Multisport athletes show all-around skills in Troy track

The team may be only 22 strong, but Troy track and field boasts a pair of All-State high-jumpers and a slew of impressive athletes.

Senior Nathan Olds will look to claim his fourth-straight trip to the state tournament in the high-jump and sophomore Sean Opland will seek to follow his example with a second trip of his own.

Troy’s senior starting quarterback and point guard, Gabe Hickman, will likely make an impact after being sidelined in past years by nagging injuries. Juniors Michael Miller and Pate Scott will be relied on as significant point contributors as well. Opland will be called on for whatever five events he wants to impact that day.

“Hopefully, we can make some noise at state and earn some hardware,” Troy Coach Neil Newton said.

The team began practices March 17 and Newton is racing to get athletes their required 10 practices before the team’s first meet Saturday in Ronan.

The team is heavy in boys but counts only five girls. Newton said recruiting is a never-ending process and continues to offer his best pitch to students. Students could follow the example of senior Andrea Mack, a first-year track athlete. Freshman Olivia Roach, also a basketball player, will also take her first crack at track and field.

“It is a lot of fun to watch the kids grow,” Newton said. “We are looking forward to a fun season.”