By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARSHFIELD – During the offseason, Marshfield girls track and field coach Dan Akin said he felt this season was going to be rebuilding year after the loss of a number top athletes in his program.
After competing at two indoor meets, Akin’s opinion of his team has changed.
The Tigers won both of the meets at Marshfield High School and hope to take that momentum into the Wisconsin Valley Conference Indoor Meet at Stevens Point Area Senior High on Tuesday.
“Overall, we have some key people in some key spots,” Akin said. “I looked at this to be a possible down year, but now it is looking up. The girls have been working hard and the coaching staff is happy with where the girls are. I’m excited to see what we can do at the Valley indoor meet. We’ll get to see where everyone is at.”
The Tigers return 25 athletes and welcome 15 newcomers to provide a deep roster that gives Marshfield a lot of options in different events.
Marshfield looks strong in the hurdles, with the return of senior Ellen Stichert, who nearly qualified for the WIAA state meet in the 300 hurdles last year, and Akin said the sprint relays should be a plus for the Tigers as five strong sprinters are back.
Kelsey Coffren, Amy Krogman, Alexa Fritsch, Bisola Omoba and Gabby Myrie return to the sprint crew for Marshfield, and freshmen Nikki Youngblood and Miranda Snortheim add further depth. Fritsch finished 22nd in the 800 meters at the state meet last year as a sophomore.
Senior Kelsey Weigel should be a major point-getter for the Tigers, competing in the pole vault, long jump and 200 meters, and Akin said she may also throw the discus and shot put this season.
Senior Michelle Theisen, who already uncorked a shot put toss of 34-feet, 5 inches in an indoor meet this season, gives the Tigers another threat in the throwing events.
“She threw 34-5 that that is the best in an indoor meet we’ve had since I’ve been coaching in 19 years,” Akin said. “I am looking for her to have a big year in the shot and discus.”
Freshmen Sara Fuller and Jennifer Kaiser – both state cross country meet qualifiers – and junior Lisa Kaiser will have the test of replacing a strong group of distance runners for the Tigers.
“We lost so many top seniors, but have a lot of good veterans coming back and are very excited to see where we fit,” Akin said. “Wausau West is the favorite, SPASH is a good team, D.C. Everest will be good. A top three in the conference would be great for us. We’re happy and excited.”
