Girls track looks to win MAC

Girls track kicked off the start of its season on Thursday, March 21, at Muscatine. JV took first place in the meet and varsity came in at a close second to Pleasant Valley.

With a large team of 92 girls, head coach Erin Flynn, expects to surprise competition with the team’s depth this year.

This increase in size is partly due to a dramatic increase in the number of girls that went out for throwing this year. Two years ago, there were only five girls out for throwing; this year there are 14 athletes participating; they have even made shirts specifically for their event (pictured below).

“I think that the freshman group coming in has a lot of grit, and they like to be involved, because the majority of our new throwers are freshmen. I also think they are realizing that it is not as physically draining as running and are encouraged to come out because of that,” said Ashley Berkenbosch, a senior thrower.

Despite throwing growing the most, almost every event has seen an increase in its ranks.

“We have wonderful senior leadership in all events. Another important attribute is the team's positive attitude and the encouraging environment we have at practice. When our athletes come to practice, they come knowing their hard work is appreciated and worthwhile,” Flynn said.

Flynn is also looking forward to the opportunities that a larger team will provide.

“With a lot of depth in many events, we will not have to run girls in four events to stay competitive with the best teams in the MAC. Our goal is to win the MAC and qualify for the state meet in all events,” said Flynn.

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Jenna Marxen and Sarah Canfield flex in their new shirts.