LHS girls track team sprinted into 2016 with high expectations after placing third last year at the state meet and only losing one runner. LHS boys finished second at the state meet last year; however, they did not come into 2016 with high expectations after losing nearly 10 seniors from their state meet last year.

The girls track season has started off strong, as expected, with 6 varsity meets under their belt and a first place team finish at all of them. In field events the team is strong, with three girls ranked number one in the state. Senior Izzy VanVeldhuizen for shot put and disc, sophomore Michaela Mohr in long jump and sophomore Ryley Heier in triple jump.

The team also has potential with their distance team, especially with sophomore Jasmyne Cooper, who took home the gold medal last year in the 1600 and the 800. Their sprint team is also holding up with strong rankings in the 4×1, 4×2 and 4×4. Mohr also has qualified in the 100, 200 and 400 with good rankings, hoping to place in those events at the state meet.

On the boys side, many athletes have exceeded expectations within the first few meets. Along with the girls, the boys track team has won every meet they have competed in thus far. The boys also have athletes that are excelling in the field events with a first place ranking. Senior Austin Haushlid in disc, senior Evan Hieber in high jump and junior Eric Looby in long jump.

Similar to the girls, they have one standout distance runner, junior Gabe Peters, who is currently ranked second overall in the 1600 and first in the 3200. The relay teams on the boys side are strong as well, with a standout medley time currently ranked first. Standout sprinter on the boys side is senior Barayona Furula who will be a contender in the 100 and 200 at the state meet.

It is evident that both the boys and girls track teams are off to a great start and will be contenders at the state meet in May. Come out to see the Patriots in action at the Metro Conference this Friday at OGHS, field events start at 2:30 P.M.