Watford City track teams looking for a good start at Hazen
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
With the weather finally warming up and the track clearing of snow, the Watford City High School varsity track teams are getting ready to open their track season this Friday when the Wolves travel to Hazen for a 3 p.m. meet.
“We have 31 girls out for track this year and I’m excited about the season,” states Greg Brown, girls’ head coach. “What I have seen in practices so far this year is great. We have the upperclassmen working hard to improve on their finishes from State last year, and with that hard work, I have also noticed our junior high program working harder. I feel we have great leadership with the upperclassmen this year and that they will teach good work ethics to the younger athletes.”
Brown has reason to look forward following last year’s success at State which saw the 1,600 and 3,200 meter relay teams capturing first place finishes for the Wolves, while the girls 800 meter relay team took third place.
“Last year we ended the season with a great showing at the State Meet by winning two relays and placing high in many other events,” states Brown. “This year I still feel that we have the capability of having many of the same results at State as long as we continue to work hard and stay healthy plus we return many past letter winners that have State Track Meet experience and are working very hard to make themselves better athletes to prepare for the upcoming meets.”
Also sharing Brown’s optimism on the upcoming track season is Dave Gumke, the new boys’ head coach.
“We have 32 boys out for track and field in the seventh through 12th grade with the hopes of a few more making a decision to come out,” states Gumke. “We have a very strong group of upperclassmen along with some good young guys. The athletes that we have out seem very dedicated to the sport.”
According to Gumke, all of his athletes have been working very hard and doing everything that the coaches ask.
“The upperclassmen have been very good about bringing the young guys along by encouraging them and helping them understand how to do the different drills and workouts,” noted Gumke. “I am excited for this group of young men and look forward to our first meet.”
While the varsity will have their first meet on Friday at Hazen, the junior varsity will see its first action on Tuesday, April 13 when they travel to Tioga for a 10 a.m. meet.