Trojan track running for state title in 2015
<p>Brylee Freund, left, Ashley Neely, Coach Jeff Hawk, Noah Erickson, Sean Opland, Ryan Suber, Calvin Kelso, Trinity Rice, Michael Demmendaal, Michael Miller, Noah Caballero, Gabe Hickman, Sarah Pierce, Sami Rohrich, Ty Hight, Makayla Osterberg, Mason Chapel, Olivia Roach, Nathan Olds, Andrea Mack, Coach Neil Newton, Tucker Winn. Not pictured: Pate Scott and Coach Justin Young.</p>
<p>Olivia Roach, leads off in girls 400-meter relay.</p>
<p>Sean Opland clears 6'4" in the high jump Saturday during the Libby Invite April 26, 2014.</p>
After placing second at last year’s state meet, the Troy boys’ track team would like to climb to that top spot when the meet lands a mere 90 miles away in Kalispell at the end of this season. Coach Neil Newton said the boys could accomplish that goal from the points just two of the teams’ athletes alone could possibly provide.
“Our big two are Sean Opland and Pate Scott. We hope to get them on the podium a few times come the state meet,” said Newton. “Just those two alone could potentially lead us to good places.”
But hopefully several of the other approximately 20 members of the Trojan track team can fight their way to one of the top six positions by years’ end.
“We have a bunch of good kids out and we’re looking forward to a good season. We’ve got a couple of new faces, which is exciting to have kids trying new things,” said Newton.
Newton was hoping a few more boys would have come out for the team to give the team an even better chance at the state trophy, but said the goal is the same regardless. Newton said having 10 girls report to the track team was a marked increase in participation.
“It’s way more than we’ve had in my 11 years of coaching track. We have a lot of girls being brave and trying something new this year; it’s a good trend,” Newton said. He said he expects Olivia Roach and Allie Coldwell may surprise themselves with how well they will compete this year.
Newton said it’s good to see Jordan Harrick out for the team this year and forecasts success for him and Noah Erickson as well. Also expecting to make great strides in the distance running events this year is Trinity Rice.
And for the big two.
Scott took second in the long jump at state last year and will also compete in the high jump and triple jump this year. “We’re also going to try and turn him into a sprinter. He’s been working hard all year and has really come alive in the weight room,” said Newton.
Opland was a superman as a sophomore at last year’s state meet, taking fourth in the 100-meter dash, second in the 200, first in the 400 and second in the high jump. Many teams don’t place in that many events at state. “We might even get him to throw a couple of times to see what he can do there,” Newton said. “He works hard in everything he does.”
So far things are going well in practice for the Trojans. “The kids are working hard and we’re really pleased with the effort they’re showing. That’s all a coach can ask for,” Newton said.
Assistant coach Justin Young said the work ethic of Scott and Opland is encouraging for the other athletes on the team.
What Newton likes about track and field is that unlike team sports individual progress is easily measured at practice and meets as the athletes go up against the tape and the clock. Dedication to improvement usually yield results in the sport and continues in endeavors in other areas of life.
Coaching alongside Newton are Justin Young and Jeff Hawk. Young works predominately with the runners and Hawk coaches the jumpers.
This year the Trojan jumpers will be leaping into a new pit filled with sand instead of gravel, which will likely be welcome by everyone.
Newton anticipates Plains could win their third straight state girls’ championship and said Thompson Falls will also be tough competition in the conference.
The Trojans’ first meet is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Pacific time in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.