By Matt Gade

605 Sports

BENNETT COUNTY — On the first day of the 2025 state track and field championship meet, Reagan O’Neill said she was feeling comfortable as a top seed heading into the Class B girls 100-meter dash. 

With the top time in her heat, O’Neill said she wasn’t planning on running too hard, instead wanting to save her legs for the remainder of the meet.

Then Arlington’s Chloe Raw hit a breakout time of 11.99, and something just clicked in O’Neill’s mind.

Her competitive nature wouldn’t let her not at least try and keep her higher mark.

“I just wasn't gonna run my hardest 100, because I was gonna just wait for finals and just save my legs,” O’Neill said. “But I just hopped up because Chloe Raw, the girl from Arlington, she scared me, and I wasn’t going to let her beat me like she did at Howard Wood (Relays).”

At the Howard Wood Relays, Raw ran a personal best 11.78 in the 100-meter prelims, and at the time, the Class B state leader. While O’Neill did beat Raw in the finals race, not beating that 11.78, top time got to O’Neill.

In the 100-meter prelims at state, O’Neill topped Raw with an 11.73.

Despite not having direct competition in the same heat, just seeing Raw’s time come across the videoboard was enough motivation for O’Neill’s competitive side to give it her best.

That competitive nature is something Reagan shares with her five other siblings. 

Reagan, 16, the oldest daughter and second child to James and Abby (Kratovil) O’Neill, along with her older brother Rush, 17, and Peyson, 15, have garnered quite a bit of attention the past two years for their athletic performances not only at track and field, but also in basketball and volleyball for the girls and football for Rush. Rush also plays baseball in the summer.

Reagan and Peyson are fresh off a pair of state championship teams, Class B girls basketball and Class B girls state track and field, as the family attends Bennett County High School in Martin. 

For many casual fans or spectators who have caught glimpses of the O’Neill’s success over the past couple of years, they often say it’s a matter of just good genetics for the O’Neill kids.

After all, both James and Abby played collegiately at South Dakota State University for a time.

But to those who’ve gotten to know and talk to the O’Neill family, they know it’s a lot more than just good genes.

“It can be annoying,” Reagan said of when people just say they’re athletic success is just because of good genes. “If we weren't to have been in the weight room for our whole lives, rather if you just take us, by our genetics and compete, the O'Neill name would not be out there.”

“It definitely helps, but it’s also definitely not everything,” said Rush of genetics, who will be a junior this fall for the Bennett County Warriors.

Not long after Abby and James had gotten married, James would make regular daily 30-minute drives, one way, to Martin to utilize the gym. 

“The summer we got married, I would drive home for work, and he'd be driving in to work out at night. And I said, OK, let's be done with that.’ And built a little shed for his weight room,” Abby said, emphasizing she wanted to see her husband at home more.

For the next several years, it wasn’t uncommon for James to be joined by his kids watching or helping dad work out, even doing some of the workouts. But James emphasized he never pushed the kids to have regular workouts when they were younger because he wanted to wait until they were middle school age to really start a workout routine. 

But it wasn’t uncommon for the kids to take part in ladder drills or other traditional types of footwork drills.

Rush said he was the late bloomer in the family when it came to working out seriously.

Rush said it was around seventh grade for himself when he started making a routine of it, while most of his siblings began starting around the same time, but were younger than Rush. 

Rush said it was just having a little bit of success that made him commit to working out regularly. 

“I didn't even take track serious until seventh-grade year. I did the 110 (hurdles) in regions and I won,” Rush said. “It kind of gave me a confidence boost going into the next season, and as an eighth grader made state, and that's what was kind of like a wake-up call for all of us, and realizing what we could actually do at state.”

Peyson said that once Reagan started training, she did too.

“Once I had seen her start competing, I'm like ‘Oh, that's like, probably something I want to do.’ And we started training together,” Peyson said.

James, who said he can get caught up in researching workouts and exercise plans for hours at a time on occasion, started Rush out with a routine at home designed to help him just get going.

James said he started all the kids in hurdles for track and field.

As a freshman, Rush took third place in the Class A 110-meter hurdles with a 15.21.

“My mindset is to start all the kids off with hurdles, because most people aren't fast enough to run the 100,” James said. “So if you can teach them to do the hurdles, and they might not be, for a guy, he might not be a sub-11, or a girl might not ever be a sub-12, but if you can teach them to do the hurdles, and they're not afraid of it, the chances of them scoring team points or place at state are high.

“And when (Rush) popped into the 10s (in the 100-meter dash) at Howard Wood (this past year), we were like, ‘Yeah, you can do away with the hurdles.’”

This past year, Rush took fourth in the Class B 100-meter dash with an 11.12, first place in the 200-meter dash (21.91), first in the long jump (23-2.5) and first in the high jump (6-4). Rush ran a personal best 10.89 in the 100-meter dash at the Howard Wood Relays.

Reagan and Peyson each captured three golds individually and were a part of Bennett County’s 4x100 meter relay team that also won gold along with their teammates Harley Harris and Macy Claussen.. 

Reagan won the 100 (11.86), 200 (24.08) and long jump (19-2.25). Peyson won the 100 hurdles (14.30), 300 hurdles (43.88) and high jump (5-6).

For Reagan and Peyson, despite all their individual accomplishments on the track, the sisters said winning the state championship in basketball was the highlight this past year.

“It’s basketball for me,” Reagan said. “Basketball…it's different, like, you play together and you win together, whereas in track it's largely just yourself.”

Due to individual events making up a team track score, it’s different feeling then working as a collective unit throughout a game the O’Neill sisters said.

Reagan said basketball is her favorite of her three sports she plays, volleyball rounding out the third.

“I think it's more fun to celebrate with your team and not just like by yourself,” Peyson added. “You get to share it with someone, as opposed to track.”

Reagan said she also appreciates the team aspect of basketball when one person isn’t having the best day, teammates can help pick that player up or take the pressure off, and it’s just nice to have that kind of support.

All of the O’Neill family are quick to credit Bennett County head coach Shawna Evans for the Warriors' success. Having coached the girls for the past several years, they say Evans not only knows a lot about the sport but also how to get the best out of her players.

James also said the return of Thomiah Poor Bear, who played for Bennett County her freshman season, returning last season for her senior year, was a key piece with her leadership on the team.

While the O’Neill family is coming off some big highlights this past year, there really has been no off-season.

Throughout the summer, Abby has been taking the girls all over the state for camps and clinics while Rush has been taking parts in his own camps and clinics. 

The O’Neill family bought a new vehicle back in November 2024 that now has over 32,000 miles. James and Abby said at least half of those miles are from going to the kids sporting events since they bought it.

Seeing how much success their kids have had, James even hosted two clinics at Bennett County showcasing the workouts and drills he has for the kids.

James said he never thought about doing camps or clinics but got so many people reaching out to him that he decided ‘why not?’ James also is a firm believer that he wants to see every kid succeed, even if that means beating his kids because competition makes each other better.

“There was a couple kids (after Howard Wood) who were like, ‘Man, if there's anything that you can do to help us?’ — that's just like, to me, it's like you gotta help,” James said. “I want kids to be inspired and see what it takes for what somebody that might be successful does to get there, and if I can help one or 10, that's what we want.”

Since the high school season concluded, a number of college coaches have shown a good amount of interest in the O’Neill kids playing collegiately. As much interest as the coaches can, given their age and NCAA rules on recruiting.  

Reagan on the Nordic hamstring curl machine inside the family's home gym. (Matt Gade/605 Sports)

It starts at home

 

As a kid, James was a workhorse in the gym. He said he pushed himself quite a bit, and it wasn’t really until his senior year in high school when he started to make big progress.

But James also said he knows he pushed himself too hard and wishes he knew then what he knows now about strength and conditioning.

In college, while at South Dakota State, James tore his quadriceps in his leg during track season. Instead of taking time off to heal and rest, he thought he could push through it. That decision pretty much cost O’Neill his senior season for the Jackrabbits. 

Because of that, James constantly talks about not taking things for granted. Especially for his kids.

James said he wants not only his kids, but all athletes to learn from his mistake and to see them succeed.

“I always try to make it apparent to the kids, we're super blessed. And as long as they're aware and understand that it could end at any time,” James said. “Like you are, you're successful early, but there's a lot of people that are not as lucky or as fortunate or blessed as you, and you need to take advantage of every minute of what you've got every single day. And they do pretty good with it, but I still don't think they fully quite understand the potential… One little thing, one injury, one anything, and you can be done. I think we've done a pretty decent job of teaching them to be humble. And, realize God's blessed them greatly.”

James and Abby not only teach their kids proper diet and exercise, but they also live by what they teach.

James said that so far, all of the kids understand the importance of nutrition, hydration and sleep for recovery and that is a key for them to succeed. Especially avoiding foods that have artificial sugars or fried food, James said. 

“If you want to be good at something, you got to give something up,” James said. “I don't think they have ever seen me drink a pop, so it's like lead by example. And it's not like me making them. They just know, they have a basic understanding… I think the rewards, what they see, the outcome is what's fun about it, and they understand, ‘Hey, I don't mind not eating crap, because this is the kind of performance we get.’”

Peyson said she and her siblings don’t even really realize they’ve given anything up; rather, what their diets consist of has become a “habit” for them all.

The kids said they typically even get a fruit pizza instead of cake for their birthday.

Abby said with the kids growing up on the farm, the kids were always active. Not known for staying inside the house but rather running around outside, playing and being active.

“When they were little, we didn't do a lot of the TV, none of the iPad stuff like that,” Abby said.

James didn’t notice it then, but looking back at it now, he said that he could see that the kids had the potential to be good athletes.

“I actually kind of noticed not that long ago… I was recording in slow motion,” James said of an older video camera. “I was recording Reagan. I still have it somewhere on my computer. She was probably (Knox’s) age. And I'm like, now I look back, I can see her running in slow motion. And it's pretty impressive, but I wasn't even thinking about that then.” 

While Abby and James had their own home on James’ family farm, about six years ago, they decided to buy James’ parents' home to have more room for them and the kids. 

And despite being only a few hundred yards from their original house and the shed gym they built, they decided that was the opportune time to add a home gym to the house, along with an office space for James and his business, O’Neill Ops. 

Being exactly 30 minutes from Martin, 35 minutes from Mission and about 70 minutes from Winner, the home gym has made workouts much more convenient for everyone involved.

James said they’re able to do about 90% of what they can at the school. Not having a true track is the biggest obstacle they don’t have.

Rush O'Neill works split squats in the family's home gym. (Matt Gade/605 Sports)

When Rush got his driver’s license, Abby said that made life so much easier in getting the kids to school as he was able to take Reagan and Peyson with him. 

Rush said they would typically leave by 7:15 in the morning and oftentimes wouldn’t get home til after 7 p.m. or closer to 9 p.m. if they lift at the school after practice.

The siblings workout five days a week, typically lifting four days with a light cardio workout on the fifth while they usually take Sundays and Wednesdays off.

“It took very minimal effort on my end, other than sometimes making them,” James said of getting the kids into a regular routine. “But then they see the results, and then they're bought in, — it's just hook, line and sinker done. And then other kids see it, then the younger kids see it, then teammates see it. It works good.”

Abby said one of the coolest moments of the 2025 season for her was at a track meet when a middle-school track kid from Jones County asked Rush to sign his spikes.

 

Continuing to be surprised by how far they’ve come

 

As the fall 2025 season is getting underway, Abby and James are going to be even busier than ever with their fourth child, Jade, now a seventh-grader, most likely being moved up to a spot on the roster of the varsity volleyball team.

“She’s probably more advanced than even they (Reagan and Peyson) were at that age because she started training about the same time they did,” Abby said.

Jade said she’s excited to practice against her sisters. 

“I’m Iike, really excited, to maybe be stepping up,” Jade said. “They're very competitive.”

Abby, who was an assistant coach for the Warriors’ volleyball team last season, said she’s excited that they don’t need her services this season, so she can enjoy taking their fifth child, Knox, to his sporting events as a sixth-grader. 

“I'm very grateful that we have someone that came to our community that knows a lot about volleyball, where I can sit back and just be free. I'm very grateful for that,” Abby said. “I missed out on a lot of (Rush’s) junior high football games, because of volleyball, and now with Knox being in junior high, I won't have to miss as much, so I'm excited.”

Abby was also recently elected to the Bennett County school board this past election which she’s excited about being a part of.

Now that she’s going to be a spectator rather than a coach, Abby will most likely join James and their youngest son, Hayes, 4, in the stands. 

Abby said as a spectator now, she’s really excited to see what the girls do. 

“I think they surprise themselves,” Abby said of how much the kids improve from one season to the next. “They just get faster and stronger, and then they're surprised at how much better they are.”

Abby also noted how exciting it is for her to think of all three of her daughters on the floor at the same time, when that time arrives.

Jade on the Nordic hamstring curl machine inside the family's home gym. (Matt Gade/605 Sports)

Eventually once Jade joins the varsity track team, Abby is curious to see how well Jade performs and how Reagan handles it. Saying Jade is probably going to do all the same events as Reagan.

“Yes, I'm kind of preparing myself for that,” Reagan said. “I might have to switch to the mile.”

Although James said it’ll be at least a year, but did note Jade is size wise further along in seventh-grade then her older sisters were at that age.

Rush said he’s excited for this junior year of football as he said he feels everyone on the team is buying in to what is needed to be successful and that makes it more fun for him.

Whether it’s to socialize, get back to sports or because they’re moving up in grades, all of the O’Neill kids are excited for school to start. 

Even though they are constantly busy with sports, school work or other activities, the O’Neill siblings are still kids enjoying their free time.

For Rush, he said he often goes fishing typically three times a week. Or as of late, enjoying his new hobby, golf. Something he picked up this summer.

While Reagan, who said one of her favorite activities is tanning, and Peyson enjoy time in the pool at the house, they are also known for having their friends over at the house quite often. With Jade joining her sisters.

“This is the place to be with the girls,” James said of them having friends over.

James likes to let the kids do their own thing, but remind them to be grateful for what they have. 

“The whole goal is to think that these kids stay humble and inspire other kids to want to do it and want to be better and be more successful,” James said. “Then it transfers to the next stage in life, whether it's college athletics or your job. That's what it’s about.”

As the fall season starts, Rush and the Warriors will open the season on Thursday at Jones County. The Warriors volleyball team will open the season on Aug. 28 at Valentine (Neb.).