High School Girls Track 2008

Page 7

Volume 14 Issue 5

One year ago we complained about below zero temperatures. A year later and we find warm above freezing temperatures and not much snow to scoop. Watch out for the month of March. Our, warm temperature have had us starting to think about girls track. The official state starting date is Monday, February 11. Once again, it is doubtful that the Hinton girls will start at that time. A more realistic date would be around February 19, for non-basketball girls, and a date to be determined for the basketball players. Our first indoor meet, will be March 17 at Dordt College.

If the 2007 season sported a new look, the 2008 season should be an old look. Having no seniors on a squad that qualified seven events for the state meet, the 08 squad should be returning a host of veterans. Returning state qualifiers will include seniors Katie Lahn and Kinsey Bak. Katie, qualified, for her first state in the 4 x 800 and 4 x 400 meter relays. Kinsey, participating in her third state meet, was a busy young woman, participating in the High Jump, 4 x 400 meter relay, the Long Jump where she placed fourth, and the 100-meter Hurdles where she, also, placed fourth. Other returning state participants are juniors Brandi Schindel and Abby Hageman. Both, Brandi and Abby were competed in their second state meet. Brandi ran in the 4 x 800 and Abby in the second place finishing 4 x 200 meter relay. The sophomore class, was represented by first time state meet competitor Kylie Poss. Kylie doubled up events running in the 100 meter dash and anchoring the 4 x 200 meter relay. We had three freshman state qualifiers, Mackenzie Small, Shelbi Derochie, and Audrey Jenkins. Shelbi, ran in the 4 x 200 meter relay and Audrey ran in the 4 x 800 meter relay. Mackenzie was a busy little freshman at the 07 state meet participating in the Long Jump, the 4 x 800, 4 x 400, and the 4 x 200 meter relays.

The young 07 squad placed first in four invitationals last season. Second in two meets, fourth in two meets, second at regional, and

twelfth at the state meet. We hope that our incoming freshman class can add to our already talented 08 squad so that even more events can qualify for the 2008 state meet.

                 Our list of meets, again, will have several changes this year. We are going to try to return to the Dan Lennon, indoor invitational on March 25. We will also, be returning to the Alta, invitational on April 8. For a complete look at the 2008 schedule, please consult the school web site. We also, encourage parents to question athletes about starting times of meets. New state rulings are allowing meets to start earlier than the usual 5:00 p.m.

As always we encourage the girls to check their running shoes before the season starts. Solid footwear is encouraged to eliminate beginning of the season injuries. If in need of a new pair of running shoes or spikes, I, recommend you try the Peak Performance, located in the Southern Square Shopping Center. Each athlete will receive a “free” standing gait analysis to ensure proper shoe selection to aid in the prevention of running related injuries. They also, offer a 15% discount on running shoes, just be sure to tell them you are on the Hinton squad.

It should be a great 2008 season. Our home, Blackhawk Invitational, will be held April 11. We encourage everyone to come out and watch the girls in action. As always, Coach Held is in need of volunteers. We have a tradition of running one of the best track meets in Northwest Iowa. Our volunteer help gets this job done.

                 Hoping that the weather is warm, dry and not windy, we will see you in the spring.

By: Mark Wilson