BOYS
It’s not every season that a team returns with as much depth and experience as the Sallisaw boys track team. Head coach Richard Pratt knows this group is special—and he’s ready to see how far they can go. “We return several very good track athletes this year,” Pratt said. “We will be upperclassmen heavy. We have quality in nearly every event.”
Sallisaw’s 2025 roster is stacked with seasoned talent and bolstered by a large turnout of athletes. That combination of experience and numbers has the Black Diamonds entering the season with high hopes. “We have a large number of boys out for track this year,” said Pratt. “We’re led by the return of Cooper Cox, Kenyah Hill, Cooper Jackson, Cannon Martindale, Sama Salinas, Tyler File, and Austin File.”
One name to watch this year is sophomore hurdler Tyler File, whose work ethic is already making a difference. “Tyler works very hard in practice and in meets,” Pratt said. “He is a hurdler, and his times have constantly dropped over the years as he has improved.” His steady progress points to a bright future, and he’s just one of many underclassmen learning from a strong group of veterans.
When it comes to leadership, few athletes stand out like senior Kenyah Hill. “Kenyah is a very quiet young man that leads by example,” said Pratt. “He works hard in track, on the football field, in the weight room, and in the classroom. He is a special young man that will compete to the very best of his ability.”
From sprints to field events to hurdles, this year’s team has competitors ready to make a statement. Coach Pratt believes that balance across the board will be a major advantage. “We have high expectations for these young men as well as the rest of our team,” he said.
As the Black Diamonds charge into the season, they do so with unity, depth, and the determination to rise to every challenge. With strong leadership and a roster full of talent, Sallisaw is set to make plenty of noise this spring.
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GIRLS
Consistency and commitment are two things that never go out of style—especially in a sport as demanding as track and field. For the Sallisaw girls track team, those traits are the foundation of a program built on hard work, team unity, and a drive to compete at the highest level. Head coach Richard Pratt has seen it all, and he’s proud of the way his team is shaping up this season. “We have a great mixture of upperclassmen and underclassmen on our team. We have sprinters, throwers, jumpers, hurdlers, and distance girls that are all competitive,” he said.
That well-rounded roster includes standout athletes like Kayli Macon, who’s become a leader and motivator on the team. “Kayli is a very hard worker, fast and ultra-competitive,” said Coach Pratt. Her presence is felt at every meet, pushing the tempo, and setting the tone for the rest of the team.
But it’s not just the veterans making noise. Sophomore Ava Armstrong is quickly earning her place in the spotlight. “Ava is a hard-working young lady. She is very coachable and is super athletic,” Pratt said. Her natural ability, paired with a strong work ethic, makes her a key piece of the team’s future.
Every great team also has its glue—the athlete who holds it all together without seeking recognition. For Sallisaw, that’s Jazmyne Wright. “Jazmyne is the epitome of a true ‘team player,’” said Pratt. “She ran on the 4×1, 4×2, 4×4 and 4×8 as a junior last year. The 4×1, 4×2 and 4×4 all qualified for the state track meet in 2024, with the 4×200 earning medals at State. We don’t qualify without Jazmyne’s unselfishness. She is doing the same things this year as a senior and helping the team however it’s needed.”
With athletes like these leading the way and a coach who believes in their potential, the Sallisaw girls are set to make some noise this track season—one race at a time.
