Although Park High’s track team included few underclassmen, the team as whole took on the season with much enthusiasm, from trying new events and taking on coaching to having 20 athletes qualify for state.
20 doesn’t seem like a huge number, but compared to the last few years the number of qualifiers has only increased. Coach Joey Lane is proud to announce the three Divisional Champions: Asa Duncan for pole vault, Camden Fenton for long jump, and Finn Schretenthaler for the 1600m.
The three boys not only became Divisional Champions but also outdid themselves from past years by beating their personal records. Fenton increased his personal best by three feet. Schretenthaler beat his personal record again, and Duncan was ranked number one in Class A division.
The rest of the boys placed in sixth or above for their personal divisions. Ryan Miller-high jump, Tristan Watts- long jump, Alec Dalby- 200m, the list continues on and on as Park High Rangers take on the other teams.
The girls even had the best results they have had in many years. Out of eight competing, seven qualified for state and six medaled. Molly Arterburn- fourth in long jump, Ashley Strupp- sixth in the 300m Hurdles, the girls’ 4×400 Relay placed sixth as well. Just like the boys, the girls’ team list for wins goes on and on as they beat their own personal best and place in many divisions.
The athletes are all very proud and excited to attend state, whether it be the first or the third time attending. They are mostly excited to place in areas which they suggest are outside their expertise. They also give credit to the coaches that took their time to teach what they know. Some of the coaches were volunteers for the season; Olga Mogen for javelin, Quinten Counts for shot and discus, and Michael Kokot for the high jumpers. Finally, they begin to close the season by thanking their official team coaches: Shad Durgan, Matt Schad, Casey Bartz, and Joey Lane.