by Savannah Sorensen

It’s spring, and boys and girls track is just one of the few activities getting underway at AHS. It’s a new beginning for both teams with losing last year’s seniors but gaining new athletes. The boys track team kicked off the new season with a meet at Central College on Friday, March 20, and the girls competed there on Saturday.

According to girls head coach Paul Iekel, team goals include finishing as high in the conference as possible and qualifying as many events to the state meet as they can. There are numerous individuals Iekel looks to to lead the team, including sophomore Lexi Freund, junior Tiffany Williams, and seniors Allie Siggins and Savannah Sorensen. All four have been consistent athletes for the team and will make impressions for the upcoming season.

Freund has been looking strong as a sprinter. Williams has been two time state qualifier in track, and a three timer in cross country. She has made a name for herself and continues improving. Williams will be a strong factor for the distances, as well as Sorensen, who will be running mid-distances this season. “She (Sorensen) is a consistent scorer in every meet,” said Iekel. Siggins also has state experience, and will be a strong runner from 200 meters to 800 meters. Iekel, and the other coaches, are “excited to the get season started.”

On the boys side, they have numerous returners and a number of new freshmen. Senior Robby Bodine said it’s up to them as a team to maintain and get better throughout the season. The boys had some success last year under the authority of Alan Jenkins. They hope to continue to improve as a team.

The first official meet of the season is scheduled for March 31. Competing is the north division of the Hawkeye Ten Conference. The girls will be hosting the event while the boys will travel to Denison. The event is scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm.