Track has solid foundation of returning athletes

Hungry Horse News

To excel as a track team, it helps to excel on the track.

That's what coach Wes Knutson would like to see from his Columbia Falls girls track team this season.

Last year, the Wildkats got most of their points from the field events as they finished second at state. He said they should lead in the field again, but more production on the track would be quite helpful.

"We just have to score more points on the track and hopefully we'll be in the thick of things," Knutson said.

In the field, senior Bekah Stoltz is the top returner. Last year she took first at state in discus and second in shot put.

Junior Shanelle Swift, who was sixth at state in triple jump last year, and senior Cassie Stoneman, fifth in triple jump, should also produce some points.

On the track, the Wildkats have some strength in the long distances. They have two returners, sophomore Sarah Sturz and junior Lyndee Thueson, from their 1,600-meter relay team, which took fifth at state.

The sprints are not as promising. Knutson said their shorter distances have traditionally been a weak spot.

"We haven't been blessed with a lot of speed," he said.

He said they might do OK in those events this year. There are some soccer players possibly joining the team, and they could add some talent.

"Hopefully, we'll find some speed among them," Knutson said.

The boys also have some potential this season.

They scored 33 points in a fifth-place finish at state last year. And all the athletes who scored points are returning.

One of those athletes is Kyle Rosenbaum, a two-time state champion in the triple jump. Last year, he won with a jump of 45-4.

Rosenbaum was also fourth in the javelin with a throw of 169-5 and sixth in the long jump at 20-6.

The Cats will also have Drew Perry as a threat in the triple jump. He took fifth last year with a 41-11 1/2.

Jace Ladenburg should give the team some strength in the shot put and discus. After an injury-plagued season in 2004, coach Mark Beckwith said Ladenburg is healthy and should do well.

On the track, Devin Schmidt is returning after taking second in the 800 at 1:56.82 and fourth in the 400 with a 50.28.

Jack Scherman, a fourth-place state finisher in the 300 hurdle with a 41.79, is also back.

Beckwith said 45 boys have joined the roster.

He is excited because some athletes who do well in other sports are joining for the first time.

The snow has kept both teams inside for most of their practices so far. Beckwith said he blew the snow off the track earlier this week and they should get outside if the weather cooperates.

"It went from track season to ski season last week," Beckwith said.

Both teams open the season with the Columbia Falls Invitational at 10 a.m. April 2, weather permitting.