Currently in his second year of coaching track, Andrew McDonald is looking forward to working with the team’s 12 returning senior athletes (5 girls and 7 boys).
‘We’re still a pretty young team,? said McDonald ‘But we have 105 athletes on the team.?
Last season, the girls team ranked 3-3 in the Flint Metro League and sixth in regionals, but were unable to score at state competition. McDonald is hopeful the girls will make a show at the state level in the 2005 season thanks to his returning seniors.
Leading the pack are returning seniors Krysten Sylva (two-time state qualifier in the 100-meter event) and DeAnn Kujawa, both of whom will strengthen the meter team with hard work and speed. McDonald said the girls team should also make a strong showing in the sprint events.
The team is also looking for strength from returning senior Kacey Cookingham, who placed second in the league in shot put and fifth in regionals last year.
In addition, the Cats should make a name for themselves in throwing events with junior Nicole Esman and newcomer freshman Shaunte Waller, who placed third in both shot and discus in the April 7 season kickoff against Flint Kearsley. ‘Waller has a bright future with the team,? McDonald said.
Experience will balance the jumping events with sophomores Vicky Wendt and Marissa McIntosh and newcomer sophomore Marissa McIntosh.
Although a waterlogged field has limited practice for first-year long-jumper sophomore Natalie Lukas, McDonald said she shows promise in the event.
Pole vault events will feature newcomers junior Melissa Heacock and freshman Caroline Moon. Both girls recently completed a rigorous two-week camp.
A two-time state qualifier in the 100-meter event, senior Krysten Sylva brings experience to the running game
Bringing strength and speed to the running game are senior DeAnn Kujawa, sophomores Ash-Lee Eller and Tiara Patarczuk and freshmen Lauren Curtis and Jackui Sylva, who set the state record in the 60-meter dash at the opening meet.
McDonald said mega conditioning in the off season will give seniors Team Captain Lauren Kribb and Carly Gailey, junior Ashley Seeling and sophomore Abby Stewart a leg up on the track along with runners senior Sarah Lukas and sophomores Elizabeth Hazelwood, Heather Nestor, and Jacque Magdaleno.
Hurdles will feature the talents of senior Katherine Christie.
On the boys side, Throwing Coach George Schraut is looking for a strong comeback from shot put thrower senior Vince Belitsos, who placed fifth in the state last season, along with newcomers junior Nick Shufflin and sophomores Josh Fair and Russ Francis.
McDonald is counting on strength from sophomore Nate Musgrove to lead the pole vaulting events, along with junior Vance Richards and juniors Ryan Russell and Allen William, and freshmen Andrew Moll and Andrew Klimbal.
Assistant Sprinting Coach Mike Sudrovech is looking for some serious speed from seniors Team Captain Pat Streit and Paul Whitman, junior Sergio Schlak, sophomores Bryan Ward, Jay Regan and Nick Collier, and freshman James Nelson.
Distance events will feature seniors Team Captain German Guerrero, Kenny White, Rob Cerato, and Pat Dunham; juniors Adam Richmond and Todd Davidson; freshman Adam Heskitt and Ben Cole.
‘I think we can compete, the guys have good attitudes and are refocusing after the spring break,? said McDonald.
Juniors Kam Mueller and Brad Grunewald along with sophomore Eric Kubina will be competitive contenders in the hurdle events. ‘Overall the guys worked hard in the off-season and are ready to go,? McDonald said.
‘We are strong in hurdles and distance, if we can come around in the high and long jumps we’ll have a pretty good season.?