The Hometown Treasure April 2011 | Page 59

this year’s group is how laid back, yet intense we are during practices. We are having fun and feeding off each others energy. We are full of kids that are willing to learn and it is making us better as a team. I’m very excited for this upcoming season,” said Mishler. This season will be mired by high expectations as only one senior left the program. However, the team seems as if the expectations don’t bother them in the least. Hopefully they can carry their early season energy all the way through the year and pick up as many wins as possible. Page 59 Westview Girls Track This year Warrior girls track is expected to have an above average season. With many key athletes returning the expectations seem higher than usual. Coach Jon Cook feels the same. “As for our team goals, I think everyone would want to win the NECC meet again this year, and another sectional title. Last year we were 2nd by three points to Dekalb. We are returning most of our big point scorers so expectations are pretty high.” As said before, the Lady Warriors are returning most of their athletes from last season and they have also improved as well. “We return a lot of athletes that have had key roles for the last couple of years. Janell Bender has really improved and will make a bigger impact on our team’s success this season. Sandra Bellaire will probably also have a great senior season.” Another athlete expected to have a huge season is junior Skyler Carpenter. “Skyler Carpenter is one of the best track athletes in the state. Having an athlete that is competitive in so many events will always make a team better. I will have to add Jeslyn Zimmerly and Mandy Jones to that list too. Both are great athletes,” said Cook. This team has a lot of strong points as head coach Cook is sure to point out. “The team’s strength would probably be the sprints and the jumps. Erin Rockey, Cynthia Yoder, and Janell Bender should all be improved from last year and will really make the distance events one of our strengths,” said Cook. However, as strong as the team is, it does have its weakness according to Cook. “Our throwing crew is young and inexperienced and should improve all year for us.” This season should be great and it all comes back to the work the athletes continue to put in day in and day out. “Their work ethic [is the best part about this years team.] The girls work hard everyday, many of them have been working out for track since November, getting ready for the season,” said Cook. Phone: 260-463-4901 • Fax 888-439-6528 • The Hometown Treasure Westview Boys Track The Westview boys track team looks very promising to start this season as the younger talent on the team seems to be the strong point. Sophomore Nate Raber will continue to lead the team pole vaulting with young freshman, Trey Kennedy, right behind him. Kennedy is a very talented athlete and could make a lot of noise this season. However, with the loss of last years seniors, the team will not be as strong. However, this years senior leadership led by Geoff Marcum, Antonio Castillo, Aaron Folk, and Jeremy Miller, will keep the team motivated. “We graduated a bunch of outstanding seniors. We will not have as much depth as the last two seasons. The middle distance and pole vaulting will be our strengths. There are individual events capable of winning at the big meets. We will be focused on individual goals more than team goals this season,” said head coach Paul Baker. With all the losses of last years seniors, such as Jake Stone, Steve Baumgartner, and Gabe Zimmerly, it’s going to be tough for the team but certain individuals should have outstanding seasons. Jerry Schwartz returns for the 800 and 1600 meter events where he placed 15th in state one year ago. Kyle Baker is also returning for his position as the teams long distance runner as he runs the 3200 and 1600 meter events. Max Laughlin will be returning for his place as the teams 100 meter runner as he posts a blazing 11.7 seconds. He will also be a long jumper. As earlier mentioned, Nate Raber will be returning for his pole vaulting place as he posted thirteen feet last season. One of the leaders on the team, senior Antonio Castillo, will be returning for his spot on the relay teams as will Dom Hunter. In addition to relays, Hunter will be running the 400 meter race as well. 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