Farwell track teams hopeful numbers lead to success

By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sports Writer

The Farwell track and field teams will be led by head coach Jenna Odykirk this spring, her second season leading the program. A big influx of new talent and some steady returnees leave her excited to see what is in store for her team in the new season.  

“Thus far, I have noticed that this is the most depth that we have had in several years all around; probably since I have been in high school at Farwell,” she said. “Through early season practices we have been working on conditioning ourselves and getting ready for the meets we have early season. Team goals that I have this year are to continue to build our numbers. Additionally, I have several dual sport athletes that I would love to see do really well in both aspects. I would like us to place well in the smaller Jack Pine Conference division and look to take more athletes to regionals this May.”

Returning for the boy’s team will be seniors Landon Barnett, Marshall Gauld, juniors Michael Frasure, Rylee Sprague, Keagan Terrian as well as sophomores Stiles Baughman, Devin Doty, Marcus Hunzinker, Memphis Peever and Blake Sholes.

Coming back to the girl’s team will be seniors Carlee Campbell, Isabelle Eppert (Ferris State University commit), Ivy Frisch, Emily Hall, Addyson Thormeier and Nora Z. along with sophomore Mia Dailey, Janelle Fouts, Paycee Gransden, Hunter Green, Willow Hooper, Colelee Linton.

New for the boys will be seniors Matthew Firman, Dane Johnson, Ian Joyce, junior Tristan Szott, sophomore Nolan Jorczynski and freshmen Noah Akenji, Braylin Bailey, Aiden Brettingham, Mason Esterline, Treyton Lassen, Aiden Middleton and Hayden Roberts.

“Esterline, Roberts, Brettingham and Lassen are all coming up from the middle school with a school record in 4x100 meter relay, looking forward to seeing what they can do in high school,” Odykirk said.

Newcomers for the girls include senior Charlotte Vasquez, junior Paris Gutierrez, sophomores Gabrielle Pick and Jasmine green along with freshmen Aubrianna Terrian, Isabelle Wilkerson and Mya Yarhouse.

“This new conference will be interesting for us,” Odykirk said. “There are several large teams in this conference which can pose an issue for smaller teams like us. I am thankful that our numbers are slowly growing. Meridian will be a big team to beat in the small division. They have well-rounded athletes and a strong, commendable boys and girls’ program. Additionally, Harrison girls’ team was a big rival for us last season, so I only expect them to be a bigger rival this year as they grow. I see the new Jack Pine teams to be rivals for us as well. I would just love to see both the girls and boys teams place higher in the conference this year.”

Farwell has already competed in some early season meets, they hosted a JPC meet on Wednesday and they will return to action at Standish-Sterling on Wednesday, April 23.