Trojans Track and Field: Try something new

Manson Trojans 2018 Track and Field, (left to right) Front 5ow: Nadia Verduzco, Magali Leyva, Zoe Thomas, Sarah Simmons, Addi Torgesen, Dioci Cervantes, Megan Clausen, Grace Cullison, Grant Torgesen, Marco Sanchez. Middle row: Coach Trista Walters, Henry Armstrong, Connor Torgesen, Joe Strecker, Eduardo Escalera, Jonathan Morales, Braden Getzin, Blake Cochran, Christian Montes, Alex Zargosa, Ben Charlton. Back row: Coach Sarah Wiggum, Luis Sanchez, Evelyn De Jesus, Kendall Petre, Bailey Cameron, Titus Petersen, Donny Vanderholm, Tyler Charlton, Cody Amsden, Cole Beazley.

Posted Wednesday, March 7, 2018 10:44 am

Erin Rossell, Staff Writer

MANSON – A new season of track and field brings new possibilities for it’s athletes. With head coach Kevin Sandford’s in his first year coaching track, but over 30 years’ experience overall, and decades of experience between assistant coaches Sarah Wiggum, Trista Walters and Kevin Amsden, nothing is out of reach for the team.
Last year’s team placed at state in a few of different events, explained Walters. “We took kids in throwing events, relays, high jump, distance and sprints,” she stated, “the boys team were league champions.”
Crucial returning athletes this year include Eduardo Escalera, Joe Strecker, Cole Beazley, Connor Torgesen, Marco Sanchez and Bailey Cameron, “they were all state competitors last year, or near (to making state),” said Walters, “so, I anticipate they’ll be returning to state this year.”
This year’s team boasts right around 10 seniors, with several seasons of experience amongst them, which will prove to be beneficial to the team in getting its newest members acclimated to the sport.
Heading into the season with a new head coach and losing several participants from last year’s relay team to graduation, Walters stated that she expects there to be somewhat of a transition period for the team. “They’re going to have to form new relay teams,” she stated, “and really focus on that and embracing the changes.” She doesn’t anticipate this to slow the team down though, as the group will be working hard in hopes of returning to state again this year. “We’re really trying to improve our fast-switch muscles,” she explained, “so, focusing a lot on core stuff to get good, quick, explosive starts and finishes.”
So, what new comers should you be watching for to shine? Walters said she’s excited to see what Senior Magali Leyva can do on the track and in the field, as well as Manson new-comer Henry Armstrong, “he’s a thrower,” stated Walters, “I think he could put up some good numbers.” Also, keep a close eye on Christian Montes, she advised. A broken leg, a couple years back, has kept him out of play up until now, “but he’s got an incredible CrossFit background and strength,” she added, “so I’m excited to see what he does.”