The Bulldog track teams have revamped their practices in an effort to achieve more explosive sprinters and jumpers, more consistent relay exchanges and improved form in the hurdlers this season.
“Our focus is personal improvement from each athlete throughout the season hoping to see personal records set around the time of the conference meet and Regionals,” said new Head Coach Amber Yerkey.
The Bulldog girls took sixth place in the Bay Conference last year, while the boys placed eighth.
A host of returning letter winners will help lead the teams this year as they enter the new season.
Seniors Shannon Cross, Muriel Metko, Hailie Schirpke, Jade Huntley, Candice Zehner, Dennis Christensen, Ryne Goedderz, Connor Hoell, Landon Overesch, Nick Thomas, Tyler Vanden Boogard, and Ryan Watling are ready to punctuate their final season with a successful campaign in the Bay Conference. Juniors Bailey Briner, Natalie Degal, Abby Dorow, Anna Huested, Cassidy Pethke, Kayla Zehner, Jonah Backus, Anthony Flores, Schyler Garza and Seth Harrmann will help lead the team to consistency in competition.
Sophomores Calista Wenzel, Shane Borree, Jon Lee, Marty Metko and Robbie Watling are also returning after earning their varsity letters last year.
The Bulldogs lost Amber Pethke, Kara Hoier, Jake Thomas and Tyler Raschke to graduation last spring.
Cassidy Pethke is expected to compete in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles this year, while Candice Zehner will compete in the long jump and 300-meter hurdles. Huested will also compete in the 300-meter hurdles, while Cross will compete in the long jump and Degal will take on the long jump.
On the boys’ side, Marty Metko will compete in the 400-meter dash, while Christensen will again compete in the 800-meter run. Ryan Watling will join Christensen in the 800-meter event, Nick Thomas will compete in the long jump, Boree will try his hand at the triple jump, Hoell will be the team’s lead sprinter, and Garza will compete as a distance runner.
The boys’ 400-meter relay team is expected to compete for a fourth or fifth place spot in the conference, while the 800-meter relay team should finish in the top four.