SOUTH WAYNE — The Warriors open the spring track season with optimism and enthusiasm. The boys side lost its top thrower and high jumper in Thatcher Schliem, but a slew of other speedy athletes return. On the girls side, a bevy of top performers (6) graduated, but the strength in the throwing department and the incoming swell of young talent provides optimism moving forward.

Back for the girls is junior Jaliyah Collins, a state qualifier in the discus and fourth all-time in program history with a throw of 106-feet, 7-inches. Also back are juniors Kaylee Brooker (sprints, long jump), Jenna Meier (sprints), and sophomores Veronica Cheatham (hurdles, jumps) and Savannah Freitag (sprints). 

“Girls — we have some big gaps that were left by the group that graduated last year,” coach Eric Erickson admitted. “They were good athletes as well as good leaders. But they laid a foundation that we can build upon.   With no seniors, I expect that the junior class will provide the necessary leadership. Our goals are to finish in the Top 3 at the conference meet and qualify several individuals for the sectional meet.  I also feel a couple of school records could be broken.”

On the boys side, senior Elijah Shelton leads the way as a sectional-qualifying sprinter. Junior Jovanny Erickson was regional champion in the 200 and a sectional qualifier, and fellow juniors Kyler Seffrood (throws), Nickoli LaDow (throws) and sprint and pole vaulter Teegan Sweeney return. Also back are sophomores Andrew Figi (sprints, jumps), Trae Hagen (pole vault), Lane Marty (hurdles, jumps) and Gavis Smith (throws). Lucas Milz is also making the switch to track this spring, giving the coaching staff another versatile puzzle piece to worth with.

“Along with a couple of new athletes, we should be able to repeat a Top 3 finish in the conference and also send a few individuals on to the state meet,” coach Erickson said.

The coaching staff is intrigued with the boys side not just because of the youth, but because last year’s results were probably under-whelming than they normally would be.

“Our boys team, for the most part, missed all of 2020 and then because of spring football in 2021, got started late.  Added to that were some injuries coming off the football season, so I’m looking forward to having some guys who are physically ready to train, get stronger and complete a full season,” coach Erickson said.