Cyclones look forward to new track and field season

The HCHS girls track and field will look for its upperclassmen to lead the way when it starts the season March 19 at the NWMSU Indoor event in Maryville, MO.

“We are very excited for the season,” said Cyclones Head Coach Jenny Hamilton. “We have a great group of upperclassmen who have really set a positive tone to get us started. They understand we like to have fun, but ultimately we are here to work hard, get better, and compete.”

While every season presents new challenges and obstacles, Hamilton has emphasized teamwork is what’s going to be key to success.

“We want to do a better job of competing across the board in all 19 events, especially in the field events,” she said. “We care very much about competing as a team, so we need everyone pulling their weight to score points and contribute to the team score. Scoring twice in events will be a huge point of emphasis this season to compete with the top teams in our conference.”

Last season, the Cyclones took home top five or better in multiple events, including finishing third at the Ram Relays April 14, third at the Lady Red Relays April 26, second place at the Hawkeye 10 COED Track Meet, second place at the Council Bluffs Girls Track Invitational and fifth at the 3A-5 Denison-Schleswig event May 12.

Kaia Bieker, a 2022 graduate was one of the team’s top leaders last season and set the tone for the team. Hamilton is looking to the current senior class to set the standard this season and be good leaders.

“We look to our seniors, Haley Bladt, Jenna Gessert, Lauren McLaughlin, Ella Plagman, Cameron Springman to model the type of character and competitive mindset we expect of all athletes, especially in how they speak,” she added. “But really, we expect and depend on leaders to rise up in all four grades.”

Running is a sport that requires the mind to be in the right space and the body will follow suit. Eating healthy and getting proper nutrition and rest is key to performing at a high level when running.

“I think there's a lot more to running than most people might think,” said Sophomore Lindsey Sonderman. “You have to run most of the week if you want to maintain your speed, and even more if you want to get faster. You also have to make sure you're taking care of yourself because if you're not, it will show in your performance.”

Sonderman, being a returning student, hopes to finish stronger in an event from where she finished her freshman season.

“My goal for this year is to get under 11 minutes in the 3000, last year I got 11:05, so I'm hoping I can accomplish this,” Sonderman said.