Impressive turnout for Bulldog track teams

Expectations are high for the Bulldog track team with more than 100 students coming out for the team this spring.

The boys team has 57 athletes and the girls have 43.

“That’s among the best turnout we’ve ever had,” said head coach Derek Schulz. “On a good year we’ll have 80 kids.”

The boys are coming off a strong second-place finish at state last year. Schulz believes the team can be in the mix again, even with one of its top performers sidelined due to injury.

Senior track star Jed Nagler won’t be able to compete this spring after having surgery to take care of a lingering football injury. Nagler, who will play football for the University of Montana, won state titles in high jump, the 100 sprint and was on both the winning relay teams.

“It’s a downer of a way to start the season,” Schulz said about learning Nagler will be out. “But we’ll still have a good team. Our expectations are still to be competitive at the divisional and state level.”

Returning to the boys team are state competitors Luke May, Brian FauntLeRoy, Peter Mow, Matt Brewer, Gauge Anderson and Tyler Cote.

May is a two-time state champ in javelin and will throw for the University of Minnesota next fall. Schulz hopes to see May contribute in other events, as well.

Anderson and FauntLeRoy both were on the winning state relay teams. Not surprisingly, Schulz says the boys should be strong in the events again this year.

“We pride ourselves on the relays,” he said.

Overall, Schulz likes the team’s depth.

“We have a lot of kids who were right on the verge of breaking through last year,” he said.

The girls team is back on the track with a handful of returning athletes that helped the Lady Dogs take fourth at state last year.

Senior Allie Schulz placed third in the 110 hurdles and was on the second-place relay teams. Kate Doorn took second in high jump, Ellie Dewan placed in 300 hurdles, and Lydia Kryshak placed on both relay teams.

Coming off a strong cross-country season, Barrett Gray will be competitive in the distance runs. Cevana Lawshe will be a force in the jumping events, Schulz said.

Schulz said the Whitefish track community enters the season with a heavy heart remembering the loss of longtime assistant coach Rob Carter.

“He was loved by everyone,” Schulz said. “He was loved by coaches and athletes from around the state.”

Former Bulldog track and football standout Willie Roche has been brought on to fill the coaching void. Roche competed in track at Carroll College.

“He’ll be a fantastic coach in his ability to connect with kids,” Schulz said.

The team opens the season April 5 with a meet at Flathead High School.