Fourteen letter winners return for NYM track team
Sports | Published on April 10, 2023 at 3:19pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0Eagles to open season at BSU indoor meet on Tuesday
By Chad Koenen
Publisher
While most teams have been hurrying up and waiting for the snow to melt outdoors, the New York Mills track teams will get their first taste of competition this week. The Eagles will compete on Tuesday at an indoor meet at Bemidji State University to kick off their season.
A total of 14 letter winners will be returning to the line up this season, including three seniors.
Among the returning letter winners will be: Seniors- Josi Mindermann, Aidyn Baune, Macy Koljonen; Juniors- Katherin Garcia, Alexis Rudolph, Jeron Witt; Sophomores- Alayna Baune, Jada Goeson, Dixie Dykhoff, Zaidie Trigueros; Freshman- Elijah Geiser, Payton Lausten; 8th- Justin Kassa, Brielle Malone.
In addition to the returning letter winners, the Eagles will have a number of non-letter winners who could have an impact on varsity this season as NY Mills looks to replace the holes left by Ashley Kassa, Jane Gudmundson, Irene Mursu and Natalie Pederson. Kassa was a three-time section qualifier in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash, while Mursu advanced to sections in the high jump in 2021.
Among the Eagles who could make an impact on varsity this year will be Morgyn O’Dea in the mid and long distances; Justina Boe in the mid and long distances; Carl Peterman in the shot put and discus; Cole Wilson in the sprints, long jump and high jump; as well as a number of junior high students who could have the potential to make an impact on varsity later this season.
As the team prepares for their upcoming season, head girls coach Hailey Windels said the Eagles are focused on setting high levels of personal records for the season and working together as a team to get some team points at each meet.
“Putting more relay teams together, improving throughout the season and hopefully having a good number of kids place against at sub sections and advance to sections and event state,” she said of the team goals this season.
Getting to the section and state meet will be no small task as Windels said Section 6A will be one of the most competitive ones in the state as both Wadena-Deer Creek and Perham will be competitive once again.
“We have a very competitive, probably the most competitive Class A section in Minnesota, so placing in the section and even advancing to state is a huge accomplishment. We’re looking forward to having some New York Mills athletes place in every meet that we attend this year,” she said.
This year the Eagles will be led by Windels, as well as Miranda Sazama, while the boys team will be led by Steve Dunrud. Assistant coaches include Jen Woods as well as Mikaela Malone.