The West Fork girls and boys track and field teams will have to wait a few extra days before they can begin their outdoor season. The Warhawks first outdoor meet scheduled for Tuesday at Saint Ansgar has been postponed to April 14th due to weather.
West Fork Girls Head Coach Ashley Sears on transitioning to outdoor portion of season.
“We’re just excited to be out on actual all surface track. We love being outside, but our track isn’t surfaced yet. It’s kind of repetitive and the concrete isn’t always kind on everybody’s shins,” says Sears. “We do a lot of grass training when we’re outdoors, we do field goal sprints and 40 yard dashes and such. It’s definitely a good transition, just getting in the sun is good for everybody and our mentalities.”
The Warhawk girls return state qualifiers to three events including Evie Hitzhusen in the 400m (19th at state), Keara Wood in the high jump (12th at state) and the 4x800m relay team of Hitzhusen, Tarah Ruckdashel, Maesy Mayland and JoAnna Wallace (24th at state). Brylee Dickman is the top shot put thrower so far this spring with a throw of 34-09.25.
Sears on developing running form and endurance.
“A lot of times, especially kids that ran cross country, they just don’t have that sprinter mechanics, arm swing, knee up and toe up. We’ve been working a lot on running form, marching and skipping. Then a big thing that will hopefully start happening a little more is just the kids developing more of a tolerance and a lactate threshold. Then they can feel like they’re competing well in the fours and the eights. We just have to tell them baby steps, it’ll take time and we’re going to get you faster. Then at the same time getting you more conditioned to hold that speed for longer.”
The West Fork boys individually so far this spring have been led by Xavier Haller with top 10 placings in the 800m (7th), long jump (4th) and high jump (5th) and Trevor Despenas in the 400m (4th). As a team the 4x100m (8th), 4x200m (4th) and 1600 medley (4th) relays have been in contention for medals.
The Warhawks next meet is scheduled for Thursday at Central Springs.
