Women's Track and Field | 01.24.2020

LEWISTON, Idaho – Lewis-Clark State Track and Field added two strong recruits to next year's roster in local products Tona Anderson (Deary, Idaho) and Keelyn Pilcher (Moscow, Idaho).

"We are always excited when the local athletes decide to stay home and become Warriors," coach Cyrus Hall said. "These two ladies are big time commitments for our women's team and I couldn't be happier that these two ladies chose to make LC their home for the next four years.

"They are both very talented, hard-working, intelligent young women who will boost the level of our program, not only on the track, but in the classroom and around the campus and community as well," Hall said.

Anderson, who was named the Warrior Athletic Association Female Athlete of the Year in 2018, joins the Warriors as a sprinter. Her career best time include a 12.74 mark in the 100-meter dash and a 25.94 in the 200m dash. She was a member of the group that holds the state record in the sprint medley, and school records in the 4x100m relay, 4x200m relay. Individually, Anderson holds the school record in the 200m, 400m and the 100m hurdles. In her sophomore season, she collected 40 of the team's 41 points at state.

The Deary High School product has been named the Tribune's Prep Athlete of the Week, KLEW Athlete of the Week, 2018 WAA Female Athlete of the Year, 2018 Deary High School Female Athlete of the Year, and was the 2019 North Idaho Hall of Fame Sport Banquet Female Track Athlete of the Year. Anderson is a member of the honor roll, and also competes in volleyball, basketball and cheer.

"Tona is a terrific young woman," Hall said. "She checks all the boxes in what I look for: three-sport athlete, great work ethic and a great student to name a few. Obviously I am excited about her athletic potential and helping her develop into a national-caliber 200m/400m sprinter at the NAIA level, but what I like most about her is her selflessness. For the last four years she's lead a donation drive for the Ronald McDonald House in Spokane. She's rounded up toys, food and household items for as many as 20 families up there. Those are the kind of people that we want to be in our program!"

Pilcher is a hurdler and jumper and was the district champion in the 300m hurdles (47.92) last season. She also placed third in the high jump (4 feet-2 inches). She helped Moscow High School to the district title last season, as well an appearance at the state cross country meet. She was voted Rookie of the Year in cross country and been a member of the honor roll every semester. She also plays basketball for the Bears.

"I think Keelyn is going to be a difference maker in our program on and off the track," Hall explained. "She has a very infectious and charismatic energy about her. I think she has the ability to be a big time long sprinter for us for the next four years. She has all the measurables that I think it takes to be an elite 400m hurdler at the NAIA level. She's also an excellent student, has a great work ethic and she comes from an awesome and supportive family.

"One of the things that I think sets her apart from others is how much she wants to get better," Hall said. "Some kids talk about it, but she is about it. She's been to our summer camp the last two summers, so I've gotten a chance to get to know her and see what makes her tick. I am excited that she chose to be a Warrior!"