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Syracuse Track Stars Shine: Midseason MVP Awards Announced

Sunday, January 18th, 2026 - Syracuse, NY - As the indoor track season reaches its midpoint, Syracuse.com has compiled a list of the most impressive athletes, as selected by a panel of 12 local high school track coaches. The results, announced today, highlight a wealth of talent and dedication across a variety of disciplines. The coaches, representing a range of schools within the region, offered their insights, emphasizing not only performance but also work ethic and team leadership.

The selections provide a snapshot of the current competitive landscape and foreshadow what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season. Here's a breakdown of the coveted MVP awards across boys' and girls' events, alongside the coaches' rationale.

Boys' Standouts: Consistency and Dominance Define the Field

In the sprinting realm, Christian Wilborn of Liverpool has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Coaches consistently praised his "incredible consistency and dominance" in both the 55 and 200-meter races, suggesting a disciplined approach and exceptional speed.

Noah Barnes (Syracuse City) earns the Hurdles MVP recognition. His strong performance throughout the season places him firmly in the lead, demonstrating both speed and technical proficiency. The coaches noted Barnes' overall "great year so far," suggesting significant progress and sustained performance.

Jacob Retherford, representing Fayetteville-Manlius, takes the Distance MVP award. His dedication and hard work are clearly paying off, leading to "outstanding" results in the distance events. This emphasizes the importance of consistent training and mental fortitude in distance running.

The Throws MVP is Tyree Ross (Corcoran). His impressive performance this year demonstrates a natural ability combined with dedication and focus. The coaches highlighted his "consistent standout" status, indicative of a reliable and powerful athlete.

Rounding out the boys' awards, Elijah Williams (Nottingham) stands out as the Jumps MVP. Known for being a "phenomenal jumper," Williams' hard work clearly translates into exceptional results. His performance speaks to a commitment to honing his skills and pushing his limits.

Girls' MVPs: Talent, Leadership, and Improvement Shine

On the girls' side, Chloe King (Liverpool) has impressed coaches with her talent and leadership. She's not just a fast sprinter but a "great team leader," highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and mentoring within a team environment.

Jada White (Syracuse City) leads the way in the Hurdles event, earning her the MVP title. Her consistent presence at the top signifies not only talent but also resilience and the ability to perform under pressure.

Lila Higgins (Fayetteville-Manlius) continues to shine in the Distance events, claiming the Distance MVP award. Her "strong and dedicated" approach resonates with coaches, underscoring that success in distance running is a product of perseverance and focused training.

Morgan Bixby (Jamesville-DeWitt) has made a significant impact in the Throws, seizing the Throws MVP recognition. Her "stepping up" and performing at a "high level" showcases her growth and potential. This highlights the importance of dedication and improvement within a competitive environment.

Samara Jones (Nottingham) is acknowledged as the Jumps MVP, emphasizing her "very talented" abilities. Her commitment to "working hard to improve" underscores a growth mindset and a desire to continually refine her skills.

Finally, Avery Jackson (Henninger) earns the coveted All-Around MVP award. Her ability to excel in "multiple events" showcases exceptional versatility and a broad athletic skillset.

This midseason recognition serves as a motivating factor for these athletes as they progress through the remainder of the indoor track season. The coaches' insights provide valuable context for understanding their accomplishments and appreciating the dedication it takes to reach the top of the competition. Syracuse.com will continue to follow the progress of these athletes and provide updates on their performances throughout the season.


Read the Full syracuse.com Article at:
[ https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2026/01/midseason-mvps-12-indoor-track-coaches-make-their-picks.html ]