WOODWARD — Co-head coaches George Ashman and Brent Achenbach know the Woodward-Granger boys track team will be capable of scoring their share of points at most meets. Putting the proper pieces in the proper places to make that happen will be the greatest challenge.
“We will be looking for the right combinations, and I think we are going to be able to put a few decent relays together,” Achenbach said. “Who to use in the individual events, and where in the meet order they are at is going to effect the relays. We don’t want to limit the individual events, but we also don’t want to waste chances where the relays might score well.”
The throwing events should be set as both Brendan Bird and Brody Easter return for the shot put and discus. Both have plenty of experience in the disciplines and Achenbach expressed confidence the pair would place well in most meets.
Cale Pritchett flashed promise in the high jump last season and will be looked at to improve his efforts, with Bryce Achenbach the lead choice in the long jump.
The latter will be involved in sprints and shorter relays, with Ian Thompson likely to play a similar role.
Chandler Cavanaugh also returns for the Hawks and will be counted upon in the 100, 200 and 400 and for relay duties as needed.
“We had two seniors choose not to come out, and that always hurts, but we have a bunch of freshmen and sophomores and hopefully some of those guys will be able to step up and help us out as the season goes along,” coach Achenbach said. “Our conference is really stacked, so it will be key for us to put the lineup together the right way if we are going to score decent points.”
W-G’s boys will compete at Winterset March 30, then join the Hawk girls in traveling to Panora April 2 for the Kip Janvrin Invitational. Both W-G squads will host the Hugh Cavanaugh Relays April 5, with Des Moines Christian, Perry, Saydel and Southeast Valley sending boys teams to Woodward while DMC, Perry SE Valley and Bondurant-Farrar will have their girls squads in action.
