Running starts early at South Ripley

JULIE POLLOCK ELLIOTT PHOTO

Elementary students enjoyed running and learning the rules of track from Karen and Jim Cole.

The names Jim and Karen Cole are not unfamiliar when it comes to track and field in southeast Indiana. Both individuals have held different records at South Ripley High School that have remained in place since the early 90’s. Jim holds the 1600m run, cross country school records and was also a part of the team that broke the 4×400 school record that was later beaten. Karen’s 4x400m relay team from 1991 currently holds the school record.

Both Jim and Karen went on to further their education at Northern Kentucky University where they both ran cross country as well. They eventually both made their way back to their original roots at South Ripley and have been supporting the cross country and track programs ever since while also teaching young minds in the classroom.

Jim has been the head coach of cross country since 2009 and track since 2012. Karen has been assistant coach in both sports alongside Jim. Karen has also dug deep into South Ripley’s track history and has digitally compiled all of the meet results and Top 25 performances in each event since 1980. This information can be found on the SRHS school website under the “Track History” tab.

In more recent years, the couple began to take notice that many junior high student-athletes were not participating in track due to the lack of exposure. The Cole’s wanted to find a way to introduce track and field to the younger students. After much planning and a brief delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022 the SRES Track Championship was put into motion.

This track event created by the Cole’s has been open to PK-6th grade South Ripley students. The events included are 50m (PK-1), 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, softball throw (PK-2) and shot put (3-6). Each athlete can choose three events to compete in. The event has reached between 120-130 participants each year and the biggest groups are typically seen from K-4 with 20-25 participants from each grade.

With over 100 elementary aged participants it is extremely important to be organized and efficient. Stuart Road Racing has been responsible for timing this event since the start in 2022 which makes the event run smooth and offers “Live Results” where the parents and spectators can see event results as soon as they finish.

After competing, the Athletes placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd receive gold, silver, or bronze medals while given the opportunity to stand proudly on the podium. The 3rd Annual SRES Track Championship was held Sunday, April 28, 2024 where almost 40 new records were set in various events and many parents and spectators were in attendance.

Karen shared with The Versailles Republican, “Track truly is a unique sport because there is something for everyone, from jumps and throws, to sprints and distance running……… This meet is not just about athletics; it fosters a sense of community engagement. With the generous support of local businesses, we are able to provide our kids with invaluable opportunities while giving back to our community.”

The Cole’s would like to thank the amazing volunteers that work the event each year to make it run smoothly, the sponsors that make the event possible, and a special thank you to the families and spectators who came to support our future Raider Track Stars!