2009 Lakes Community High School Boys Track and Field Preview

Team Overview- The Eagles have established a winning tradition in a very short period of time, three years to be exact. The team finished with their second straight Prairie Division title, the team also repeated as Grant Invite champions last season. The Eagles went on to finish 3^rd in both the NSC conference meet and the IHSA sectional meet, and qualified two athlete’s to the IHSA state meet, (Andrew Stein and Jon DeGrave), and with the run that the Eagles have been on its impressive to say that may have their best team ever this season.

The Eagles return an impressive group for the 2009 season. Marcell Kirkmanbey will lead the charge and take the reigns as the Eagles point machine for the season, but he will not be alone, many athletes proved last season that they can compete at a high level. Bill Brinser, Eric Stone and sophomore Jon Pfeiffer will handle the throwing duties this season and will be an instrumental part of the team if the Eagles plan on winning a third straight title. Blake Franson qualified for the state meet in cross country as a sophomore and has high hopes and expectations in the mile and the 4*800. Nick Lillig, Brian Ziolko, Alex Calle, Kyle Sanderson and a host of others hope to become the best distance group in Lakes History in every event over 800 meters.

The Sprint group returns a solid core including Andres Calle, Mike Beckman, Tyler Swindel, John Werba, Chris Boehm, Billy Brown, Jeremy Neuman and James Zell. The sprinters have been preparing on a daily basis because they know what’s at stake especially in relay events at big meets.

The Jumpers and Hurdlers have been the dominant for many years in the NSC. Kirkmanbey returns as one of the best hurdlers in the state and the nation and will handle the 110 and high jump. Joel DeGrave, the brother of Jon DeGrave will step into his brothers role and run the tough and grueling 300 IM. Neuman, Zell, Boehm and many others will also contribute in the jumps and hurdles and will continue to establish dominance in the jumping and hurdling events. Forest Clements also returns with his sight set on breaking the Pole Vault record this season and being a major point scorer before the season is over.

Overall the team has a host of great student athlete’s who understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level. The coaching staff hopes that with their hard work and dedication in the months leading up to the outdoor season that the team will continue to find success and championships.