This season begins a new era for the Oconto Falls High School girls track team, which has a new coach and only four seniors among the 28 girls on the roster.
Karissa Kaiser, a first-year English teacher at the school, has replaced Tammy Moynihan, who stepped down after 12 years as head coach.
“This is my first coaching position and I couldn’t be more excited to begin coaching with the Oconto Falls girls track and field team,” Kaiser said. “I’ve been really anxious for the track and field season to begin because of the good reputation the program seems to have in the community.
“I plan to maintain the tradition of developing well-rounded athletes and hopefully send some state qualifiers to La Crosse in June.”
Carly Lemke, the team’s only state qualifier last year, has graduated. She placed seventh at state in the high jump and holds a share of the school record at 5 feet, 3 inches.
The Panthers have some talent returning, however, and some new contributors.
“We have four really good seniors who can lead the team,” Kaiser said.
Senior Kayla Virtues, whose best throw of 37 feet, 5 inches is fifth best all-time at OFHS, will be counted on to lead the field events. Evy O’Harrow and Rachel Lambert will be in the sprints, and Vanessa VanDenElzen, who missed nearly her entire junior season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, will start the season in the hurdles and sprints.
With VanDenElzen, “we are taking it step by step right now, and so far, so good,” Kaiser said.
“I am a little nervous right now, I am going to have relearn a lot now, with my knee,” VanDenElzen said. “With the brace, I can’t bend it as much, but with the hurdles I should be OK.”
The junior class includes Liza Leja, Carolyn Malcheski, Josie Ausloos and Bailey Wolf.
Wolf, a three-time state qualifier in cross-country, ranks among the top 10 in school history in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs.
“I really look forward to having her in some good events and doing well there,” Kaiser said.
In addition, Kaiser has been impressed with freshman Kennedy Kratz’s development during the first week of practice.
“She will help us a lot in the sprint area,” Kaiser said.
Kaiser competed in track for four years at St. Norbert College in De Pere, where she specialized in the 400-meter dash, 1,600 relay and high jump. She also was a state qualifier in the 800- and 1,600-relays at Stratford High School.
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