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Optimism abounds for USC track teams

By Chuck Hunt - Editor | Apr 3, 2022

The USC track teams are pictured above, front row left to right: Grace Mithun, Paige Roberts, Gabe Schroeder, Madison Klingbeil, Melany Ehlert, Alexis Guenther, Dani Betts, Bella Murphey, Dana Ocampo, Antoinette Dickson. Second row: Amelia Fordham, Alyssa Samudio, Paige Diekmann, Brynlee Olson, Sydney Sauke, Macy Sonnek, McKenzie Roberts, Danika Diekmann, Noah Johnson, Noah Gonzalez, Henry Beaver. Third row: Emily Cassens, Emma Johnson, Elizabeth Meyer, Aidan Rath, Lexi Johnson, Maya Hansen, Kristian Rodriguez, Clare Kruse, Josh Brooks, Laiken Farris, Coach Walton, Coach Christianson. Fourth row: Coach Scruggs, Coach McCue, Collin Van Cleave, Hayden Chandler, AJ Bullerman, Nathaniel Clore, Eleanor Kayser, Nathan Mutschler, Danyelle Dickson, Jaelyn Stangler, Hannah Warmka, Madison Passer, Tristian Obermeyer. Missing from photo: Jonathan Hodge, Kayla Thunstedt, Lindsay Thunstedt, Madelyn Cincoski, Lauren Hansen, Morgan Beckmann, Baylee Whiteside, Madison Meyer and Coach Dallman.

United South Central/ Alden Conger track and field coach Kara Christianson is very optimistic about this year’s track season.

For one thing, it will be a more “normal” season than it has been in the past.

“We are more back to normal this year,” coach Christianson says. “We are not wearing masks, can have larger meets, and are able to compete at the indoor meets. Everyone is looking forward to a more normal season.”

Another thing she notes is the number of athletes out for track and their high motivation. There are 41 girls in grades seven through 12 out for track and 15 boys.

“Over the past two years I have had several athletes approach coaches wanting to try different events,” she says. “Several of those kids are motivating themselves and are also encouraging their fellow teammates. Together we are building a good foundation for the team.”

The coach says the third reason to be optimistic about the season is that they have a very strong coaching staff.

The coaches this year include Burnett Walton coaching the long jump, triple jump, and 800 meters. Nathan Scruggs has taken on the pole vault and distance runners. Ryan McCue is coaching the hurdlers and high jump. A former USC/AC track athlete, Justin Dallman, is coaching the shot put and discus.

Coach Christianson herself is coaching the sprinters and high jumpers, along with coach McCue.

“We have a very strong coaching staff,” Christianson says. “Coach Walton has coached for many years and is very versatile. Coach Scruggs and coach McCue both have the experience of participating in track at the collegiate level. Coach Dallman has many years of valuable experience being coached by coach Viesselman.”

Another reason for optimism is the number of quality athletes on the team.

“We have many returning athletes, and many new members, as well,” the coach notes. “Our seniors and juniors are becoming leaders and have been helpful to our newer members. I am proud of how hard everyone on the team is working during practice and how they encourage and include each other. It will be fun to see their progress over the course of the season.”

The USC/AC track team will be facing some tough competition this year, however.

“Many of the schools in our conference have big teams that are very good, and very competitive,” Christianson says. “We also compete against Blue Earth Area and Fairmont and they are always competitive.”

The tracksters have already been at two track meets this season, both indoors at Minnesota State University, Mankato. One of those was one they hosted.

The team has just one actual home track meet all season, and that is the Viesselman True Team Invitational on Tuesday, April 12. Coach Christianson encourages the community to come out for that one home meet.

“The USC/AC tradition of track and field, built here by Hall of Fame Coach Kent Viesselman and his coaching staff, is not lost on our team members,” Christianson says. “That is always a competitive meet and one that our kids take extra pride in hosting and competing in.”

So, with many reasons to be optimistic, coach Christianson says the coaches are all excited about the quality of athletes they have out for track and are looking forward to the team competing this season.