MHS track team could spend more time at home
By ERIC CLARK
Staff Writer
When you're talking about track, you're typically talking about skill, numbers, and scoring.
And according to Marion High School track coach Grant Thierolf, his 2003 exhibits all three of these characteristics and more.
This year, Thierolf is welcoming 51 athletes to the track team — about 20 more tracksters than last season. The core of the team centers around 13 seniors who will prove to be the catalyst for this year's team, Thierolf said.
"It's going to be a fun year," Thierolf said. "The kids work hard, they listen to what we tell them and they don't complain. It's fun to be around a team like that, because it really makes it fun."
Thierolf said his boys' team will feature strengths in hurdles, distance and throwing events, and throwing events and the pole vault.
Senior Joel Versch is expected to make a run at qualifying for state in the hurdles this year according to Thierolf. Senior ironclads Zac Ewert and Brian Bina also are expected to qualify for state. Ewert qualified last season in the 3,200-meter run.
On the girls' side, Sarah Regier, and two-sport athletes Megan Moore and Leann Thomas will boast a strong throwing team, while Jessica DeForest and Sarah Vogel hold down the distance events. Brandi Shipman also is expected to help the girls' team in the jumping events.
"Our girls' team is pretty strong," Thierolf said. "Our throwers are really good and our distance runners are well rounded."
Overall, Thierolf said he's excited about the number of athletes out for track and he's looking forward to the upcoming season, which kicks off April 3, in Hillsboro.
"I feel pretty good about our team this year," Thierolf said. "I think the only place we're lacking is in the sprints. But I think we're solid in most places. We have some kids who really have some skills."
