This year at Okawville High School, a new track and field season comes with new athletes, a new track, and a new assistant coach. We are excited to see our team back on the track and getting ready for our upcoming season.
This will be the first year many members will compete in high school track. These members include: Wesley Blanford(9), Tessa Frantz(9), Katelyn Gogolek(9), Emma Hokeness(9), Kinley Mueller(9), Addysen Rennegarbe(10), Jack Schuetz(11), Hunter Smith(9), Taylor Statler(9), Evan Stine(12), and Kaylee Wolf(9). Returning members include Gabe Charles(10), Sidney Charles(12), Nolan Frantz(12), Oliver Gaubautz(12), Zander Hasheider(11), Kade Jackson(12), Paige Kolweier(12), Aubrey Krieger(11), Michael Marler(11), Payton Meier(12), Savanna Meyer(10), Ryker Obermeier(11), Madisyn Rennegarbe(11), Landen Shubert(11), Alyssa Statler(12), Caroline Tepe(11), William Tepe(12), and Sophia Wood(10). The track team is welcoming a new manager, Petra Galliano(9), onto the team.
The coaching staff is excited to see what the track team will accomplish this year as well. The staff is made up of returning head coach, DeAnna Holm, and new assistant coach, Eric Charles. Mrs. Holm is not new to track; this will be her 21st season coaching. Although this is Coach Eric’s first season coaching, he is not new to track either. Following his kids around during track seasons and running on his own has led him to know a thing or two about track and the tips and tricks it may take. He typically helps with the whole team however, he specializes in knowing how to train and prepare for long-distance running, such as the 2-mile. Along with our new assistant coach, we also have a new track to practice on. The track has recently been put in to help us prepare for meets.
The track team has its first meet on Tuesday, March 12, at Red Bud High School. The following day the team has another meet at Columbia High School. We are looking forward to seeing the athletes’ accomplishments!