Track and field has started up this year with 170 athletes who will compete in 17 events. The season began March 3, and the team has been practicing five days a week, two hours each practice. Boys and girls practice together on the fields. The team had their “icebreaker” meet March 20 against Sherwood. Boys JV and varsity both won, and girls JV and varsity both lost. Some notable wins for Lakeridge was Treyson Eddleman in shot put (14.07m).
“This year about half the team is new to track and field,” said boys head coach Joe Schloetter. “Our goal for this season is to develop. We are looking forward to seeing improvement.”
There are a lot of new members because track and field is a no-cut sport, making it very accessible to freshmen and also to students that want to try something new.
The team has some pretty good runners specifically in distance running. This year they will be defending their state championship in the 3000 meters event.
“Our meet against Sherwood last week ended in a team loss, but I’m really proud of our effort nonetheless! It was super rainy and cold, so the conditions weren’t ideal,” said distance runner Sigrid Brakenhielm.
“Also, since we have so many freshmen on the team, it was their first time competing at a high school track meet, which is a huge transition from middle school meets. Given all of this, I think we did great! After all, it was only an icebreaker.”
The season ends May 30 with the state competition.
The team will have their next meet on April 8 against West Linn, and their next home meet on April 15 against Tigard.