For the returning athletes on the Oconto Falls High School girls track and field team, there’s a bad taste that was left in their mouths last season.
Finishing second to Hortonville in the Bay Conference meet by one point could fuel the Panthers’ fire this season.
“That was tough to swallow,” coach Tammy Moynihan said. “I know that they’re certainly inspired by that loss last year. … My girls did such a great job last year and to lose by so little, that hurt. But it was pretty exciting to take second place.”
The Panthers should have a strong shot at winning conference this season as 10 of 13 athletes who advanced to sectionals are back.
That includes state qualifiers Carly Lemke and Vanessa Van Den Elzen. Lemke placed ninth in the high jump (5-0), while Van Den Elzen, a junior, was 11th in the 100-meter hurdles (16.87). Lemke, who is one of four seniors on the team, competed in the discus at sectionals, too. Van Den Elzen, who was first-team all-conference in the 100 hurdles, was also a sectional qualifier in the 300 hurdles and a part of the 400-meter relay team.
Having Lemke and Van Den Elzen back is a huge plus for the younger Panthers athletes.
“That’s going to be a nice talking point for the rest of the season,” Moynihan said. “I know that when girls have gone to state for the first time, it’s a huge, eye-opening experience. But the great thing is that it kind of gets those jitters out of the way and they understand the level of competition that takes place, and it’s something they can share with their teammates and hopefully inspire them, too.”
Oconto Falls will have to replace three valuable athletes who graduated last year: Leah Kasten, a state-qualifier in the pole vault and a member of the 400-meter relay team that competed in sectionals; Jenny Spang, a long jumper and sprinter who led the 400- and 800-meter relay teams to sectionals; and Anna Rabe, a middle distance runner and hurdler.
“They were an excellent graduating class,” Moynihan said. “They’re going to definitely be missed, but I know that these girls are really excited to work hard.”
Losing arguably their two best sprinters, the Panthers will have to find some girls who can fill the gaps. Moynihan thinks sophomore Liza Leja, who competed in sectionals in the 400 and 800 relay teams, can be one of the athletes who step up.
Also back for Oconto Falls are sectional qualifiers Bailey Wolf (1,600, 3,200), Megan Vandenack (pole vault, 800 relay), Kayla Virtues (shot put), Kali Erickson (3,200 relay) and Julie Moore (discus).
Moynihan likes the balance she has between running and field events.
“I can’t quite say right now what will be our strongest event because we really try to balance it out when it comes to everything,” Moynihan said. “Only time will tell, I guess.”
Oconto Falls is getting a slow start to the season since the girls basketball team advanced to the state tournament. Several players are also on the track and field team.
“They’ve been going since November, so they need to breathe,” Moynihan said.
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