Kankakee Valley closed its 2026 girls track and field season with multiple athletes making their mark at the IHSAA State Finals, held June 5 at North Central High School.
The Kougars scored three points to finish tied for 59th overall among 66 scoring schools, highlighted by senior distance runner Krista Sytsma. Sytsma capped her career with a seventh‑place finish in the 1600‑meter run, clocking 5:01.83 against a deep field of Indiana’s best. Her performance secured valuable team points and underscored the consistency she brought throughout the season.
Jenna Walker also competed in the 1600, placing 19th in 5:11.96, giving Kankakee Valley two strong representatives in the event.
In the field events, senior Haylee Hass delivered a memorable finale to her career. Hass cleared 10’6” in the pole vault, earning 16th place at the state meet. Her effort capped a stellar high school career defined by steady improvement and leadership within the program.
Sytsma’s scoring run, Walker’s competitive showing, and Hass’s vault highlighted the Kougars’ ability to compete across disciplines. While the team’s point total was modest, the presence of multiple state qualifiers reflected the program’s depth and commitment, closing the year with pride and momentum for the future.
