Young Normandy Invaders Track and Field Squads Look to Grow Into Contenders

Normandy High School’s Invaders track and field program enters the new season defined by youth, depth and the expectation of steady improvement. With a co-ed roster featuring a large senior presence but limited overall varsity experience, coach Karen Malafarina said the group is built to get stronger as the spring unfolds and athletes settle into their events.

The girls team will lean on a core of 14 seniors to set the tone in both performance and preparation. At the front of that group is hurdler Isabel Kroth, the school record holder and a two-time regional qualifier who gives Normandy a proven scorer in the hurdles. Kroth’s postseason experience and consistency over the barriers provide the Invaders with a reliable anchor in one of the most technical events on the track.

Middle-distance standout Amelia Bakalarczyk adds another key piece to the girls lineup. Focused on the 800 meters, Bakalarczyk invested heavily in offseason training with the specific goal of qualifying for the state meet. Her progression in a demanding event that bridges pure speed and endurance could be critical to Normandy’s scoring potential at larger invitationals and in championship meets later in the season.

On the boys side, nine seniors headline a unit looking to blend speed, distance strength and emerging throws talent. Sprinter Aydin Blackwell is working to return to form after an injury-shortened campaign last year, and his comeback is expected to shape Normandy’s sprint group and relay options. In the distance events, Landon Hardy will target a deep postseason run in the 1600 meters, aiming to advance to the regional finals and solidify the Invaders’ presence in one of the most competitive races on the track.

The throws circle features another key returner in discus specialist John Chuba, who is working to become a consistent threat in both the discus and shot put. His development gives the Invaders balance across the event areas, allowing Normandy to pursue points on the track and in the field. With athletes positioned to score from hurdles to distance to the throws, Malafarina’s squad has the framework of a well-rounded lineup.

As the season progresses and a young overall roster gains experience, Normandy expects its performance trajectory to trend upward. Early duals and invitational meets will serve as proving grounds for newcomers, while veterans like Kroth, Bakalarczyk, Blackwell, Hardy and Chuba look to convert offseason work into postseason opportunities. For the Invaders, the outlook centers on growth: a team built to be noticeably stronger in May than it is on opening day.