Lexis Drake is one of 17 CHS freshmen to turn out for track and field. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
The bar has been set high.
Last spring was one of the best in Coupeville High School track and field history, with the Wolf girls finishing third in the 2B team standings at the state championships.
Meanwhile, the CHS boys earned fifth, with senior Alex Murdy claiming the crown in the long jump.
He was the tenth Wolf in school history to bring home a state title.
But time moves on and Murdy and his fellow Class of 2023 mates are no longer reppin’ the red and black as a new campaign begins.
Which doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare.
CHS head coaches Bob Martin and Elizabeth Bitting have 63 athletes this year — 41 guys and 22 girls.
Coupeville’s seniors lead the pack.
There’s depth and talent, as well.
The depth is shown in the breakdown of the roster, which includes 17 seniors, 16 juniors, 13 sophomores, and 17 freshmen.
Headlining the team are four athletes who brought home state meet medals a year ago.
That’s current juniors Lyla Stuurmans (2nd in the 4 x 400, 7th in the 800, 8th in the 400), Carly Burt (2nd in the 4 x 400), Zac Tackett (7th in the discus) and Cael Wilson (8th in the pole vault).
Also returning are a number of Wolves who scored big at bi-districts.
Junior Katie Marti finished second in both the shot put and javelin last spring, missing a ticket to state by just one slot.
Katie Marti is good at throwing things.
Other bi-district runners-up from a year ago include Aleksia Jump (pole vault), Issabel Johnson (4 x 100), Preston Epp (400), and Aleera Kent (400).
Ayden Wyman (4 x 200), Nehemiah Myles (long jump), and Reese Wilkinson (discus) were third last year, while Hank Milnes (400) and Malachi Somes (1600 and 3200) finished in the top four.
Further depth comes from a strong pack of cross country runners that includes Carson Field, Erica McGrath, Reagan Callahan, and Kenny Jacobsen.
Add in veteran multi-event stars like Nick Guay, Zane Oldenstadt, and Mikey Robinett, and things look bright for the Wolves.
Wolf coaches are psyched for a new season of chasing records and medals.
“Despite the blustery and cold weather conditions, our athletes have shown incredible resilience and determination,” Bob Martin said.
“They are diligently focusing on mastering the basics while keeping their eyes set on league, districts, and the possibility of earning a state championship.”
While last year stands as a high-water mark for the CHS track program, the Wolves aren’t ready to stop there.
“With such a strong foundation and determined athletes, we are confident that this year’s team will achieve similar, if not greater, success,” Martin said.
“We are immensely proud of their dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship both on and off the track.”
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