The Cannon Falls track and field program has reached their highest number of participants in many years, and many of those Bomber athletes have had tremendous triumph so far this year. Not only has the varsity program thrived, but also the junior high track team. They may not have exceedingly high numbers, but they have thrived in achievements. The success of the junior high team is important because it leads into the success of the future varsity track team.
Track, or the proper name, track and field consists of two parts: the running portion, and the field events portion. A part of track that is unique about the sport is that there are many different options for an athlete to do. The running events that a junior high athlete can participate in are as follows: 1600 meter run, 800 meter run, 400 meter sprint, 200 meter sprint, 100 meter sprint, 4×400 meter relay, 4×200 meter relay, 4×100 meter relay, 100 meter hurdles (for the girls), and 110 meter hurdles (for the boys). On the other hand, the field events available are long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, and discus.
One of the biggest differences that makes track stand out against other sports, is that all middle schoolers compete against each other. That means that sixth graders can compete against each other, but they may also compete against kids in up to eighth grade. “Last year, I was a sixth grader, but now I’m a seventh grader, so I am able to do a lot better in meets because I’m only competing against athletes a year older than me, rather than two,” states seventh grader Isabella Boyum.
This year, the junior high track team is competing in many meets in places such as Medford, Byron, and Dover-Eyota. Two home track meets were scheduled for the team this year, but sadly were canceled due to various reasons.
Veteran track and field coach Brett Zimmerman has expressed his excitement of the program’s promising future due to the current talent on the junior high team. At their first meet of the season, the junior high girls team beat out all of their opponents, taking first in that meet, while the junior high boys placed fourth. Athletes that place one through five in their events score points for their team. First place scores the most points, then second place, then third, and so on. There were many participants from Cannon Falls that placed within the top five. Blake Johnson, Maggie Jordan, Lola Winchell, Brooklyn Lee, Nico Vasquez, Louie Otto, and Ryler Sell were the athletes that took first place at the Triton meet, with many other Bomber athletes finishing within the top five, according to Athletic Net. “It really was a team win,” Boyum says.
Something that is on the track and field coaches minds’ is the lack of numbers. While the varsity program is reaching the highest numbers that they’ve had in years, the junior high numbers have reduced. Zimmerman says; “I wish we had about twenty more kids,”
Next season, the current seventh graders will have big shoes to fill, taking the place of the many eighth graders graduating from junior high. Every year, there are spots to replace, but this year, eleven of the twenty one junior high members are eighth graders. At each junior high meet, the eighth graders are responsible for leading stretches and warm ups, in which that responsibility will become the seventh graders’ duties.
Track is a sport where everyone can shine, no matter their abilities. Zimmerman says; “Track & field also provides opportunities for those that may not be the ‘best athlete’ where most other sports are limited. We have 18 events to choose from so we can find a spot somewhere for everyone,” Zimmerman wishes to grow the program, and encourages students to come out for track. “If you are involved with fall or winter sports, track is the perfect complement to make you a better all around athlete. We lift weights, work on speed, and work on flexibility,” Zimmerman says. Boyum is in her second year of track, and is thoroughly enjoying track. “A great thing about track is it is a team sport, while also being individual,” says Boyum. Track is a sport suitable for everyone, no matter what interests or abilities they have. It is a great way to connect with others, and be part of a team.
