Through injuries, grueling winds, and tough competition, the Red Knight track team completed the two day North Suburban Conference meet successfully on Thursday, May 14. What BSM Track lacks in size, they make up for in skill, being one of the more talented teams in the conference, which they undoubtably proved on the meet which spanned from Tuesday to Thursday.
Tuesday: Out in the small town of North Branch, the howling wind made for anything but ideal conditions for a track meet, yet the Red Knights competed valiantly, with runners junior Sean Buckhorn and senior Joe Jetland making the finals for the 100 meter dash. Though they made the finals, times were slower than average across the board, mostly due to 30 mph winds going directly at the runners. “It was like trying to run with someone holding you back. It was that bad,” said Jetland.
The wind also affected the field events, creating a vicious crosswind which threw off many jumpers and throwers. During all this, sophomore Trevor Yedoni placed third in the long-jump, earning him all-conference honorable mention. The wind was not the enemy of all, for example junior JJ Hafermann was only two feet away from his personal record in the discus throw, thanks to a favorable wind. “It was blowing at our backs in the throwing area, and really helped out everybody,” said Hafermann, the team’s top discuss thrower. Senior Kevin Hopke also starred in the 200 meter dash, placing seventh and qualifying for finals on Thursday. “Look for lightning in lane seven,” said Hopke, in expectation for a good running day of finals.
Thursday: On a sunny and 70 degree day with next to no wind, it certainly was “a great day to be a Red Knight” in the words of coach John Porisch. On the day of finals for a number of events, Red Knight runners stepped it up, not only competing with other racers, but with themselves as well. Multiple personal records were set, including a time of 4.48 in the boys mile for senior Matt Oestreich. The relay teams stepped up their game as well, with the girls 4×100 and boys 4×200 meter relays getting sixth at the meet, and first in their respective heats. The girls 4×200 relay also placed seventh at the meet.
All teams and individuals finishing in the top eight spots in their events were awarded all-conference honorable mention, with the top four being all conference. Sophomore Trevor Yedoni received two All-Conference awards, placing third in the long jump and first in the high jump, clearing a height of 5’10”. Junior Alana Profit also had a noteworthy achievement, setting the school record in the shotput. Profit now holds school records in the shotput and discus. Fueled by the success of her fellow teammates, sophomore Kackie Dankbar also excelled at the meet, placing fourth in the girls 100 meter dash. One of the most impressive showings was that of eighth-grader Haley Jarevik, who competed in the girls mile, while running the entire race on a pulled hamstring. “You could see her limping on the first lap,” said junior teammate Erin Katopodis. “It looked like she was in pain for most of the race.” And while she was in pain, she managed to place fourth, earning her an All-Conference award.
Overall, though small in size compared to the rest of the North Suburban Conference, the Red Knight Track team held their own at the meet, racking up a number of personal records and placing in nearly every event. “It was a great meet, and everyone left it all on the track,” said coach Jim Wander. Only the section meet remains for the Red Knights, and it can be sure that they will leave it all on the track then as well.
