The Platte County track and field team lost some record-breaking talent, but record-breaking talent still remains with high expectations for the new season.
After losing four state qualifiers for the boys and five for the girls, the Pirates are working hard to build off of last year’s success. Platte County has also welcomed back three state qualifiers for the boys and seven for the girls.
In his fifth year leading the Pirates, Jerod Smith has optimism for the girls and boys teams this season. While they lost some great talent, they still have 10 state qualifiers returning this spring between both teams.
“I am looking forward to seeing how much all of our athletes can improve,” Smith said. “The boys 4x100 broke the school record last season and they are all back and juniors this year. We should be able to put together a competitive 4x200, 4x400 and 4x800 on the boys side.”
Josh Fraker could have a big year returning to the 4x400 relay team that broke the school record last year in 3 minutes, 17.88 seconds. Fraker could find more success in the 400 and 800 dash in addition to some relays.
For the girls, the Pirates are especially excited for newcomer Emily Huehl. The junior joins the Pirates after moving from Wakefield, Kansas, where she won the 800-meter state championship in 2 minutes, 27 seconds as a sophomore.
Huehl will be an important addition to the Pirates’ 4x400 and 4x800 relays this season after the departures of Sisely Mitchell and Carmen Gentilia. Mitchell and Gentilla were members of last year’s 4x800 relay team, which also included returning senior Alexia Myer and junior Addison Ayers, that finished fifth at state.
In field events, Platte County is looking for Addy Schlake and Kelly Bullano to build off of their success from last year. Schlake set a new school record with a 41.57-meter discus throw last year while Bullano set the new javelin record with a throw of 41.55 meters.