Underclassmen anchor Warrior track program
By ERIC CLARK
Sports Editor
With 50 athletes out for Marion High School track, and just six seniors, the shift and emphasis for Warrior track coach Grant Thierolf is obvious — underclassmen.
"Our goal is to progress our freshman and sophomores so that by the end of the year they're competitive," Thierolf, who is in his 16th year as head coach, said. "I don't want to undersell our kids, because we are strong at a number of events. Overall, in the throwing areas we're awfully experienced. We hope to put ourselves in a situation that will help us win the CVL and place high in the regional meet. We think we're going to be OK. The kids are working really hard this season."
The Warrior boys will look to state-qualifying seniors Steven Boone and Tyler Smith and sophomore Casey Nelson for much-needed points. Boone qualified in the shot put, Smith in the discus, and Nelson in the pole vault.
"Our senior throwers are going to lead us well," Thierolf said. "Those two guys (Boone and Smith) have been there and done that and will be competitive this season. It's going to be a fun season."
Other notables, according to Thierolf, are senior Jimmy Shipman, juniors Drew Looper and Dale Vogel, sophomores Jeremy Vodenkamp and Russell Ploutz, and freshmen Ben Leppke, Kyle Hett, and Jason Hett.
For the girls, senior Jessica DeForest will be leading the Warriors and looking for a spot in the state track meet according to Thierolf.
"She's running really well right now," Thierolf said. "She has a great opportunity to make it to state this season."
Senior Sarah Regier also will play a major role in Marion's success this season, her coach said. Regier finished fifth in regional competition last season.
"She's put a lot of time into it," Thierolf said. "She's worked awfully hard at it since last season. We look for good things from her this year."
Athletes like Toni Gordon and Emalee Versch are among the female athletes Thierolf and Company are expecting to contribute throughout the season.
