By Staff

            LITTLE RIVER – After finishing first and second in the 2022 league meet last season, the Little River track/field team will look to gain both titles with hopes of increasing the number of athletes qualifying for state from the dozen they had last season.

            Beginning her fifth season in charge of the Little River track/field program, Betsey Lafferty will assisted by Chad Lafferty.

            “It will be an exciting season,” noted head coach Betsy Lafferty. “With our core group on both the girl’s and boy’s side returning we are looking for some great performances. These kids are looking to get back to state and bettering their last year’s marks.”

            The Lady Redskins won the league before qualifying seven for the State Meet where they earned a third-place state finish in the 800 meters from Ashley Stephenson, a third-place finish in the 4×100 meter relay team of Alaina Eck, Ashley Stephenson, Elsie Boughfman, and Kami Grasser, plus a fourth place landing for the 4×400 meter relay team of Eck, Stephenson, Grasser and Aubrey Olander.

            The good news is that six of the seven Lady Redskins that went to state will return, including all five that earned medals.

            For the Redskin boys, Braxton Lafferty returns after finishing fifth at the state meet throwing the javelin. Besides Lafferty, Rylan Konen, Toby Jesseph, Andrew Smith and Treyton Olander also return to lead the 2023 squad.

            Coach Lafferty concluded her pre-season reflections by saying, “We have a large class of freshman boys and girls that will increase competitiveness at practice and meets both. Not only are these kids, both the newcomers and returnees, athletic and have a great work ethic, they are simply fun to be around. This year we have our largest group with 34 kids. The increase in numbers will allow us to be more competitive at practice and be more ready for the competition we will face at meets. Looking forward to having a great season!”

            The Little River track/field team will open the 2023 season on Thursday, March 30 at the McPherson Invitational before traveling to the Remington Invitational on Tuesday, April 4.

(The Staff covering events for the MAC AREA SPORTS NEW can be reached by email at crossdovewriter@gmail.com)