“Projected Top 2012 Iowa HS T&F Teams” Interview –
with Dan Kroeze, head girls track coach, Western Christian HS, Hull, 2A Division.
1. Keys to your success as a team in 2012? Keep everyone healthy and get them to be at there best the end of May. Find out which events we have the best chance at scoring points at the state meet.
2. Team goals for 2012? Number one goal is to develop the gifts God has given us to bring the glory back to Him. Place well in each meet. Qualify some events for the Drake relays. Defend the title for District and Lakes conference. Place in the top three at state.
3. Strongest event areas? Sprints and relays.
4. Top returning athletes (and their class & event(s))?
- Brooke Wolterstorff (11th) - placed 2nd in both 200m and 100m, anchored winning 4x100 and 4x400 relays
- Kim Kroeze (11th) - placed 3rd in 400m hurdles, was on 3 winning relays, (4x100, 4x400 and anchored 4x800)
- Other 11th graders - Nichelle Carney, Kelli Boer, Kenzie Vande Vegte, Elissa Jansma were all on some sprint relays that competed at State. Shae De Jager had a good year in the middle distance.
- 10th graders - Erika Douma was on the winning 4x800 and Allisa Pollema was on the winning 4x400, Josie Kollis ran the open 400m at state, Miranda Hulstein just missed state in the 1500m and 3000m, and Keanna Vaandrager in the 3000m; Kristiann Kats was all conference in some sprint relays and Camille Visser came on strong in the hurdles.
5. Top newcomers (and their class & event(s))?
- We have some field event people that have been working hard during the off season; Robin Vis (11th) in shot and discus, Kelsey Meyer (10th) in the shot and discus. Some freshmen that could help in the shot and discus - Mariah Kleinwolerink, Allison Kollis, Kayla Vande Vegte
- Some freshmen that could really help in the sprints are Jamie Gesink (a sister of Kayla Gesink who was part of three winning relays last year) and Emma Altena, Felicity Bootsma and Mekenzie Vos.
6. Other top teams in your division? Locally Estherville has a lot of their state runners back. Sibley Ocheyedan (moved to 1A), Ridge View and Sheldon scored well. Unity always comes with good teams and will be strong in the distance races. In the state in class 2A, Hudson will again be strong. Cascade will be extremely strong with all of there relays back from last year.