With 98 athletes on Oxford’s varsity boys/girls track team, there’s no doubt in Coach Andrew McDonald’s mind that there is some serious potential for victory from returning teammates.
‘Last year we took 10 kids to state meets and a lot of those kids came back this year,? he said.
Twelve returning senior athletes include two girl captains Ashley Seeling and Nicole Esman, Lindsay Anderson, Melissa Heacock, five boy captains Todd Davidson, Brad Grunewald, Kam Mueller and Adam Richmond, Josh Rutkowski, Sergio Schlak and Dan Tincknell.
Last season, the girls team finished fourth in the league and sent Ashlee Eller and Tiara Tatarczuk to the states after setting a school record in the 800-meter relay.
‘They know what it takes to get to states,? McDonald said. ‘They’ll provide leadership to the younger sprinters.?
McDonald said he’s also looking to Nicole Esman for her experience in the field events, like discus and shot put.
‘I’ve been impressed with what some of the kids have been giving us,? the coach said.
Although the team’s first meet at Rochester Stoney Creek March 29 was just a scrimmage, Natalie Lukas took first in the 100-meter hurdle, Danielle Kelley took first in the 3200-meter run and Danielle Esman took first in both shot put and discus.
McDonald compared the times from their first meet this season to last and said this year’s times were better.
‘For a first meet, it was a good learning experience,’he said.
The biggest rivals for the girls team this season are Brandon, Fenton and Linden high schools.
Last season, the boys team placed second in the league and sent Nick Collier with his perfect 100-meter run as well as Adam Richmond and Todd Davidson.
‘We’ve got great leadership from them (too),? McDonald said. The boys team is determined to take down their rivals, Fenton, Holly and Linden.
Although McDonald said both teams have had a great start to the season, the weather has seemed to be a weakness because it has delayed them from practicing the field events, such as the long jump, discus and shot put. When all is said and done, the varsity boys/girls track team just wants to compete well in the league.
The track teams will face Fenton at home April 5. Check out the team’s website at www.oxfordtrack.com for scores and other items.