With a returning two-time state qualifier and a host of experienced athletes looking to make that leap, the Gillett Secondary School track and field teams are preparing for a big year.
Junior Taylor Kohls looks to make it three-for-three this season after making it to state in the discus the last two years. Kohls finished 13th at last year’s state meet. She threw 113 feet, 11 inches.
“I’m looking for real good things from her,” Gillett coach Bill DeJung said. “I really believe she’s going to blossom into a top-notch shot put thrower this year. She was a little inconsistent in the shot put last year, but by end of the season she had some outstanding performances.”
Kohls finished 11th in the shot put in last year’s sectional with a throw of 32-3.
Junior Maddy Wilbur and freshman Danielle Reed could turn the hurdles into a strength for the Tigers’ girls.
Jacob Kasten could hit the next level in the boys high jump.
The senior hit the 6-foot mark last week at a meet in Stevens Point.
“In Division 3, that 6-foot mark is kind of a magic line,” DeJung said. “Many times a 6-foot high jump at sectionals will qualify for state.”
There are still things Kasten will have to work on, however.
“He’s got room to improve,” DeJung said. “There’s some things he could work on technically and go higher yet. He’s got the physical tools to do that.”
Junior Max Zeitler has also impressed his coach in the 3,200-meter run.
“Max looks like he’s in real good shape already early in the season,” DeJung said.
Zeitler placed second at the Oshkosh Lourdes Invitational and has been lowering his times since.
Junior Matt Peterson could have a big year doing the hurdles.
DeJung said turning potential into results will take hard work.
“We have some kids that need to take that next step physically and get to that higher level competitively, and that remains to be seen,” DeJung said.
With it likely that the first outdoor meets will be postponed or cancelled, DeJung hopes the weather is better than it was a year ago.
“This has not been atypical for March,” DeJung said. “Unfortunately it looks like we’re going to have another April like we had last year, which was absolutely the worst April I’ve had in 33 years of coaching, competing collegiately and in high school. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
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