By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson — From the onset of the 2016 track and field season, Mike Woolsey has said the goal for his Lumen Christi track teams wasn’t to compete for a Division 3 state title.
And that’s coming from a coach who guided the 2015 guys squad to the top spot in D-4.
Instead, he spoke about getting this year’s group to peak at the right time, to put some of his athletes in position to compete for spots at the final, and if they make it, to then make the most of it.
Well, speaking Friday morning, less than a day before the D-3 finals at Comstock Park, Woolsey’s approach hadn’t changed at all.
“The goal and the mission is for our athletes to go there and set some personal bests,” Woolsey said. “This is the event everyone shoots for and wants to be part of.”
The Titans will be well represented.
Jacob Wildenhaus is the lone boy representative, and he’s set to compete in the 110-meter hurdles.
“His goal is to go there and win,” Woolsey said simply. “He’s worked very hard for this, so it would be a great way to go out for him with a title.”
As for the girls teams, three relay squads will be represented (4×1, 4×4 and 4×8), while Marilyn Schonhard will compete in the 800 and 1600, Allison Rand will run in the 400 dash, and Amanda Cullin will run in the 3200.
“Marilyn could be right in the thick of it,” Woolsey said. “She had the fourth-fastest time at the regional, and then improved on that Tuesday at the Selby Meet. The relays aren’t ranked high, but the girls have a chance to run well and hopefully score for us.”
Some of this year’s finalists were at last year’s event, which Woolsey said can be an advantage.
“Oh, I think so,” he said. “To understand the atmosphere and all that is real key. But I also like how we have some younger people competing as well. To get to this point is an accomplishment. To be part of this atmosphere and everything will only helop them moving forward. … We’re looking forward to this. It’s a great opportunity to go out, have fun, and leave everything you have on the track.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.
Visit http://lovedefinedbook.weebly.com for more information.
