved throughout the year and always worked hard. We will miss the contributions from Tori and Lexi and wish them the best in the future.”

Both teams will look to build on their 2023-24 seasons in 2024-25. Conklin spoke about some early goals for the next season.

“We’re hoping to get more girls out for the team, make a run to win conference and sectional,” she said. “Thanks to all the athletes for a great season, and all the parents, families, and fans for all their support of the Lady Braves.”

Varsity Letters

Girls: Tori Lokey, Lexi Wheeles, Chelsie Combs, Addison Darlage, Noelani McPherson, Hailey Bair, Ellie Black, Jenna Boknecht, Trinity Cody, Olivia Fritz, Sophie Wischmeier, Lana Wisler, Kori Ault, Ella Nehrt, Kaylee Steward, Josie Thompson, Paige Thompson.

Boys: Brady Blann, Ryan Branaman, Garrett Driver, Isiaah Engle, Hudson Fritz, Bryce Peak, Traven Wellman, Jaden Disque, Gregory Hutcheson, Chance Ratliff, Shane Ratliff, Trevor Branaman, Isaac Hutchinson, Damien Owens, Jack Pace, Sloan Stuckwisch, Trey Sweany, Landon Ault, Nathaniel Conyer, Mason Cowan, Eli Crockett, Brock Dean, William Miller.

Awards

Boys

Record: 75-10 overall

Most Valuable: Isiaah Engle

Most Improved: Damien Owens

Mental Attitude: Isiaah Engle

Oustanding Field Event: Jaden Disque

Outstanding Sprinter: Hudson Fritz

Oustanding Distance Runner: Chance Ratliff

Girls

Record: 40-12 overall

Most Valuable: Lana Wisler

Most Improved: Chelsie Combs

Mental Attitude: Ella Nehrt

Outstanding Field Event: Olivia Fritz

Outstanding Sprinter: Hailey Bair

Outstanding Distance Runner: Lana Wisler

All-Conference

Boys: Isiaah Engle, Jaden Disque, Jack Pace, Gregory Hutcheson, Hudson Fritz, Garrett Driver, Ryan Branaman, Chance Ratliff.

Girls: Tori Lokey, Ella Nehrt, Sophie Wischmeier, Hailey Bair, Lana Wisler.

All-State Honorable Mention

Ryan Branaman

Academic All-State Honorable Mention

Addison Darlage