Taylorville High School has its first-ever female individual state champion in IHSA-sanctioned sports.  Elsie Williamson took top spot in the Class 2A girls discus competition at the state championships at Eastern Illinois University in May.  The Tornadoes supplied further representation in Elayna Harker, who competed in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs.

Williamson says her title run is the culmination of years of work and the realization of the potential she saw in herself. 

As for Harker, she overcame health-related challenges to finish fifth in the 3200-meter run at this year’s championships. 

Harker, Williamson, and their many teammates had to train and compete amid turnover in the head coaching roles of the boys and girls teams.  They credit the incoming head coach, Jacob Koniak, for his dedication to the teams. 

The two athletes say training with the other members of the team has strengthened the interpersonal bonds between them and their teammates and has also pushed them toward success.

The full results of the Class 2A girls track and field state championships can be found here.  More information on Taylorville High School is available at ths.tcusd3.org.

Elayna Harker and Elsie Williamson appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our monthly Taylorville Schools Good News Segment.