Head Coach Paul Schmidt and the Becker boys track and field team have a few standout returning performers, as well as a plethora of young talent that should make for a very competitive season.

“We are extremely young this year with 15 freshmen and 14 sophomores,” Schmidt says.  “We have lots of talent in the senior class and we have great speed this year so I am looking forward to the sprint relays and seeing how we compete in those events.  

A year ago, Schmidt accompanied two athletes to the state meet in Tyson Ricker (one of 4 team captains) and Owen Angell.  Both of those performers return for another season, giving the Bulldogs some much needed experience, along with the team’s other three captains: Caleb Reckelberg, Logan Eisele and Nolan Muellner.

Schmidt’s numbers are also strong, with 41 athletes competing in grades 9-12.

As he looks forward to his 18th season in charge of the program, he is reticent to make predictions about where the Bulldogs will finish, but he certainly has enthusiasm about this team and high expectations for how they will finish the season.

“I’m looking forward to the season with high hopes for competition within our conference and possibility of getting many to the state meet again this year,” Schmidt says.

In addition to the depth of his team, another reason for his optimism is the competitive edge his team will enjoy early in the season due to the Bulldogs’ facilities.

“We are so fortunate to have the fieldhouse in Becker — our athletes don't realize how good they have it here,” Schmidt says.  “While other teams are running hallways, jumping in cafeterias and utilizing any space they can, we have an indoor track for our workouts.  In many ways the late spring won't affect us too much.”