Cougars feature two quality athletes (DONE)
OTIS — Otis-Bison track coach Travis Starr returns two state medalists who competed at Wichita State. The Cougars' depth and relays will be boosted by seven freshmen tracksters.
Destiny Mitchell is a multi-event state qualifier who placed eighth in the high jump (5-0); 14th in the 3,200 (13:23.62); and returns from the Cougars' third place in the 3,200-meter relay (10:21.41).
"Destiny is a tough competitor who can compete in many events," said Otis-Bison coach Travis Starr. "She will start with the high jump and middle distance. We hope she can anchor a solid relay for us. With her work ethic and determination she has high expectations to go to state in multiple events.
At the Central Prairie League, Mitchell won the 3,200 (12:53.01) and high jump (5-3). The Cougars won the 3,200-meter relay (10:42.95).
Third-place medalists was Briana Croisant, shot put (32-7).
In the boys division, CPL first-place medalists were Ian Haselhorst, 200 (23.9); Gavin Alloway, triple jump (40-21/4). Runner-up medals were earned by Ismael Cortez, discus (137-0); shot put (45-61/2); Alloway, high jump (5-10).
"Ian Haselhorst excelled last year in the 200, 400, and high jump," Starr said. "He's set the bar high for himself and will work hard to try and achieve state success."
Starr believes the Cougars have good depth and quality athletes to enjoy a strong spring season.
"Our girls have potential to achieve good things," he said. "We have great senior leadership which sets a high standard for our track program. On the girls side, we've got solid sprinters, distance runners, throwers, and jumpers. We have a couple seniors. The majority of our team are freshmen so it will take some meets to get a good grasp on their potential."
Starr likes the boys leadership with Hoopingarner and Haselhorst.
"Our returning state qualifiers who will continue to improve and mentor our younger athletes," Starr said. "Our goal is work hard and improve every day to reach our potential by our league and regional meets.
COUGAR STATE QUALIFIERS
OTIS-BISON SQ 200m—7—Ian Haselhorst, 23.34; 400m—10—Haselhorst, 53.21; 3,200—14—Mitchell, 13:23.62; 3,200m relay—3—OB girls, *10:21.41 (Mitchell); High jump—8—Mitchell, 5-0; High jump—2—Haselhorst, 6-2; 5—6-2; Long jump—8—Alloway, 20-51/2; Triple jump—13—Alloway, 39-81/4; Shot put—11—Cortez, 44-7
COUGAR ROSTER
SENIORS—Destiny Mitchell (middle distance, HJ); Jake Hoopingarner (javelin, discus, TJ); Ian Haselhorst (sprints, jumps, relays); Ismael Cortez (throws); Memphis Jensen (middle distance); Briana Croisant (throws)
JUNIORS—Konner Schenk (throws); Gavin Alloway (jumps, sprints); Kelson Juno (throws)
SOPHOMORES—Lily Schwindt (jumps); Marissa Pechanec (throws); Maddox Firebaugh (middle distance); Travis Ross (sprints), Ricky Martinez (throws)
NINTH-GRADERS—Marcus Starr (shot, discus), Jade Holman, Shaelyn Richmeier (sprints, HJ), Brooklynn Roth (middle distance), Allie Smith (sprints, jumps), Aiden Ochs-Lohrey (discus, sprints), Kolten Cory (shot, discus)
OTIS-BISON SCHEDULE—4-3—at La Crosse; 4-15—at Ness City; 4-17—at Larned; 4-25—at St. John; 4-29—at Hoisington; 5-2—at Stafford; 5-8—at Victoria; 5-15—Central Prairie at St. John; 5-22/23—at 1A regional
