MORENCI — The Morenci girls varsity track program will blend experienced talent with raw potential as head coach Jon Boesger tries to find the winning formula.
“I am really looking forward to seeing how this new group of talent progresses,” Boesger said of his squad.
The Bulldogs start the season with 14 athletes on the roster, and with junior Emma Williams as the lone returning state qualifier.
“Emma qualified for state in three separate events last year and we are hoping to make it four this year,” Boesger said. “Maybe even get her a school record as well.”
Williams competed in the 100m, 200m and 400m dashes at the MHSAA Finals meet last year.
Classmates Hailey Cleveland and Jillian Borton join Williams in the sprints and sprint relays. Cleveland also competes in the long jump.
Junior Tessa Zuvers will take on hurdling responsibilities for the Bulldogs as well as long jump and other relays.
Freshmen Abbie Bauer, Julie Gillen, Avah Guhl and Jenna Lambes will round out the sprinting events.
Boesger made note of two incoming freshmen he expects to have an impact early on in their careers.
“Aubrie Sandusky and Jordan Ekins both had incredible seasons their eighth-grade year and it will be interesting to see what they can do on a varsity stage,” he said.
Sandusky set the middle school record in the 800m run and will look to lower it even further this spring. She is a versatile athlete who will also help fill in on sprint relays and other running events. Ekins competed in the throwing events and will also join in the hurdles.
Sophomore Brooklyn Slovacek is another new face to the team who provides immediate impact. She is an athletic sprinter who is already long jumping around the 16’ mark.
Becca Cox is the lone senior on the team and will compete in discus and shot put. She’ll be joined in the throwing events by junior Jayla McCowan, sophomore Lillian Harsh and Ekins.
The TCC League Meet will be held in Erie Mason this year on May. The Bulldogs will also have chances to qualify in additional team state and county meets.
“It promises to be an exciting year,” Boesger said of the upcoming season.