Paul Schmidt had two track and field athletes make state last year and only one is returning to the team this year. The one returning is Dillon Radunz (shot put) and the one departed is graduate Luke Lahr (1600M).

 

Schmidt would love to see Radunz get another shot at a state title (he medaled by finishing sixth) and would also like to see one more — if not others — join him at Hamline in June.

 

“Track and field is so different from other sports in that you aren’t really competing against the other teams or other athletes but yourself,” said Schmidt. “You’re always looking to better your previous scores. I think some of these athletes can do that and achieve so much more.”

 

Schmidt has 12 seniors on the squad, including Radunz and he feels each one has the potential to do something real special this year. Those seniors are Radunz, Alex Meidt, Andrew Davalos, Beau Pauly, Brett Parson, Gabe Dertinger, Jacob Woehrle, Keith Sorenson, Logan Lahr, Olsen Pancoast, Parker Friedman and Ryan Nohner.

 

Pauly is playing baseball and participating in track to get his body in shape to be ready for college football next fall.

 

“This (track) is all so new to me,” he said. “I’m trying to take advantage of competing on track so I can increase my speed, have better agility and do simpler things like jump higher and better. This sport is perfect for that.”

 

Woehrle is entering his fourth year in varsity track and field and his top event is shot put. He also throws the discus but he hopes to do other track events to prepare him for his future.

 

“I’m going into the National Guard next year so I need to work on my running,” he said. “I think I’ll need to be better at that than I am now when I go in.”

 

Logan Lahr, the younger brother of Luke, is starting his third year under Schmidt in track and field and has high goals just like his brother.

 

“I’m not a runner like him but I’m getting better at throwing the shot and discus,” he said. “My goal is to be part of the team that makes sections.”

 

Sorenson has only been part of track and field for two years but is a strong distance runner.

 

“I primarily run the mile and two mile races and the spring sports season is when I use this time to prep me for cross country in the fall,” he said. “My goal is to have a better kick this year.”

 

Pancoast is also a top distance runner for Schmidt and is expected to excel in the 3200.

 

“I like all the distance events and I too like to run to stay sharp for cross country.”

 

Friedman, in his third year with the team, is mostly a 400M runner and plans to concentrate his efforts on being the best at that distance.

 

“I’ve switched from doing field events to just running,” Friedman said. “And as a captain this year, I feel it is my responsibility to be around and help the youth and set a good example.”

 

Davalos, who recently completed a successful season in basketball and will be playing in an all star game today (Saturday), is also in his fourth year with the track and field team.

 

“I primarily run the 400 and the relays,” he said. This year I’m hoping to push myself and break a school record, maybe go to state.”

 

“This year I have three groups of 4x400 guys — which is really rare,” said Schmidt. “That’s usually a race kids shy away from because it’s tough. I’m excited to see how all this shakes out.”

 

The team consists of Alex Blomgren, Alexander Meidt, Andrew Davalos, Austin Hemmelgarn, Beau Pauly, Brady Roesler, Brady Scheeley, Brandon Cichy, Brett Parson, Cody Johnson, Dawson Thom, Dillon Radunz, Erik Parson, Ethan Holm, Gabe Dertinger, Hunter Golden, Jacob Drury, Jacob Woehrle, Jonathan Novak, Justin Kringler, Keith Sorensen, Kevin Andres, Lachlan Lahr, Logan Lahr, Luke Pappenfus, Mason Makarrall, Matthew Davalos, Nicholas Goth, Nicholas Radunz, Olsen Pancoast, Parker Friedman, Qadry Fekhreddine, Ryan Nohner, Sam Ricker, Sydney Boros and William Schendel.

 

The first meet is today (Saturday) at Foley.