Menu
Eagles track has high hopes
With a mixture of youth and experience, athletes both honed and raw, the South Putnam boys' track team is poised to have strong season.
Returning for the Eagles is senior Ryan Chestnut, a regional qualifier last season in the shot put who missed a chance to go to the state finals by 1/2 inch.
He's SPHS's strongest competitor, but he won't be the lone Eagle picking up points.
"We've got a nice mixture of young kids and juniors and seniors on the squad this year," SPHS coach Carl Coons said. "I feel good because we've got a nice representation in probably all the events in terms of what we can and cannot accomplish."
Junior Wes Riner, a regional qualifier last year in sprints, is back this season and will look to improve, as is senior pole vaulter Trent Workman.
"Trent just does a nice job," Coons said. "He just keeps working. ... He's not going to go 16 feet, but he's going to score some points and he's working with the younger kids."
All the Eagles are preparing for the season and beginning to specialize.
Sophomore Lucas Lorian is poised for a big year in hurdles, sprints.
Junior Klayton Vittetow (hurdles, high jump, relays) is a solid worker and athlete.
Distance runners Hunter Barr, Berndt Freeman and Lane Franklin are ready to set a strong pace.
"We've got some good ones there," Coons said. "We've got some speed."
The Eagles got off to a bit of a late start because they have so many winter athletes on the team and, because of the poor weather, the group hasn't been able to get work outdoors as much as would be desired.
Still, Coons said, when the team comes around it could be exciting to watch.
Given the other challenging teams in the conference, South Putnam will hope that excitement can turn into success.
"It's going to be an interesting season, and it's going to be a fun season, like they all are," Coons said. "We'll just have to see how it comes out."