TF track ready to hit the field for season

Coming off of successful fall and winter sports seasons, Blue Hawk athletes are ready to get outside for the 2022 track season.

“We are looking forward to another year of track and field. As the athletes come off successful football and basketball seasons, we are looking forward to continuing that success,” said Blue Hawk Head Coach Trenna Ferris. “We are encouraged to have our veteran athletes returning and stepping up to take leadership roles and are excited to have a whole new group of athletes, some brand new to track and field. The junior high program has supplied us with some young talent we look forward to working with as well.”

Ferris added that a preliminary survey sent to students by Athletic Director Jake Mickelson showed promising numbers for the track team, which started practice this week. “Big of small, we look forward to coaching and developing athletes,” she said, noting that it may be a while before the team can practice on the school’s track. “The weather seems to be a challenge for us every spring, as we practice and compete on a dirt track. Our competitors are practicing on all-weather tracks and can practice no matter what. This is tough, but it’s our reality.”

The team has state competitors returning to the program this year, including senior Will Hyatt, who had a successful 2021 in long distance, and junior Breck Ferris, who excelled in the jumping events. Junior Chesney Lowe was the divisional champion last year in pole vault and javelin and looks to continue success in those events this year. Classmate Mollie Nichols found her niche in long distance in the 2021 season. Ferris added that sophomore Hattie Neesvig has great potential in the jumps and sophomore Faith Palmer is finding her place in the long-distance events. “They have the experience and know what it takes to get to the state competition in May.”

“Their motivation will set the tone for the rest of our athletes,” Ferris added. “These athletes are passionate about the sport, work hard in and out of season to become better athletes, and have set goals for the 2022 season.”

Ferris will be joined by throwing coach Jake Susic, long distance coach Sarah Naegeli and Amy Gilbert coaching jumpers and sprinters. They also will have volunteer coaches Scott Gilbert and Bill McGuire helping with the team this year. “Overall, we are excited for another season,” Ferris stated. The track team will kick off competition next Saturday, March 26, at Eureka and then head to Bigfork on April 2. The Blue Hawks will host their home track meet on April 14.