SOUTH WAYNE — After setting numerous school records a season ago, Black Hawk head coach Eric Erickson continues to set goals high for his athletes.
Eric Erickson, entering his sixth season at Black Hawk and 29th overall as a coach, believes he has many capable athletes that could make it to state.
“I’d like to see more kids make it up to the state meet,” Eric Erickson said. “We have a difficult time competing for a conference title, but to have several conference champs as individuals would be fantastic.”
A season ago, only two individuals and one relay made the state meet. Raylin Peterson finished ninth in the shot put, setting a school record in sectionals to qualify. Jaliyah Collins also went to state in shot put, coming in at tenth. Her state-qualifying throw was just shy of the school record.
On the boys end, Lucas Milz, Andrew Figi, Elijah Shelton and Jovanny Erickson went to state in the 4x200 relay. The only graduate from this group is Elijah Shelton, who had set a school record in the 100-meter dash.
Maddy Lange also set a school record last season in pole vault, and Eric Erickson anticipates improvement from the sophomore.
Eric Erickson is also excited to watch Jovanny Erickson, Lane Marty, Eli Schliem and Owen Seffrood grow this season.
Jovanny Erickson, who will continue running at UW-Whitewater in the fall, has qualified for sectionals in the 200-meter dash twice. In relays, he is the anchor. To help the Warriors earn points, he will try the 300-meter hurdles this spring.
Marty, an impactful hurdler a year ago, is set for a stellar season, according to Eric Erickson.
“He [Marty] is on the verge of a break-through season,” Eric Erickson said. “He’s bigger and stronger, which is essential as a hurdler. He could emerge as one of the best high hurdlers in this part of the state.”
Schliem, just a sophomore, will work into the 4x400 relay. Eric Erickson believes Schliem’s contributions could set school records.
“He [Schliem] has great potential if he puts his mind to it,” Eric Erickson said. “He may be the cog we’re missing for a school record in the 4x400 relay. He is a utility person who, with a year’s maturity, could factor into a great finish in the conference meet.”
Seffrood, who just finished third at the state wrestling tournament, knows what it takes to succeed and looks to take his hard work ethic into track.
“He [Seffrood] was a late-comer last spring,” Eric Erickson said. “He’s one of the best wrestlers in the state at his weight class and works hard to contribute on the track. He started vaulting last spring, and I expect, with some coaching and time, could become a pretty good vaulter.”
Seniors Tara Wellnitz and Milz suffered injuries during basketball season. While Wellnitz is likely out for the entire season, Milz’s recovery will be slow. Once he is healthy, Milz will contribute in throws and the 4x200 relay.
Although the Warriors have a number of talented individuals, they don’t have the numbers to remain competitive in team standings. As such, Eric Erickson expects River Ridge and Benton-Scales Mound-Shullsburg to take the conference title.
