Just shy of state track title last year, Iron Horses reload for 2026
The 2026 Class AA State Track and Field Championships can’t get here fast enough for Philip Simmons High School boys’ track and field coach Ryan McCauley and his squad, which includes more than 80 athletes and plenty of talent.
The Iron Horses’ bid for a second consecutive state championship came up short last May as Fairfield Central High School posted a 101-82 victory in the state meet, which was held at Spring Valley High School.
That provided the motivation as the Iron Horses prepared for the beginning of the 2026 season.
“Our outlook for the upcoming 2026 season is to win a state championship,” McCauley said. “We ended up just shy of one last year, and I think we are a year older and more experienced to be able to win one this year.”
The track and field program is in its ninth year and has been one of the school’s most successful.
McCauley coaches the boys’ team, which has claimed two state titles and three state runner-up finishes. His wife, Emma McCauley, coaches the girls' team, which has won three state championships while finishing in second place twice during its brief history.
This spring, both teams should be in the state title hunt. Motivation should not be a concern for a program that has a combined 146 athletes.
“I do not think it is hard for us to keep them motivated,” McCauley said. “We have people graduate, and then it's always a new group of kids that have never made it before and want to prove themselves. Those kids see how the others compete at state and want the same thing and more.”
The team lost talent to graduation from last year’s squad, including Corey Steed, arguably the best sprinter in the school’s history. Distance runner Pierce Walker and field specialist Matthew Yaun won silver medals last spring but also graduated.
“Some of our key returners include Jeremiah Richardson, Brady Cobb, Zack Venning, and Luke Chambers, who are a couple of our top sprinters,” McCauley said. “We hope they will have a great season.
“Cam Steed, who was able to compete at state in the 400 last year, and I know he is determined to do it again,” McCauley added. “Shaw Brewer-Davis is one of our throwers who just missed the opportunity to compete at state last year, and we believe he will make it this year. Luke and Jack Robinson are some of the best javelin throwers in the state and will have a big impact on our season this year.
"Lastly, we have big hopes for Ryder Patterson and Diavante Irving, who will be able to put us over the top in jumps and sprints.”
The season begins Feb. 28 when the Iron Horses compete in West Ashley High School’s Wildcat Classic.
Big meets in March include the Zaxby Azalea Invite in Summerville, Mellow Mushroom at Wando, Coaches Classic at Cane Bay, and the Cane Bay Invitational.