Several Salem and Centralia standouts were among the athletes recognized on the 2026 All-South Track and Field Teams, which honor the top performers from across Southern Illinois following another outstanding spring season.
Leading the way for Salem was senior thrower Silas Lux, who earned All-South honors in the Class 2A boys shot put after a dominant season that saw him rank among the area’s best throwers. Fellow Wildcat Trey Clark was recognized in the discus, giving Salem two selections on the boys team.
The Salem girls were equally well represented with three athletes earning All-South recognition. Emily Parrett was selected in the shot put, while Hannah Smith earned honors in the discus. Distance and hurdle standout Carly Veach was a two-time selection after earning spots in both the 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles.
Centralia also placed athletes on the Class 2A girls and boys teams. On the boys side, Jaedyn Smith earned All-South recognition in the 300-meter hurdles after a strong postseason run. For the Lady Orphans, Adariyah Dabney was honored in the 300-meter hurdles, highlighting another successful season for Centralia’s track and field program.
The Class 2A boys team featured talent from across the region. Carbondale’s standout season was reflected with selections including Calen Lily (long jump), Joseph Frierdich (shot put and discus), Jontavious Oliver (triple jump), Zion Wilkins (800 meters), Dewayne King (400 meters), along with honors in the 4×100, 4×200 and 4×400 relays. The Terriers’ success also helped head coach Mykel Gary earn Class 2A Boys Coach of the Year honors.
Mt. Vernon was represented by Spencer Sledge (pole vault), Karter Oliver (high jump), Keaton Koch (100 and 110 hurdles), and relay teams in the 4×200 and 4×800. Olney placed several athletes on the squad, including Gavyn Cothern, Gavin Root, Quaid Berger and Ian Pianfetti, while Marion’s Raphael and Gabriel Greer combined for multiple distance-event selections.
Other Class 2A boys honorees included athletes from Murphysboro, Carterville, Herrin, Anna-Jonesboro and Harrisburg.
The Class 1A Boys All-South Team featured strong representation from Pinckneyville, Flora, Nashville, Chester, Fairfield, Christopher, Johnston City, Hamilton County, Carmi, Sparta, Red Bud, Eldorado, New Athens and West Frankfort. Pinckneyville’s success throughout the season helped head coach Cale Jausel earn Coach of the Year honors.
On the girls side, Carbondale and Harrisburg dominated the Class 2A selections. Carbondale’s Margo Simonds, Zaqqaire Hamilton, Sophie Krupa and Nora Epplin headlined the Terriers’ individual selections, while the program also earned recognition in the 4×100, 4×200 and 4×400 relays. Harrisburg countered with multiple sprint and relay selections led by Trinity Hathaway, D’Myrah Donaldson and Cece Franks.
Marion also had a strong showing behind Alyssa Johnson, McCayla Rowatt, Emma Skeate and Karra Odum, while Carterville, Olney, Anna-Jonesboro, Herrin and Murphysboro each placed athletes on the All-South squad.
Carbondale’s Mykel Gary completed a rare sweep by earning Class 2A Girls Coach of the Year honors as well.
In Class 1A girls competition, Nashville, Pinckneyville, Fairfield, Okawville and Chester led the way with numerous selections. Nashville’s Makala Gajewski, Belle Schmale, Austynn Gale and Calleigh Dees highlighted the Hornets’ impressive season, while Pinckneyville’s relay teams and standout hurdler Remy Hicks helped the Panthers capture numerous honors.
Additional selections came from Fairfield, Flora, Christopher, Carlyle, Sparta, DuQuoin, Sesser-Valier, Carmi, New Athens, West Frankfort and NCOE. Pinckneyville head coach Greg Zmudzinski was named the Class 1A Girls Coach of the Year.
The annual All-South teams recognize the best performers from throughout Southern Illinois, and Salem and Centralia athletes once again proved they belong among the region’s elite track and field competitors.
