As the spring season progresses, Erie High School’s track and field team is proving that their success doesn’t only come from quick legs on the track—but also from the power, technique, and focus of their athletes. Among the standout performers leading the charge this year are juniors Natalie Fetters, Braylon Toliver, and Tommy Thesien. All three have emerged as essential athletes for the program, pushing themselves and others toward excellence. Whether it’s throwing, sprinting, or jumping, these athletes are not only breaking records but also setting examples for the rest of the team.

In a year that has brought a new head coach and some shifting dynamics within the program, the consistent dedication and standout performances of these three athletes have served as a foundation of success.

At the heart of Erie’s success in field events is junior thrower Natalie Fetters, who has already made waves by qualifying for the state meet and setting new personal and school records in shot put and discus.

“Strictly based on numbers, Natalie is progressing well,” said throws coach Matt Blamey. “In her first meet this year she not only solidified her spot at the state meet but she hit a new personal best and broke the school record in shot put. In her second meet, she had another solid day throwing shot put and had a personal best in discus, improving her mark by 15%.”

Head coach Alan Culpepper echoed this praise, noting the immediate impact Natalie had from the start of the season. “Right out of the gate, Natalie just threw a school record and like at the first meet,” he said. “She’s just really made a big improvement. It’s been really fun to watch her and compete at that level. Her marks already get her into state, and so that’s exciting. So obviously a big impact.”

Natalie’s achievements have not only contributed significantly to the team’s point totals but have also set a high bar for her teammates. Coach Jessica Carter highlighted the influence Natalie and others have had on the team culture.

“I know there has been a lot of improvements from the three of them,” Carter said. “I know that they are standing out as some of our top athletes… they are continuing to push it each week, right? They’re not just satisfied with, oh, I’m here, oh, I’m probably in state. They have that drive to continue to improve and continue to get better, which is such a huge example for the rest of the team.”

Blamey also praised the camaraderie and competitiveness that has emerged among the top girl throwers. “All three of the top girl throwers, Natalie, Tegan, and Reagyn are all very competitive with each other and I think that helps them work towards improving every week. They do a great job staying relaxed when they need to and perform when the time comes.”

While track events often take the spotlight, coaches at Erie are quick to point out the complexity and intensity involved in field events—especially throwing.

“The biggest difference is the track events typically get one attempt while field events get a minimum of three attempts,” explained Blamey. “Athletes get the opportunity to watch their attempt and make improvements to their next throw.”

He went on to describe the high level of technique required to excel. “Discus is probably the most technical event in all of track and field. The amount of repetitions it takes to get decent form can take multiple seasons to perfect. So, over the long run, discus training can be far more intense than some running events.”

Coach Carter, though not the primary field coach, emphasized the individualization and technical repetition involved in field training. “It takes just a lot of that repetition and a lot of focusing on… small technical improvements for them to be able to get better,” she said. “A lot of times, it’s giving individual feedback… you are taking the time to watch each individual person jump or throw and then talk to them, give them that feedback.”

Culpepper shared a similar perspective, highlighting the distinct challenges that come with field events. “The field events have a much more technical aspect to them, and so they have to really get that part really dialed in in order to showcase their abilities,” he said.

And while there’s a perception that field athletes may have it easier than runners, Culpepper sees it differently. “Our sprinters might argue that field events get a little bit off the hook… but this year in particular, we’ve put them much more together, because in order to be a good jumper, for instance, you have to be fast to get more distance. So they do a lot of the same work.”

While Natalie has been making her mark in the field, juniors Braylon Toliver and Tommy Thesien have become forces on the track. Both are key members of Erie’s 4×200 relay team, which is currently ranked second in the state.

“Braylon made a big step in the 100 already,” Culpepper said. “Our four by two is ranked second in the state right now with both of those guys on it. They both come to practice every day with, like, a really good attitude and a good mindset.”

Though they may not be the most vocal athletes on the team, their actions speak volumes. “Their leadership style isn’t where they’re real outspoken about it, but their work ethic and their dedication really translates to the rest of the team,” said Culpepper.

Carter acknowledged the growth and leadership qualities all three athletes have developed. “They’ve always been, I think, top athletes, but now they’re the ones that stand out above many of the rest, which is new,” she said. “They really just set a good example… having those athletes who are there all the time, who are setting that great example, who do have that drive, is so important for the team, and pushing the rest of them to want that same success.”

What makes Erie’s track and field program successful goes beyond talent alone. All three coaches emphasized the importance of adapting their coaching to each athlete’s needs.

“There are many ways to coach the throwing events,” Blamey said. “Minor adjustments or having athletes work different styles of throwing is usually the way I approach it. Not everyone is built to be someone who spins, so being able to shift them to a glide technique or coaching up their power throw is also important.”

Culpepper, who is in his first year as head coach but brings over 15 years of experience, described this approach as the “art of coaching.” He explained, “Each athlete’s coming into it from a different place… you also have to work with their talents and or if they have some physical limitations… That’s where the nuances of coaching are just a little different.”

Carter agreed, emphasizing the need to tailor technical training based on individual progress. “You try and pick a couple of technical things for them to work on until they’ve got that down… then you try and tailor some of the main skills that you’re working on to what majority need, and then tailor it from there.”

As the season continues, coaches have high hopes for Natalie, Braylon, and Tommy—not just in terms of points and placings, but in continued improvement and competitive spirit.

“My hope is that Natalie will continue to work her already exceptional technique,” said Blamey. “She has the ability and work ethic to be one of the top throwers in the state.”

Carter added, “I want them to improve, I want them to get those PRs. I want to see that competitiveness at that higher level, and watch that drive them to do even better.”

The passion and consistency of these junior athletes, combined with the experienced and thoughtful guidance of their coaches, have helped shape Erie’s track and field team into a force this spring.

Whether it’s in the ring, on the track, or in the air, athletes like Natalie Fetters, Braylon Toliver, and Tommy Thesien are proving that leadership, work ethic, and technical mastery are the true marks of champions.