Nine freshmen join CHS track team
By ROWENA PLETT
Reporter / photographer
Of the 26 students on the Centre High School track team, nine are freshmen. The team is headed by Marc Grout, who is in his first year as head coach. He served as assistant coach the past two years.
Grout is hoping the freshmen will fill in some of the spots left by graduating seniors.
Several returning members have competed at the state level. Pole vaulter Mark Pagenkopf, a senior, set a new school record last year. He is anxious for another attempt to place in the state meet.
Two juniors, Aaron Barney in the triple jump and junior Raschelle Jirak in shotput and discus, also went to state as sophomores.
Senior Kathleen Meek went to state in 2001 in the 300-meter hurdles. She is hoping to make a repeat appearance this year.
Justin Garrard, a sophomore, runs the mile and two mile. He was successful in cross country this year and is working hard to get to the state meet in these events.
Grout is confident about his team's ability and determination.
"We don't have a lot of kids, not even as many as last year," he said, "but those who came out are serious and will do well for us."
