By Becky Walz,
With a strong tradition of Decorah girls’ track and field in their back pocket, a large contingent of Lady Vikes are ready to roll in 2021 after a last season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back at the helm are Co-Coaches Cristy Nimrod and Brad Johansen for their fourth season. Joining the duo are assistants Mike Tangen and Jeff Wettach.
“We have large numbers this year which allows for great competition within our team and between other teams,” said Nimrod and Johansen. “We look forward to putting line-ups together with athletes being able to do a variety of events.
Ready to return
After finishing ninth in Class 3A in 2019, Decorah was geared up to make another run at the state title with a wide variety of experience in 2020 before the season was put on hold and eventually cancelled.
Among those returning this year are four previous state qualifiers from 2019 — Brielle Buresh, Anya Lovstuen, Kallie Mincks and Aanaiya Weston. Competing at state in 2018 but sidelined with injuries in 2019 were Bella Knutson and Fiona Buresh.
As a freshman, Buresh competed individually in the 100-meter dash, finishing fifth overall. She was also a member of the third place 4×100 relay and the runner-up sprint medley relay. Lovstuen and Mincks combined with now graduated Grace Syverson and Ambria Pipho in the shuttle hurdle relay to finish 15th. In the shot put, Weston completed her freshman campaign in 24th with a heave of 30 feet 1 inch.
Returning with a letter this season are seniors Abby Bolson, Fiona Buresh, Bella Knutson, Olivia Metille, Emma Nierengarten, Sam See, Grace Thompson and Cassie Wyatt; juniors Brielle Buresh, Annika Franzen, Abby Halverson, Chelsey Holtz, Anya Lovstuen, Ellie Luzum, Kallie Mincks, Ashley Schneberger; sophomores Julia Alberts, Rebecca Anderson, Dahlyn Headington, Lani Hubka, Brinley Krivachek, Sami Mount, Chloe Reiser, Autumn Schaller, Mairi Sessions and Madison Tollefson.
Completing the Lady Vikes roster are freshmen Annaleissa Arnold, Grace Brynsaas, Skyler Cole, Lydia Frank, Maddy Fromm, Elayna Hook, Kathryn Kelly, Sydney Kipp, Jensen Korsness, Danielle Losen, Claire Schutte, Naomi Simon, Brynne Storhoff, Hayley Stowe, Abbie Valkosky and Camielle Weidow.
Learning curve
With a season lost the Viking coaches expect the squad to have a big learning curve this season.
“We need all the girls to be confident in themselves, positive every day, commit to be their best and willing to try new things. If they do these four simple things, they will have a great track season and will be better athletes and people when it is complete,” said the Co-Coaches.
Time will tell how the depth of each team presents itself as the Viking skippers believe every team in the NEIC will have strong individual performers as Decorah competes for its 16th consecutive conference title.
“Ultimately our success hinges on being healthy, having daily practice and competing in all of our meets. When all three of those align, we have the potential to be very good,” concluded Nimrod and Johansen.
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