Burlington thinclads hit back out on the track

Track and field season is once again underway and the Burlington Huskies are looking forward to another great season. “We lost a good number of seniors to graduation last year, but we’re excited about our incoming freshmen,” said Coach Ryan Olson. “And as usual, the weather let us know track season was beginning with a first week of cold temperatures, snow and wind but we were still able to get some good workouts in.” 

With about 20 boys and 15 girls, the Huskies are fielding another full and talented team. “Predicting points and finishes this early in the season can be pretty tricky, but we feel like our boys team should be competitive against our 1A competition. Connor Hoyt and Paul McNiven were our leading point getters last spring and they’ll both be returning this year. After winning the title in cross country earlier this year, our distance runners should be scoring a lot of points this season, led by freshman Kellen Winters. Another freshman, Chase Bassett, will hope to continue our nine year streak of placing top in pole vault. Hyrum McNiven set the middle school record in the triple jump and is excited to begin competing in high school.

“The girls are starting the season in good shape after their successful basketball season. Hailee Winterholler and Orabella Heaton will bring some nice senior leadership in their throwing and distance events, respectively. Kelli McNiven is a freshman all-state cross country runner who will bring a lot of talent to the distance team. Sky Olsen scored points at state in pole vault last season and helped a lot of our relays. Senior Adelle Olson brought some hurdles onto the track in January, so she could start working on her events.

“We’re happy to bring all of our coaches back from the last several years, with Cheryl Haslam, Mike Aagard and Phil Olson sharing their expertise. We are also thankful to have volunteer coaches in the community come to practice and give our kids some individual help in their events,” said Olson. 

The Huskies will compete in the Wind River IceBreaker Track Meet this Saturday in Pavillion. Field events will start at 9:30 a.m. and running events will start at 11 a.m.