Track & Field official start date is Feb 16 so it will be here before you know it.
Any predictions for the 2015 season? I don't know who's returning in all classes or both genders so I'll start with 4A boys to get things rolling. It seems to me that Linn Mar could be the school to beat again with what could be a very balanced lineup on the track even though they seem lacking in the field but that could change. They are pretty solid in the sprints, relays, distance & middle distance. Johnston will have a good team this year and could/should challenge with their returning balance. Waukee lost a lot of kids but have a great core nucleus to build around and if they find some talent to fill holes, they will be in the mix for sure. Winning the previous year can go a long way the next. CR Washington has a ton of athletes that could compete well in sprints/jumps/md. They would be my dark horse team for top 5. CR Kennedy lost a couple really good athletes and has been strong in the field. Cedar Falls is always a balanced team and could continue to move up in the final tally. Ames should have a good team this year. Not sure where WDM Valley will fit in. I'd never count out IC West. Pleasant Valley looks to have a nice core group of athletes to build around as well.
Just thinking back to state last year; Great performances involving Evans of Linn Mar. Controlled win in the 3200, blasted the anchor leg on record setting medley, handled the 800 field and set a 1600 record that could stand for another 25 years winning solo by 10 seconds. Waukee racked up a lot of points for sure with great team balance. What would the outcome have been if Linn Mar had their top sprinter available, we'll never know. It just seems like the sport in all classes and both genders has really come a long way in the last several years so it will be fun to watch the new superstars come through or at least enjoy continued depth across the board battle it out as the season progresses and culminates at Drake Stadium in May.
Any predictions for the 2015 season? I don't know who's returning in all classes or both genders so I'll start with 4A boys to get things rolling. It seems to me that Linn Mar could be the school to beat again with what could be a very balanced lineup on the track even though they seem lacking in the field but that could change. They are pretty solid in the sprints, relays, distance & middle distance. Johnston will have a good team this year and could/should challenge with their returning balance. Waukee lost a lot of kids but have a great core nucleus to build around and if they find some talent to fill holes, they will be in the mix for sure. Winning the previous year can go a long way the next. CR Washington has a ton of athletes that could compete well in sprints/jumps/md. They would be my dark horse team for top 5. CR Kennedy lost a couple really good athletes and has been strong in the field. Cedar Falls is always a balanced team and could continue to move up in the final tally. Ames should have a good team this year. Not sure where WDM Valley will fit in. I'd never count out IC West. Pleasant Valley looks to have a nice core group of athletes to build around as well.
Just thinking back to state last year; Great performances involving Evans of Linn Mar. Controlled win in the 3200, blasted the anchor leg on record setting medley, handled the 800 field and set a 1600 record that could stand for another 25 years winning solo by 10 seconds. Waukee racked up a lot of points for sure with great team balance. What would the outcome have been if Linn Mar had their top sprinter available, we'll never know. It just seems like the sport in all classes and both genders has really come a long way in the last several years so it will be fun to watch the new superstars come through or at least enjoy continued depth across the board battle it out as the season progresses and culminates at Drake Stadium in May.