As the school year comes to an end, track and field is gearing up for sections in the hope of making it to state. This year, there were a number of individuals who made it through sub-sections and will be competing this Saturday at sections in Mankato.

The athletes have been working tirelessly in preparation with the help from a number of the track and field coaches. The head sprint coach, Ronald Hoffman, shared his thoughts on the upcoming meet:

“This time of year is always exciting for athletes and coaches, but I am especially enthusiastic for this weekend’s meet! Our athletes have improved so much as individuals and as a team over the length of the season, and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together this Saturday in Mankato, with opportunities to achieve career bests and advance to state. We have not just one, but a handful of relays that are in position to run great, and we also have a handful of athletes competing in individual events that also have the opportunity to advance. I couldn’t be prouder of how hard they’ve worked this season to get to this point! If they trust in their training, trust in each other, I know that great things can be accomplished in Mankato this weekend, as well as beyond that!”

The athletes that advanced to sections for the boy’s team include Daniel Trieff who got 4th in shot put at sub-sections, the boy’s 4 x 400 meter relay (Joe Olsen, Nick Lynch, Brendan O’Connor, Jack Fink) who received 2nd, Jack Fink who took 4th in the 1600 meter run, and Zyler Niece who placed 2nd in the 800 meter.

“This is certainly the best time of the season. This is where everyone can see the result of all the hard work and determination. We’ve had a great history competing at sections, and I know that our athletes will once again be ready to go,” said jumps and sprints coach Alex Krause.

For the girls team, there are also a number of athletes that will be running in Mankato this Saturday.

For the sprinters, this includes the girls 4 x 400 meter relay (Gracie Lund, Maggie Mahota, Casey Krasowski, Grace Conroy) that placed 1st at sub-sections, the girl’s 4 x 200 meter relay (Evelyn Willenbring, Emily Willenbring, Gracie Lund, Emma Terris) that also placed 1st, the girl’s 4 x 100 meter relay (Evelyn Willenbring, Emma Terris, Alexis Pricco, Casey Krasowski) that took 2nd, Emily Willenbring who placed 2nd in the 200 meter dash, Maggie Mahota and Alexis Pricco placed 2nd and 4th respectively in the 300 meter hurdles.

The girls long distance crew also excelled at sub-sections where Abby Ernst got 4th in the 1600 meter run, Ellie Marschall took 1st in the 3200 meter run, and Kendra and Megan placed 1st and 4th in the 800 meter run, respectively.

For girls jumpers, Emma Terris took 2nd in high jump at sub-sections and Emily Willenbring jumped 2nd in long jump and beat her school record.

All of the athletes above will be competing at Mankato West High School on Saturday June 3rd. The meet begins at 9:30 with jumps, followed by prelims at 10:15. The running events begin at 11:00.

As the meet nears, Senior Captain Emily Willenbring is excited to run this weekend and explained, “At sections, if we do what we know we can do and execute what we have been practicing this week, I have no doubt that we will continue to see success. I can’t wait to compete with and cheer on my teammates again!”