Season Preview
Tiger track teams open today
PUBLISHED: 3/22/2003
(Reprinted with permission)
By Tom Berg
Independent Sports Editor
MARSHALL — The numbers situation for the Marshall track teams couldn’t be more different. The Tiger boys have 57 athletes out in grades nine through 12; the Tiger girls have just 25 under veteran Coach Leo Geraets. Marshall opens its season today with the Southwest Conference indoor meet in Redwood Falls, which begins at 10 a.m. Here’s a look at the two Tiger teams:
The Marshall boys team is loaded with numbers (57) — and question marks. “It’s the hugest squad I’ve had — ever,” Tiger boys coach Mike Jacobs said. The team is loaded with sophomores and freshmen, as there are 40 on the Tiger roster.
“We have some question marks,” Jacobs said. “Out of the sophomores and freshmen, we’re going to have to nab a few gems to start helping us.”
One area that isn’t a question mark for the Tiger boys is the distance areas. Tom Allen, Jon Tauer, Bart Johnson, Akey Jumale and Yayha Iman are returning. All five were members of the Tigers’ cross country team in the fall that placed second in the state.
“We’re going to be pretty darn solid there,” Jacobs said. “We should get our share of points.” Sophomore Francis Dierckx is also expected to add depth in the distance slots. He also could help in the 4 x 800 relay.
Dallas Bahn should solid as a sprinter and in the weights, the coach said. He’s a returning veteran.
“He’s by far our top sprinter, and has the potential to pick up where Tony Ortmann left off in shot put,” Jacobs said. “Some of his early throws have been well over 45 feet and headed towards 50 feet.”
Kai Sill returns in the high jump, while junior Adam Gifford is in the 4 x 200 relay and discus events. Sophomore Matt Grabau is a key contributor in the 400. Junior Carter Kruger is back in the 400 and intermediate distance events. Dan VanderZiel is one of the team’s veteran hurdlers.
“They’re a year older and we’re going to count on them,” Jacobs said. “Carter will be in the 400 and the intermediates. Dan’s been picking it up; he’s an up-and-coming hurdle guy.” Andy Hoffman is a junior pole vaulter, an area where the Tiger boys lack experience. Three veterans did not go out this year. There are other question marks.
“A lot of areas — the long jump, the triple jump — are totally wide open,” Jacobs said. “Most of our sprints are question marks.
“Last year, we were able to go through the season scoring points in all areas. As we approached the conference, our goal was to score in almost every event. I really felt we could do that last year. Right now, I don’t know if we have the answers to every area. There’s a little more uncertainity.”
The Tigers girls have quality — but not quantity, according to Geraets.
“The girls we have — we’ll be pretty good with what we have,” Geraets said. “The big problem we have is simply depth. We have good girls, but we just don’t have enough to back them up as a team.” Twenty-five girls — less than half of the boys team — are out this year. There are just two seniors and two juniors out. Heather Martin and Alexis Miller are being counted on for the Tiger girls. Both are seniors and four-year competitors.
“They’ve done a little bit of everything,” Geraets said. “They’re the type of athletes you hope to get in track; they’re very versatile.” Juniors Ginger Pals and Jessica Pauley also return. Pals is a short sprinter and runs in the relays; Paul runs in the 800 and 1,600. Ashley Marks returns in the weight events, while Liz Lensing is back as a distance runner. Amanda Herrmann is a hurdler. All are sophomores.
The Tigers lost shot putter and discus thrower Amber Maeyaert, who moved to Canby before the school year. She was a consistent point scorer for Marshall. Also lost were graduated seniors Shannon Bolden, Sascha Hansen and Michelle Byers.
“We lost some pretty consistent point-getters,” Geraets said. “Shannon, Michelle and Sascha were consistent scorers.” Heidi Meier, Mary Rose Welch, Sarah Wyffels and Amber Buysse are sophomores who could fill in some events for Marshall.
“They look like they can fill some of the gaps we might have,” Geraets said. “They just need to get some meets under their belt.” There are also a half-dozen new girls in the sophomore class that Geraets hopes can help add depth.
“Some look like they can step in and help us,” Geraets said.