Freeman Looking For Some High Achievers

Freeman High School’s track teams again are preparing to hit the field and oval - but while high team scores always are nice, the Scotties’ focus is on individual achievement.

“Because of our numbers, our focus isn’t on the team aspect,” coach John Hays said.

Last year, the Freeman boys finished with a 3-6 record in the Northeast A League, and the small girls team finished the season without a win.

Hays, though, is optimistic his young teams will produce some stand-out athletes.

“I’m excited, because I think they’ll have a lot of success,” he said. “We hope to see a big improvement.”

Boys

Returning to the boys squad is senior Jeremy Ashmoore, who competed last year at the state level in the pole vault. Senior David Ward is back in the distance events.

Juniors include long jumpers Marc Reed and Lee Nielsen; and throwers Geoff Norton and Brady Watkins. Sophomores include Jason Harless in the javelin, hurdles and discus; Andy Schmidt and Ryan Bates in the pole vault and sprints; and Nathan Donelly in the throwing events.

Newcomers making up the freshman contingent are Carl Cornell in the long jump and sprint events, Chris Meenach in the hurdles and mile relay and Dustin Taylor in the sprints. Doug Sublette and Joe Russel will handle the distance events.

“We have a real good nucleus of freshman boys, and a lot will mature over the years and become real track people if they stick with it,” Hays said.

Girls

The Freeman girls team is young and small in numbers. The lone senior is Amber Holbert in the sprints and long jump. The sole junior is Becky Brown, who has switched this year from distance to hurdles.

“She has a good mix of distance and sprint muscle fibers,” Hays said.

Versatile sophomore Jamie Watkins will handle the long jump, sprints and high jump.

Freshman joining the Scotties are throwers Jordan Moberg and Amanda Stout, and Alison Michael in the sprints and long jump.