By NICHOLAS KIMBALL

Staff writer

Centre will field its own track team but will join with two other schools for other spring sports — Herington for baseball and Marion for swimming and golf.

Despite practicing with Marion, Centre has its own golf coach and will be scored separately.

Centre’s golf coach did not respond to requests for comment.

Track

Centre’s varsity track and field team has eight athletes this season — four girls and four boys.

“With only four athletes on each team, it will be difficult to accumulate enough points at any meet to compete for team titles,” coach Alan Stahlecker said. “However, I expect that each athlete will compete at their highest level and seek to make improvements throughout the season, which is something that I carefully monitor and seek to develop through specific workouts and recognition.”

Returning athletes on the boys’ side are senior Andrew Madron and sophomore Micah Carlson.

Madron participates in the 200, 400, long jump, and shot put.

Carlson is a returning letter-winner who will be involved in the 200 and 400.

“He competed well at regionals last year but needs to knock off more time to be competitive for a spot at state this year,” Stahlecker said.

The two new male athletes this season are sophomore Julian Resser and freshman Cameron Howe.

On the girls’ side, the two returning athletes are seniors Kaitlynn Bina and Olivia Carlson.

Bina is a three-year letter-winner, two-time state track qualifier, and returning medalist in the 1A 1600.

Carlson is a two-year letter-winner who has made the finals in horizontal jumps in her two years of regional competition.

“She may be looking to add the javelin throw this season,” Stahlecker said.

Sarah Barlow and Jaycee Stika are the new freshmen on the girls’ team.

Stahlecker will be entering his 15th season as head coach.

“Over the years, I have coached athletes in each discipline of track and field,” he said. “This year, I will focus on the throwers and distance runners, while lending a hand as needed with hurdles.”

Dawson Raymer will be assisting Stahlecker for the third straight season.

Raymer handles sprinters, hurdlers, and horizontal jumpers.

The Cougar track and field season will begin Tuesday at Remington.