Manson Trojans to hit the track with 34 in roaster

MANSON – The 2018-2019 Manson Trojan track team is back in action for this new spring season. With an overall roaster of 34 student athletes, this years team is a big one with 17 returning students and 14 seniors.

For the first time Joey Johanson is co-coaching the Trojans along with Kurt Toolson who has been a coach in previous years. “It has been tough to start the year with the snow, but every other school and sport is in the same situation,” said Johanson.

The team has been doing a lot of indoor workouts, however a couple of days ago “we shoveled two lanes around the whole track, so progress is being made,” said Johanson.

The teams strength is the experience that the kids are bringing back. Both coaches have high expectations for the boys’ and girl’s teams as they have a great group of long distance runners and many athletes with State experience in relays and shotput.

On the boys side the Trojans have a great group of seniors and of long distance runners. Senior sprinter Marco Sanchez along with long distance runners Bailey Cameron and Connor Torgesen are key participants. Top hurdler Cole Beazley, throwers Jojo Morales and Christian Montes are also highlights for the team.

Returners Evelyn DeJesus, Zoe Thomas, Nadia Verduzco and newcomer Cara Hutton are also looking like high contenders on the girls side. State high jumper and state 400m runner Kendall Petre is also back to compete in state.

Assisting Johanson and Toolson with the team are Mason Cameron and Kevin Amsden working with throwers, Tori Carpenter working with the long distance runners and Lauren Johson working with jumpers.

The Trojans first meet was last Friday, March 15 at Wahluke High School, their next meet will be Tuesday, April 9 in Bridgeport. “We are super excited to hit the track,” said coach, “we to see athletes succeed and win, but we just want to introduce and cultivate a lifestyle of exercise and well-being,” he added.