By Bob Hamar
bob.hamar@theindependent.com

The Islanders, who open their season today at the UNK Indoor Invitational in Kearney, have added three meets that are on Thursdays or Fridays.

Grand Island will compete in the Kearney High Indoor next Thursday, the Papillion-LaVista South Invitational on Thursday, April 12, and the Holdrege Invitational on Friday, April 25.

Grand Island coach Montie Fyfe said the Islanders would like to get away from weekend meets as much as possible because student-athletes often have conflicts with other activities on Saturdays.

"We're very excited about the new schedule," Fyfe said. "It's been in the works the last two years. Papillion called and said they were ready to start a new meet. We're ready to get off the Saturday meets."

The Grand Island boys have traditionally opened their season with the UNK Indoor. Fyfe said the team will take about 30 athletes to the meet today.

"There are only eight teams coming so it's to the point where it's manageable," Fyfe said. "It was to the point where there were too many teams and the meet was taking too long. Eight teams will be really nice."

Fyfe is still evaluating his athletes as he tries to get them all in the right events.

"I feel really good about our overall athleticism," Fyfe said. "I'm not positive we have all the kids in the events we need to have them in because we have so many new kids out.

"We have 52 freshmen and sophomores. That's a lot. We're trying to make sure we have those guys headed in the right direction."

The Islanders have four strong seniors returning in Cody Friedrichsen (pole vault), Isaiahs Martinez (distance), Mike Tomlin (sprints) and Nathan Cheeks (sprints).

Fyfe is hoping Martinez can reach his potential in his senior season.

"Isaiahs has been steady since he was a freshman," Fyfe said. "Hopefully this will be the year he will be able to drop time like he's wanted to. He's another kid that's busy every night balancing school, athletics and work. At his age, that's a difficult thing. Once he's in shape, I think he'll be very competitive."

Friedrichsen has set Senior High grade-level records in the pole vault each season. Now Fyfe is hoping he can get the school record this season.

"He's a great leader for us," Fyfe said. "He draws people to the pole vault because of his personality and work ethic."

Tomlin isn't quite ready to go yet after suffering a knee injury during the football season. Fyfe said he is hoping to return in time for the Central Nebraska Track Championships on April 21.

Tomlin long jumped at state last year, but won't be in that event this year because of the stress it puts on the knees.

"He's worked really hard," Fyfe said. "The last I heard, he was a month ahead in his rehabilitation schedule. He doesn't miss workouts. He's determined to come back and be successful this year."

Junior Zac Christensen (sprints), junior Jordan Soto (jumps) and sophomore Tanner McClaren (distance) also return for the Islanders.

Fyfe said the Islanders will rely on a large number of younger athletes this season.

"We're young, but we have good athletes who are hard workers in the weight room," he said. "It's one of the best starts I've had as a coach as far as commitment and work ethic."

Schedule

March 14, UNK Indoor; 20, Kearney High Indoor; 29, North Platte Invitational.

April 5, Grand Island Invitational; 10, Papillion-LaVista South Invitational; 18, Norfolk Invitational; 21, Central Nebraska Track Championships; 25, Holdrege Invitational.

May 1, Heartland Athletic Conference; 7, Districts at Grand Island.