Both track teams begin new season: Men’s track eying State

On Feb. 13 Cedar Falls High School started another track and field season led by coach Dirk Homewood. The 2017 team roster returns three elite All-State athletes and experienced underclassmen looking to make their mark.

In the previous year, now senior Nathan Hoy ran the fastest in the state for 400 meter hurdles with a time of 52.92 in state championship. Hoy will return to Tigers track to lead his team alongside Senior Seb Gearhart.

Gearhart ran in the 4×800 in Drake Relays, and the Tigers placed 1st with a time of 7:52.14. Gearhart ran 2nd leg, with a split of 1:58.93.

Two-time state champion Hoy enters his senior season looking to improve on his school record 400-hurdle time (52.92 FAT) and mentor a new group in the 4×400 to continue the tradition of excellence exhibited by Cedar Falls’ mile relay teams, and Gearhart will join Hoy on the 4×400 and brings a wealth of experience including a school record 9th place 4×800 finish at New Balance Nationals, a Drake Relays title in the 4×800 and an elite all-state performance at the state meet in the 4×800.

The duo will be joined by senior Sam Schillinger who crushed the school record in the 1600m (4:17.81 FAT), ran at Nationals on the record setting 4×800 and looks to challenge the 3200m school record set in 1974.

In the sprints, seniors Gabe Penrith and Matt Timmer plan to take their 2016 state experience to a new level along with Chris Eagan, the talented long jumper.

Additionally, the throwers have made an impact and look to juniors Andrew Sandvold and Keegan Larson to continue the big throws needed to compete on the state level. “It’s going to be a fun and fast year for the Tiger men. Spread the word and come out to the track to experience the Tiger Tradition,” Homewood said.

As freshmen enter Tiger track and field, many of them are geeked for the new season. Underclassmen hurdler Bo Grosse expressed his need for a challenge and what goals he has set for himself. “I’m excited for the new experiences since It’ll be my first high school sport and having some really good coaches the work with. I think it’ll be fun yet challenging, which I enjoy, and I hope that I can maybe make the shuttle hurdle team and increase my speed for football.”

Also, freshman hurdler Jack Mcfadden is excited to be one big team and connecting with everyone. “I’m excited to be part of state runner-up track and field team this year. I’m also looking forward to connecting with new coaches and friends on the team. I’m wanting to be able to be a part of the shuttle hurdle relay team again and long jump. The overall goal, though, for is to become a better athlete and increase my speed and endurance.”

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