Post-Season: The Viking Men and Women's Track Teams came away from the post-season championship meets with some very impressive performances. On the women's side, Pilar Hastings-Smith illustrated why she was the Lady-Vikes most valuable athlete as she powered her way to a 6th place finish at the NorCal Multi-Event Championships and a berth into the State Championships where she continued her successful season with a 9th place. Chelsea Thommes also earned a trip to the state meet with her PR effort at the NorCal's in the 10,000 meters. In addition to Hastings-Smith, the Men's team boasted the incredible effort of Jake Enemark who was a double champion at the NorCal Championships by grabbing the 1500 and 800 meter titles, a mere 58 minutes apart! A double-win effort in the 1500-800 hasn't been accomplished in the past 10 years. By virtue of his performance Jake also earned the Co-Athlete of the meet honor. Aaron Volkman put together a personal best effort in the shot put at the state meet as he PR'ed by over 6 feet!
Season Preview: The 2009 Track & Field season for the Men and Women's teams looks to be very promising with several new recruits and returning student-athletes from 2008. The Vikings 2009 Schedule includes the hosting of the Nor-Cal Trials and Regional Finals this season along with the a Rotational Meet vs. 4 major Nor-Cal teams in February and the "Andy" Anderson Memorial Invitational on their new Rekortan 400 meter track. Construction went smoothly on the new facility and the field is ready for competition beginning with the re-installment of the Winter All-Comer's Series in January.
Returning stars from 2008 for the Men this season are Tony Palermini (4th-NorCal 1500m Finals and 7th in the State Final), Jacob Enemark (13th NorCal XC Final) while the Women's team boasts the return of Hammer specialist Courtney Hart (134'3"), Amanda Ray (19:23) and Ricquel Tramble (26.01).
In 2009 both teams will present some excellent Frosh in Jumper-Hurdler Eric Weldon, High Jumper and Multi-Event Athlete Hunter Simpson,and weightman Aaron Volkman. The women have added two excellent multi-event athletes in Pilar Hastings-Smith and Bronze Adams along with distance runners Chelsea Thommes and Kaelen Karleskind. These are just a few of the excellent student-athletes that will be wearing the Green and White this Spring!
GO VIKINGS!
