Head Coach Trish Reimer-Kealy keeps some simple advice in mind when she puts together solid teams every year. 

“As my dad always said, ‘run fast, turn left,’ ”  Reimer-Kealy says. “For the season we should expect the unexpected!  There are lots of unknowns and our conference is loaded with lots of talent.”

Last season, Monticello captured a state title and they return many top athletes.

But the cupboard is far from bare in Bulldog land, as the team has 14 returning letter winners.

We had some very exciting track and field experiences last spring, including 9 all conference athletes and 10 honorable mention athletes in the M-8 conference,” Reimer-Kealy says, as she enters her 18th season as head coach. “This team has a great attitude and while we will greatly miss the talents of Lexi Rose (state meet competitor) while she recuperates, we look forward to seeing what everyone else will do.  There are a number of talented girls (returning and new) who should be very competitive this year.”

Some of those newcomers are back on the team after trying other activities in past years and the added depth should make things interesting for the Bulldogs.

“It should make for a fun and interesting year and we look for improvement all around as our kids support one another throughout our season,” the coach says.

As the team gears up for another season, it will rely on some experienced veterans for leadership as returning seniors Brooklyn Karel, Regan Hausmann, and Meghan Swanson will serve as captains.

While the team has been working hard in practice, the coach is ready to get outside and start the season.

“We are fortunate to have the facilities that we do, but there are several events that we are not able to compete inside — also the dry air inside makes it difficult at times,” Reimer-Kealy says.  “We look forward to getting outside where it is easier on the legs. The sooner we get out the better for everyone.”