Roger Ilg has coached track and field long enough – 35 years total and 31 with the WHS girls program – to know depth and not necessarily front-line individuals make for a good team.
As the season nears, Ilg believes he has a few front-line individuals. He’s hoping to develop that depth in order to compete with New Richmond and Western Brown for the SBAAC American Division title.
“Track is sport that requires quality depth,” Ilg said. “I am not sure we have enough … only time will tell.”
Regardless, Ilg said his squad will be “competitive and have fun doing it” in 2019.
Cayleigh Vance, Sylena Baltazar and Katie Lambcke are a trio of All-SBAAC athletes who return to lead the way for the Lady Hurricane, who finished third in the league last season.
Ilg will be assisted by Eileen Grosse (throws), Karen Heslop (middle school) and Megan Sellers (middle school) this season.
Among events, Baltazar, Anna Borton and Izzy Coomer are the top sprinters; Sophie Burt, Josie Nichols, Samantha McCord are top middle-distance runners; Lambcke and Sadie Bowman are lead jumpers; and Vance, Lauren Heard and Aaliyah Huff are the top throwers. Rhianna Madden is the top hurdler.
Ilg said a few very talented individuals chose not to return to the team this season but newcomers Kaitlynn Hickey, Madison Rickman and Jasmine Jamiel will help fill the void.
