HMS Boys Track – Seniors are leading the Hawk team down the road of improvement
A strong core group of veterans are leading the way for the many younger members of the 2024 Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn boys track and field team. “Blessed to have kids that have been in the program and leading by example for many newcomers that we have that will be competing in events for us,” expressed Hawk head coach Jay Eilers. “We have had the opportunity to have the IATC Indoor at Iowa State and an indoor at BVU under our belts. Times are exciting as we are very close to personal records (PR’s) from last year and with indoor track being smaller that is exciting.”
The top returning athletes include throwers Adam Schierholz (discus), Jacob Cates (shot put and discus) and Bryce Ortega (shot put). All three are seniors. Back to compete in the 100 and 200 is JR Araiza. Ethan Wiersma will again run the hurdles. Both of those gentlemen are also seniors. Caleb Grotluschen is a sophomore sprinter. “Excited for him to compete as he was injured most of ‘23 season,” said Eilers.
The HMS squad also features experienced middle and long distance runners. They include senior George Vargas and junior Blaine Finster in the 800, 1600 and 3200 and junior Ryan Grotluschen and sophomore Carter Dolphin in the 400 and 800. Senior Aidan Espeland is back as well. “Excited for him to get to compete as he is coming off an injury,” said his coach.
Rounding out the squad are seniors Kevin Arambula, Cody Glackin and Williams Vasquez, juniors Damian Dodge, Moises Gonzalez and Damion Hansen and freshmen Jose Alvarez, Nathaniel Ball, Joe Buhrmann, John Buhrmann, Graham Lux, Bryson Nelson, Jacob Roelfs, Nathan Schreur, Easton Teal and J.W. Vander Merwe.
Eilers, who is being assisted by Patricia Zimmermann, said the team greatly benefits from the leadership shown by this group of seniors. “Our seniors are willing to be a leader by example and talk to our younger athletes on what to expect and motivating them throughout practice,” he noted.
The coach identified the strong suit of the 2024 edition of track and field. “Our throwers, mid-distance sprinters and long distance athletes will anchor our team,” stated Eilers. “Many of our mid-distance sprints and long athletes were out for cross country working on their craft. You can tell that they have put the miles in to help us be more competitive in 2024 in those areas. Very happy with where we are in that area with depth.”
The team is using the schedule to build for the bigger meets at the end of the season. “We are going to focus on our success and continue to climb the mountain of improvement,” said Eilers. “If we can stay healthy and we focus on improvement we will peak at the right time with Conference and State Qualifying. We have been blessed with a State Qualifier each year. We have athletes that are working for that goal with the ability. Excited for these guys to grow and continue to be great leaders and compete their tails off to reach their goals.”