Continued success: Panthers’ track team looks to build another winner with 70-plus athletes

Published 9:55 pm Thursday, March 27, 2025

By Jason O. Boyd

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YEATESVILLE, N.C. — Success has seemingly always been a part of the Northside High School track and field program.

Gerald Klas got it all started at the school and Charlie Woolard continued that success years later. Now, Casey Schulte has begun her second season as both cross country and track coach, with success on the horizon. With around 70 students participating in the program this season, it’s likely the biggest the program has ever been. And with numbers comes a lot of talent.

“We have about 72 kids on the roster, which is … it’s quite large,” Schulte said. “I want to continue to grow this program, especially on the women’s side.

“You know against Pamlico (County in the season opener), our boys actually beat them. I don’t remember the last time that’s happened. Anytime we can do well in conference.

“I know our girls were on a little bit smaller side, so just being impactful like where we can, I’m kind of looking more for them to, you know, qualify individually in places versus like a big team thing. We just don’t have enough for a huge team across the board. We’re small but mighty.”

People know about Andrew Harding, the accomplished distance runner who will continue his athletic career at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Maria Winfield will take her shot put and discus talents to Randolph College. But the talent doesn’t end there. Jack DeHoog and Avery Roberson were accomplished runners during the cross country season. Piper Johnson played softball and basketball before giving track a try this season. Others who have also played football, basketball and wrestling will try their luck in the sport this season, too.

“It’s great to run for Northside because you know, we are always expected to be in like the best or one of the best,” said DeHoog, who participates in the 4×800, 4×400 and the 400-meter race as a senior. “So you kind of have that expectation to win or at least come second every race you kind of do. So there’s definitely a lot of motivation there.

“I just have a lot of fun doing track I say like, well, I like the most about track is probably after the races it feels very rewarding.”

Like nearly every other spring sports team, the winter weather impacted practices and preparation for the season. However, things have gone well with the start of the season, meaning good times and finishes are going to happen.

“I feel like it’s affected our relays more,” said Roberson, a sophomore who runs in the 4×800, 4×400, 400-meter and 800-meter races. “We really didn’t get to practice our handoffs as much. We didn’t really have our timing down very, but it’s kind of also affected our practices We haven’t been able to get to practice and really get to know each other on the team. That’s the main part of track trying to get to know each other.

“I feel like our 4×4 is gonna be really good this year. I feel like we might be good in states I think we might get top five. At least starting off strong already.”

Johnson, a junior who runs in the 4×400, 400-meter, 800-meter and one-mile, has enjoyed the transition to track and is ready to join the others in achieving success this season.

“Just learning all the terms and stuff of track like, I like I got my first meet under my belt at Pamlico. You know, I’m starting to really enjoy it.

“My decision to run track over softball, it was a tough decision. But I think it really is the right decision because my mom ran track in high school and she did great. So she’s kind of been my mentor through all this.”

As the season continues, expect the Panthers to continue to improve and perform up to expectations. What happens next is totally up to the athletes. With the help of her coaching staff, Schulte always wants the team to aim high and achieve success one way or another.

“I mean, I think that’s great … you know big goals,” Schulte said. “I always take a 1A state champion anytime I can get one. I think we have some shots and some places to do very well in places that we haven’t done before or in a while.

“I just want to keep seeing this program grow That’s a big goal, and the successes will come along the way.”

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