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Heartland Lutheran is starting to build a little depth in its track program.
The Red Hornets return seven letterwinners on the boys side and six for the girls this season. Those numbers wouldn't be considered large for many schools, but it's a definite step up for a young program.
"My assistant coach and I were talking about how we didn't have as many gaps as we've had in the past," Heartland Lutheran head coach Jamie Burmeister said. "It's really nice. We still have to figure out who is best for the relays.
"In the past, it was just, 'We need somebody to fill this spot. We'll put you in."'
Heartland Lutheran opens its season today at the Cedar Rapids/Invitational at Genoa.
The Red Hornet boys and girls both have one senior and three juniors returning this season.
"We have a lot more leadership than we've had in the past," Burmeister said. "We didn't have a lot of seniors or juniors last year. They have kind of bonded to make a family really. They know how to work together."
The hurdles should be a strong event for the Red Hornets. Senior Jesse Bartels leads the boys team after going to state the past two years in the hurdles, while junior Claire Mackey holds the school record on the girls side.
"They've picked it up," Burmeister said of Bartels and Mackey. "They've pretty much picked up where they left off. They're both in quite a few sports so they stay in shape. It's good to see them come into the first weeks of practice already in shape so they can work on their form."
The Heartland Lutheran boys also return juniors Jacob Kreutzer (jumps), Nick Langenberg (throws) and Daniel Gibson, the school record holder in the 3,200-meter run.
Sophomores Josh Messersmith (hurdles, 800) and Brad Einspahr (800, 1,600) are back as well. Einspahr holds the school record in both the 800 and 1,600.
Senior Ezarah Williams returns for the girls team. Williams qualified for state as a freshman, but has been slowed by injuries much of her career. She didn't play volleyball her senior season.
"She told me she wanted to come out for track and see what she could do," Burmeister said. "I think she may not be quite as successful as she has been, but I think she can contribute a lot to our team."
Other returnees for the HL girls team include junior Paige Liess (jumps, 400), junior Sarah Scholz (throws), sophomore Alyssa Kirby (100, 800), sophomore Kara Dunn (throws) and sophomore Ashley Mohler (distance).
Burmeister said the team has some talented freshmen this year as well.
"I want to see what the freshmen can do. That's kind of the scary thing," she said. "I know we're bringing in some talent."
Schedule
March 25, Cedar Rapids Invitational at Genoa; 28, GICC/Knights of Columbus Invitational.
April 1, Franklin Invitational; 10, Shelton Invitational; 15, Palmer Invitational; 21, Tom White Invitational at McCool Junction; 24, Goldenrod Conference at Burwell.
May 1, Paul Underwood Invitational at McCool Junction; 7, District at Burwell.
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