After about two years of irregular track seasons, the Elmira High School team is excited to jump into a full-length, back-to-normal season.
This season expects a lot of returning athletes as well as new participants. Team numbers are much higher than last spring, with 40 to 60 students expected to compete this year.
Returning seniors are Lyndsey Wilson, Claire Head, Desmond Wilson, Bayden Wanaisie and Gavyn Laing. Head coach Pat Wondra said he holds high expectations for the senior athletes to be leaders as well as strong competitors for district and state championships.
He also said he has high hopes for the relay teams given that the numbers are much higher than last year, adding that he thinks they could be a strength for the team rather than an open event.
Many changes have been made to the coach list this year, resulting in a total of nine coaches. In addition to Wondra, Tessa Slager will coach throwing and hurdles, Bo Highburger and Ken Best will coach sprints and relays, Emilee Brink and Jake Courtney will coach intermediate and long-distance running as well as relays, Emmy Erwin and Ryan Chambers will coach throwing, and Doug Laing and John Wagner will coach the jumping events.
Unfortunately, Elmira will not be able to host a home meet this season with the track in need of repairs, but there will be three meets at Junction City that will give spectators a chance to watch Elmira athletes in action.
The track season’s first practice was Monday, and the first meet is scheduled for March 17 at Junction City. That meet will allow students to set the pace in their events with their first official marks of the season. Those marks will be a marker for athletes to improve upon and set new season records.
“It’s kinda like competing against yourself all season, but against other people and as a team as well,” Wondra said. “It’s a very unique experience in high school sports, and I believe it can benefit everyone who participates in it.”
