ALA Ironwood Track & Field 2025 Season Recap: A Record-Breaking Year Under Coach Michael Caviness
In the world of high school athletics, few things are more rewarding than seeing a program grow stronger year after year. For the ALA Ironwood Boys and Girls Track & Field teams, the 2025 winter season was a shining example of that growth. Led by Head Coach Michael Caviness, the Ironwood Eagles soared to new heights—breaking school records, building a strong state presence, and laying the groundwork for a bright future.
With 24 athletes heading to the Division 4 State Meet, and one standout already qualified for the elite Open Division State Championships, this season was not just memorable—it was historic.
Key Contributors: Leadership and Versatility at the Core
Every successful team needs anchors—athletes who not only perform but lead by example. For Ironwood, those leaders came in the form of Hannah Scarbrough and Hudson Graves.
A senior sprinter and relay specialist, Hannah Scarbrough brought poise, determination, and vocal leadership to the girls’ team. Her impact wasn’t just in the results; it was in the guidance she provided for the younger runners. Through both her words and her consistent work ethic, she helped foster a competitive and supportive team culture.
On the boys’ side, Hudson Graves emerged as a true Swiss Army knife for Coach Caviness. His contributions spanned nearly every event group—sprinting the 100 through 400 meters, running both hurdle races, competing in all three jumps, and even throwing the javelin. His versatility was instrumental in keeping Ironwood at the top of team standings throughout the season. Few athletes across the state can match his all-around impact.
A Season of Success: School Records and State-Level Excellence
By all measures, the 2025 season was a resounding success for ALA Ironwood Track & Field. Between the boys’ and girls’ squads, the team set nine new school records, with the possibility of adding more at the Division 4 State Meet this weekend.
Twelve boys and twelve girls will be representing Ironwood at the state level—a remarkable achievement that underscores the depth and development across the roster. Among them is Kooper Williams, a junior high jumper who has already cleared 5 feet 5 inches and earned a spot at the Open Division State Meet, where she’ll be competing against the best in Arizona regardless of school size.
Responding to Adversity: The Next Athletes Up
No season comes without its share of obstacles. Injuries to senior leaders could have derailed Ironwood’s momentum, but Coach Caviness was quick to point out the maturity and readiness of his younger athletes who rose to the occasion.
“We had a few senior athletes get injured this year,” he said, “but several of our younger athletes really stepped up and did a great job.” That readiness to fill the gap is what helped Ironwood remain competitive across all meets—and it’s a promising sign of the depth and coaching culture at work.
The Future Is Bright: Standouts on the Rise
While the 2025 season celebrated the contributions of seniors like Hannah Scarbrough, it also offered a preview of the next generation of Ironwood stars.
Freshman sprinter Noah Dupont made an immediate impact by setting new freshman records in both the 100 and 200 meters. He was also a vital leg on the 4x100 meter relay team headed to the state meet. According to Coach Caviness, Noah has a bright future ahead and is expected to be a central figure in Ironwood’s sprint program for years to come.
Meanwhile, Kooper Williams is already one of the state’s top high jumpers and could very well bring home a state title in the coming meets. Her consistency, drive, and competitive nature have made her a standout not only at Ironwood but statewide.
In the field events, the team boasts an intimidating quartet of returning throwers. Gage Barrett, Brandon Rathi, Bryce Villeroel, and Steven Farrell have all qualified for this year’s state meet in both shot put and discus. With another year of development, Coach Caviness hopes that all four can be legitimate top-five finishers in both events in 2026.
Senior Leadership: Leaving a Legacy
Though several seniors were limited by injury, their influence on the team remained strong. Coach Caviness described senior leaders like Hannah Scarbrough as key mentors and motivators, helping to foster a culture of accountability, positivity, and resilience.
The values and mindset instilled by this class will be carried forward by the younger athletes they helped shape—a lasting legacy that may be even more important than any single record or medal.
Eyes on the Future: Developing for 2026
As Ironwood looks ahead, Coach Caviness has a clear vision for what needs to improve. “We need to develop more depth in the sprints, distance, and jumps,” he noted. Despite the program’s success, the push to expand the team’s versatility across all event groups continues.
With the core of the team returning—and plenty of young talent already performing at a high level—there’s every reason to believe that Ironwood’s best days are still ahead.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 track and field season at ALA Ironwood was a breakthrough in every sense. Under the steady guidance of Coach Michael Caviness, the team shattered records, qualified athletes for elite competitions, and built a culture rooted in hard work, adaptability, and belief.
Whether it was a senior guiding her teammates in the relay zone, a freshman lighting up the sprints, or a group of throwers making noise at state-level meets, this was a season that showcased the very best of high school athletics.
With young stars rising, experienced athletes returning, and an offseason dedicated to building even more depth, the Ironwood Eagles are poised to fly even higher in 2026.
You can follow ALA Ironwood’s stats and athlete progress on athletic.net.
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