Turnout For Track Boosts Freeman Hopes

Track

There’s reason for optimism over Freeman’s track program that goes beyond last weekend’s third-place effort by the boys team at the Rizville Invitational.

“We have a chance to finish in the upper half of league, maybe among the top three,” said coach John Hays.

Part of the reason is a turnout of 31 athletes, three of them who just missed qualifying for state last year.

They are senior pole vaulter-sprinter Andy Schmidt, hurdler Jason Harliss and junior high jumper Justin Greger on a team that is solid in most events.

“We’re stronger in the running events than in the field,” said Hays. “But if we get seconds and thirds (in field events), it will be interesting.”

Besides the versatile trio, senior Ryan Bates provides sprint and long jump help.

Coming off injury, junior Joe Russell provides depth with his sophomore brother John Russell in the distances.

Returnees include throwers, senior Pat Erickson and juniors Nathan Donnelly and Chris Meenach.

Newcomers who will provide help are senior hurdler Gary Mills, shot putter Todd Simmons, thrower Shaun Blakeman and Todd’s junior brother, Steve Simmons, a sprinter.

Several freshmen show promise, including sprinter Billy Depell, hurdler Preston Carrell, distance runner Tom Ward and thrower Lance Rasmussen.

Freeman’s girls didn’t have the numbers last year but were tournament strong.

Sarah Pratt won the district 100 and finished second in the 200 to qualify for state in both. Another state veteran is 400 runner Sadie Kalstad. Both are sophomores.

Additionally, sophomore Jami Harless missed state by a place in the 300 hurdles and the school’s long relay team also fell a place short.

Other returnees include junior thrower Jordan Moberg, sophomore thrower Kim Davey and distance runner Tracie Duncan.

Rounding out the team are junior sprinter Alison Michael and freshmen Heather Wilkerson in the 800, plus sprinters Mandy Cook, Melissa Litzkow, Misty Olson and Jacque Simmons.

, DataTimes