Photos courtesy of Greg Devereaux Photography Left: Pictured is the Tracy-Milroy-Balaton girls track and field team. Front row (L to R): Teagan Viessman, Allison Edwards, Elizabeth Fultz, Jasmine Timmerman, Lynae Odom, Marin Knott and Mallorie Hicks. Middle row (L to R): Kenzie Fischer, Mandie Pond, Lauren Zick, Lauren Verlinde, Ella Kamrud, Jaelynn Carter, Annaka Hook, Maddi Langerock and Kelli James. Back row (L to R): Kyli Carter, Jordan Munson, Sheridan Ludeman, Jaysa Davis, Sarena Schwartz, Mercedes Hicks and Madison Timmerman. Right: Pictured is the Tracy-Milroy-Balaton boys track and field team. Front row (L to R): Gabriel Wolske, Isaiah Wolske, Trevor Parker, Hunter Ostgard, Nevin Marten and Cade Swenhaugen. Middle row (L to R): Christian Lembke, Drew Vandendriessche, Kalvin Crumrine, Nick Ankrum, Gage Struchen, Tyler Arnold and Mekhi Moua. Back row (L to R): Gabe Struchen, Christian Wendland, Caden Johnson, Tony Nelson, Ben Parker, Julius Williams and Noah Swenhaugen.

TRACY — In 2019, the Tracy-Milroy-Balaton boys and girls track and field team had a strong season, with one individual competing at the state meet. After not being able to compete last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Panthers will look to repeat that success under coach Marie Hanson.

Hanson said a key adjustment going into the season will be rebuilding the technical skills they lost from not having any competitions last year.

“Rebuilding technical skills has been the biggest adjustment,” Hanson said. “Also, suddenly we are stuck without upperclassmen who know/remember what to do. That is difficult when there are only 4 coaches and 50 athletes wanting to all do different things.”

Hanson added an area of strength for their team this season will be in their mid-distance events and hurdles and they’ll look to improve in the field events, especially the horizontal jumps.

Hanson said during the first couple of weeks on practice they’ve focused on getting stronger as well as improving their form.

“We’ve implemented a pretty extensive lifting program, we’ve been working on technical form and getting kids back to speed,” Hanson said.

Hanson added her expectations are to help athletes improve and is looking forward to spending time with her athletes.

“We’re just hoping to get athletes back to where they were or better. Making stronger athletes for our school in general,” Hanson said. “And simply being back with the kids is great.”

Boys

On the boys side, TMB will have multiple veteran returners, led by Gabe Struchen, Caden Johnson, Christian Wendland and Tony Nelson.

“On the boys side Gabe is our true veteran leader and has worked very hard over the years. Last year would have been a breakout year for him,” Hanson said. “Also, Caden and Christian will provide a good base for our longer relays and are looking good in the horizontal jumps. Tony will most likely be one of the top throwers in section as well.”

Girls

On the girls side, TMB will have a good mix of veteran leaders and youth, led by Jordan Munson, Sheridan Ludeman, Maddi Langerock, Lauren Zick, Annaka Hook and Madison Timmerman.

“On the girls side Jordan is  a sophomore, returning after state meet trips in the 200 & 400 last full season,” Hanson said. “Sheridan is a strong junior in the 300 hurdles and sprints, Maddi in the 100 hurdles and short sprints and Lauren, Annaka, and Madison in the 800’s and 400’s.”