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WORTHINGTON -- For now, the 2022 Worthington High School track and field athletes are focusing on the here and now -- getting into shape and growing accustomed to their practice schedules.
There’s plenty of time to think ahead. But when they do, they’ll probably feel good about the fact that they’re competing in Class AA this year, and not AAA, where their opportunities for state qualifying had been less forgiving. They’ll also notice that they’ve got five regular season meets in Worthington this spring.
Last year, the Trojans didn’t even practice on their own high school track, which was still undergoing construction. This year they’ve got the refurbished Trojan Field track facility all to themselves, with home meets on April 26, April 28, May 5, May 14 (the Big South Championships) and May 17 (Trojan Relays).
Abagotte Opiew, who returns as a junior and who placed fifth in the triple jump last year at state, was the only Trojan to compete at that level. Co-head coach Jessica Hogan said this week that the athletes already love moving down to AA.
“Our kids put in a lot of work and a lot of time, and hopefully we’ll be more rewarded for our efforts,” she explained.
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Here’s a look at the 2022 girls and boy track and field athletes:
BOYS
Opiew is already one of the state’s top triple jumpers. He also competes in the 400 meters, the 200 meters and the 100 meters, plus hurdles.
“He works hard,” said co-head coach Cory Smidt.
“Versatile. He can do a lot of different things,” said Hogan.
The WHS boys should be competitive in the relays, where they have better depth than they did a year ago. They’re also deep in middle distance running.
Other leaders include senior Mason Bobb (middle and long distance), juniors Marinono Opiew (high jump, 400), Mikele Walu (800, 1600, 3200), Filimon Wolday (middle and long distance), Morke Ofbeka (middle and long distance), Charlie Brands (high jump), Casey Gerhard (throwing events) and Adan Hinojosa (throwing events); sophomore Mak Lia (sprints) and freshman Jacari Swinea (sprints).
“We have great leadership this year. There’s a lot of juniors, and a lot of these kids have been in the system since seventh grade,” said Smidt.
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GIRLS
On the girls’ side, senior leadership is a plus. Proven senior Brooklyn Scheitel-Taylor, who’s coming off a fine basketball season, is a seasoned 200-meter dash runner and triple jumper. She’s been a team leader since she was a freshman.
Another senior, Bailey Newman, is another good scorer who competes in the 200 and the long jump.
Leadership will also come from junior Ivy Jenson, who will not be able to compete in events due to an ACL injury. Even while continuing with her rehab process, however, she’s seen as an integral part of the sprinter group and plans to stay with the team to coach and encourage.
Hogan can’t be more pleased with the attitude of all the Trojans.
“They’re really self-starters. Every day they just come to get better. I’m really impressed with their work ethic and their attitudes so far,” she said. “We feel we’ve got a lot of good opportunities (to do well). We’ve got a lot of depth on our team. If we improve during the season we think we’ve got a chance to be there in the end.”
Other key girls performers are middle and distance runners Adiyam Gebremedkin (senior), Jenna Hoffman (senior), Emma Singler (senior), Nicole Wede (senior), Karissa Bickett (junior) and Marisa Their (sophomore). There’s also junior sprinter Riley Nickel, shot putter and discus thrower Aisha Zeidi and jumper Olivia Barber. Sophomores Addison Gerber (200, long jump), Pham Gora (100, 200) and New Gora (100, 200) further deepen the girls team.
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