NEDERLAND — Another great year for the Nederland High School track and field has come to an end, after a lengthy season of new experiences, personal records, and fun times. The 2026 track finale took place last Monday, May 18, at Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS), it was a chilly, yet ecstatic celebration of all the wonderful athletes at Nederland this season.

Students were recognized with honorary awards such as the Most Valued Player, Most Improved, and Nederland's own unique, special tradition: The Panther Award. The banquet honored each and every member of the team from duel-sport varsity athletes, to first time track runners and jumpers. With a small team, every single person plays as much of an important role as the next, everyone works with each other, supports each other and trains hard together, it's hard to find another team with an atmosphere like Nederland's.  

The title of Most Valued Player was undoubtedly awarded to NMSHS junior River LeMaster. LeMaster, whose contributions to the team this year have been completely unforgettable, setting three school records and becoming the only NMSHS student in 2026 to compete in not one, but two events at the Colorado Track and Field state championships this year. 

LeMaster brings her passion and talent with her everywhere both on and off the track and the field. As we move into LeMaster’s final year of high school track, it will be truly incredible to see what she ends up accomplishing.

“River had a fantastic season, setting a league record, two school records and finishing 3rd and 4th at State,” said Coach Kathy Butler.

The Panther Award is granted to the student who best shows their teammates and peers what being a Panther is all about, they are the leading examples of what it means to be a great person, a great athlete and an outstanding contribution to the team. This year, the Panther Award was given to two wonderful athletes and people: Amika Begin and Nathan Sibray.

“They both showed their willingness to support the team, train really hard, and represent the team as much as they could,” said Coach Butler.

Nederland junior Amika Begin has been a positive light for the team the past three years no matter the situation. Begin always goes out of her way to cheer for her teammates, train as hard as possible and keep her head high, this makes her a great Panther.

“I don't think I would have run even as close to as fast as I did without Amika's constant support and push,” commented Libby Chandler.

Begin is the type of athlete that will always lift you up if you are having a bad race or practice, she is always there for the entire team and even those outside of the team, always handing out high fives to strangers and congratulating everyone.

“Mika in particular contributed in a large way to the teams second place finish in league by winning two events and performing great the 4x800,’’ said Coach Butler

 Freshman Nathan Sibray, a new addition to the team, always meets everyone with an immensely positive attitude. He approaches track and field with an admirable willingness to step outside of his own comfort zone, and try new things that everyone should look up to. Sibray, who joined the team a few weeks after practice had begun, immediately became a huge positive part of the team and made it to every single meet that he could.

It will be exciting to see what Sibray will accomplish the next three years along with the rest of the freshman athletes: Tyler Begin, Isla Harmon, and Lily Troy, who still have more than half of their high school careers ahead of them.

Speaking of the freshman class, this season saw the largest representation of one singular class that the team has seen in a while, with four unique, hard working, tight knit freshmen on the team this year. Contrast this to the sophomore class with a “whopping” representation of one. The freshman group is energetic and they make everyone on the team (even the coaches) laugh all the time. They are willing to try just about anything with track and field and will always approach it with a positive attitude.

This year the team does, unfortunately, have to say goodbye to two of its most prevalent, consistent and hard working team mates, seniors: Abby Hess and Benjamin Weber. Hess and Weber have both been a huge part of the team for most of their high school years. Both competitive, strong, and consistent athletes who have brought so much to the team over the years. Hess and Weber will be deeply missed, the two are like the glue of the team. Much luck to the both of them on their next adventure, both Hess and Weber will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder.

Abby Hess competes in the 200 meter dash.

Photo courtesy of Nederland Track and Field Team

Most improved on the team was awarded to sophomore Libby Chandler. This was awarded to Chandler due to the fact that she is currently ranked second for the most improved 3200 time in the whole state across all regions and leagues, and fifth in the 1600 across all regions and leagues. Decreasing her 3200 (2 mile) time from last year by three whole minutes with a 2025 season personal record (PR) of 15 minutes, and a 2026 season PR of 12 minutes.

One thing about track and field that people sometimes forget is the field part. However, the “ field” in track and field is one of the most entertaining, competitive, and respectful parts of the whole sport. From the Nederland team only 20% participated in a field event, LeMaster in the high jump and long jump, and Hess in the throwing events: discus and shot put. 

Both LeMaster and Hess are exceptional at field events with LeMaster ranking top four at the Colorado State Championships, and Hess just missing qualification by a lick. The amazing thing about both LeMaster and Hess is that they are not only focused on field events, but balancing their time between the field and the track.

The season of course would not be a proper season without its let downs, junior Eva Wrobel, a new addition to the team, suffered a leg injury in the middle of the season, preventing her from racing most of it. However, this did not stop Wrobel from supporting her teammates and staying strong. She had a great session before the injury, so hopefully she will come back stronger than ever for her senior year.

It was a great year. Coaches Kathy Butler and Gavin Coombs described themselves as “shocked and pleasantly surprised” at how well the season went, every single person the team really put themselves out there and trained very hard.  

The team improved both physically and mentally, Coach Butler stated: “Numbers alone, don't tell the whole story." The coaches were really impressed with their improvements as athletes and teammates.

Not only was this year one of the strongest for the team, but also one of the most competitive years in Colorado history, while the Nederland team was strong, so was everyone else. 

The girls 4x800 team missed state qualification by just a few seconds, as well as Amika Begin and Libby Chandler being just 10 seconds off qualification in the two mile (3200m). It reminded everyone that anything can happen, as Coach Coombs said: “Nothing is for certain, you cannot always ensure a spot,” but hopefully this will just inspire the team to train harder, fight harder and secure a state spot next year! 

Although the Nederland High School track season is over, training still continues as the coaches prepare for cross country and all of the excitement that comes with it. The coaches will be hosting an unattached all comers track meet on July 31 at the Nederland High School track to raise money for the high school cross country and track team.

The first-time event is available to all ages and abilities and events include everything from the 400 meter dash to a seltzer mile, to a hay bale steeplechase. Community members are invited to come out, have a great time, and support the Nederland High School Track and Field Team.

Congratulations to the Nederland Panther's 2025-2026 Track and Field Team!