Hoxie Girls Win 2A State Track Title

The Hoxie Lady Indians present their 2025 State Track Trophy at Cessna Stadium.

HOXIE, Kan. — Fresh off guiding the Hoxie Lady Indians to a 2A State Track & Field Championship this past weekend, head coach Lachelle Barr joined The Morning Blitz to reflect on the journey, standout athletes, and the pride of finishing a season on top.

Barr joined host Ross Volkmer on her first day of summer break — though, as she joked, there’s no true “break” when you have three kids at home.

Barr recapped the team’s approach heading into the season’s final stretch. “We weren’t focused on podiums or placements,” she said. “We just told the girls to give it their all — no regrets, no holding back.”

That mindset paid off.

Among the many standout performances, senior Emily Bainter added to her decorated career by medaling in both the high jump and javelin. Barr, who also coached Bainter in volleyball, praised her consistency and leadership. “She set the standard for our team. Her expectations for herself raised the bar for everyone else.”

Perhaps the most eye-opening performance of the weekend came from freshman Cameron Gourley. In her first trip to state, Gourley medaled in all four of her events, including a 45-second finish in the 300-meter hurdles. “She’s just got that grit,” Barr said. “She’s a competitor. She wants to win and refuses to back down.”

Despite a few close calls and the usual emotional rollercoaster of a state meet, the Hoxie coaches had a sense something special was unfolding. “We were doing the math during the meet, figuring out points, adjusting as we went,” said Barr. “When some things went our way, we knew — we had a real shot to win it.”

The championship came amid one of the fastest and most competitive state meets in memory. A reported 47 records were broken across all classifications, something Barr attributed to perfect weather, improved training, and rising athletic standards statewide.

“It’s amazing — the depth, the speed, the sheer talent out there. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen.”

Barr also acknowledged the pressure that comes with coaching at a school like Hoxie, where success is expected. “There’s a little stress that comes with that, sure,” she admitted. “But it’s also a blessing. The kids buy in, the community supports us, and my husband and I understand what it takes — because we’re both living it.”

While the season is over, the foundation is firmly in place. With a freshman like Gourley already making waves, the Lady Indians seem poised to contend for years to come.

Hoxie’s state title, earned at Cessna Stadium in Wichita, marks another proud chapter for a school that continues to thrive on effort, expectation, and team unity.