Junior Alex Long leads the Wildcats thru another track and field practice. Long is coming off a fine indoor season where he placed 5th in the state in the long jump.
"It was pretty surreal. It was crazy because the long jump has been one of my better events. I didn't focus on it as much this much as I did hurdles but getting a 5th place at states was a really big accomplishment," said Alex Long.
The Wildcats have a long way to go to get to the top in District II AAA , but Kyle Haines and Kourtney Harp will help in the sprints while Tyler Bergsma and Matt Witt solidify things in the field events.
"We're pretty excited for our guys and our girl's teams this year. Especially on the guys side. We had a championship team when these guys we're freshman on the junior high level, and we have most of the crew back so we are looking to see what we can do," said Justin Collins.
A big part of the Western Wayne track team is back healthy and better than ever-Billy Schumacher was hurt at the end of last season hopefully that is behind him as he returns to compete in a wide variety of events the 100, 200, 400, 800 some of the relay teams. He's also out in some of the field events in the triple jump and long jump.
"This is the first year that we really have good kids in every single event and our boy's team has really come together the past couple of years, and I'm really excited for what the season is going to bring for us," said Billy Schumacher.
Fresh off a fine basketball season Rebecca Carmody runs the 400 an event she placed 4th in at districts last season.
"For you when you look at that race what are the keys in your mind? To try to be better that the last race. It's definitely a key, and to be out my opponent that I'm running next too. Is it key more to have endurance or speed in that event for you? Definitely endurance. It takes a lot to run a 400," said Rebecca Carmody.
A change from last season should help the girl's team as they now compete in AA.
