The 2016-17 season brought many challenges for the men and women’s track and field teams.
The beginning of the season saw the track and field team pick up wins against tough opponents such as Kalamazoo Central, Gull Lake, Portage Northern, and Mattawan.
The men’s track team also won the Don Lukens Invitational for the first time since 1989.
“We are looking strong so far, and we have had several strong performances from the team. I feel like my chances of making the state cut are pretty good in the 400 meter dash,” said senior Ryan Ross at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, Ross missed the state qualifying time for the 400 meter dash by 0.20 seconds.
The track and field conference meet was on Saturday, May 13th. Unfortunately the track and field team didn’t perform as well as they would’ve liked.
Last year there were 5 track and field athletes that competed in the MHSAA State Finals.
“I think my chances of going to states are pretty good. I’m having a good year,” said senior Joe Hruska at the beginning of the season. Hruska has been on the varsity track and field team for 4 years and this would have been his first time going to states. Hruska was within 2 feet of the state qualifying distance for shot put.
“We are in a good spot to win conference. We do have to clean up some of our weaker parts of the team though,” said senior Alexander Neal.
Neal has been on the varsity track team for 4 years.
“I compete in the 110 meter hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles,” said Neal.
Neal is currently ranked 8th in the state for 110 meter hurdles.
Neal qualified for states in the 110 meter hurdles due to a strong performance in the regional meet in which he placed 3rd.
Junior Alexa Davis has prior experience in the MHSAA State Final meet. Last year Davis was a part of the 4×400 meter women’s relay team that competed at the state meet.
“I think my chances of going to the state finals are high. I’m 12 seconds off the state cut for the 800 meter dash,” added Davis, “Also the girl’s 4×400 meter relay team is undefeated so far this season so we have a good chance.”
Davis was able to cut her 12 second gap down to 7 seconds but it was not enough to qualify for the state meet.
Senior Evan Wheat and junior Zach Skinner both qualified for the state meet in pole vaulting.
“I feel very good about qualifying for the state meet,” said Skinner. This is the first time that Skinner has qualified for the state meet.
The MHSAA state finals take place on June 3rd.
The track and field season had its fair share of ups and downs, but if there is one thing for certain it is that Loy Norrix should be proud of the accomplishments of the men and women’s team.