Bearcats tracksters looking to build off last years successes

by John Suhr

suhrs@reporterandfarmer.com

Webster Area Bearcat Coach Brandy Gangle said, “Mother Nature has made it very clear already this spring that she’s in charge, so we’ll roll with whatever weather we’re given, travel where we need to find meets and we might even be shoveling the track for practice.”

Gangle in her seventh year as head coach is assisted by Adam Mines - throws, Jordan Bauer - sprints, volunteer middle distance Scott Gangle, volunteer pole vault Kevin Duenwald and volunteer hurdle Aaron Keller.

Gangle said, “Losing a senior class of leadership like last year means it’s time for this years upperclassmen to step up. Already this year, the seniors are showing up in a way we haven’t seen out of this particular group in past years. There’s a lot of young talent in this freshman class who should step right into the varsity role.”

With any team there is room for improvement. Gangle added that there were quite a few successes last year, particularly on the boys’ side, so they are looking to really push that success this year, especially at the state level. She added there is a lot of new girl throwers this year, so that is exciting to see them step into scoring positions. While javelin is exhibition for one more year, so we’ll also grow and develop that event in preparation for scoring points at the state level next year.

According to Gangle the Bearcat strengths will be the boys’ team while small in numbers but they are very talented. Gangle said, “They have lofty but attainable goals this year. The girls team has depth and will be competing with one another for the top varsity spots, which is the best kind of competition there is.”

Seniors include Erin Case, Max Duerre, Rylee Huwe, Jaiden McCreary, Drew Reetz, Sydney Simonson and Elliott Steiner. Juniors are Brent Bearman, Gracie Cadwell, Trey Dunse, Ella Hegg, Jacob Keller, Kara Kwasniewski, Bayleann Moen, Carson Mount and Payton Snell. Sophomores include Katie Braun, Allie Case, Martin Dorsett, Harley Johnson, Tate Mammenga, Isaac Nelson, Erin Sannes, Ethan Schlotte, Abby Vander Linden, Lydia Vogl and Gavin Witt. Freshmen are Emily Acree, Madison Block, Kelsey Braun, Jersey Johnson, Lukas Johnson, Rayna Johnson, Julie Lesnar, Jeron McCreary, Rylee Mortenson, Matthew Mount, Karli Sannes, Bryce Snell, Josie Spiering, Willa Stern, Henry Witt and Taryn Zakrzewski. Statistician and video for the Cats is Lily LeFabre.

Schedule

Pending Mother Nature the Webster Area Bearcats will have a partial team in the Donat Classic March 27 at NSU. The team will be at SDSU April 3 for the Scott Underwood Invite, April 11 Rob Luecke Invite in Groton, April 21 host the Watoma Relays in Webster with Watertown’s track under construction; April 22 Tom Main Invite in Chester, April 28 host the Webster Invite, May 2 Valley Queen Cheese Meet in Milbank, May 5 Sisseton Twilight and a  partial team to the Howard Wood Relays in Sioux Falls May 5-6. On May 11 the NEC meet in Groton, May 18 Region 1A meet in Groton and May 25-27 State A Track in Sioux Falls with qualifiers.