High goals set for Lady Trojans

By Becky Walz,

With 18 letter winners returning, the Turkey Valley girls’ track and field team is planning to make some noise throughout the 2021 season and in Des Moines come May.
Third-year head coach Dalton Hackman believes this will be the Lady Trojans’ best season since taking over the helm. Alongside him will be assistant coach Cally Mueller.

A glance back to 2019
The Trojans had nine returning letter winners in 2019, yet still had a fairly young squad putting on their spikes. As the season progressed, TV worked hard and finished sixth at the Upper Iowa Conference meet with 54 points. The season concluded at Drake Stadium in Des Moines for several athletes, with three events qualifying for state — 4×400, distance medley and Jalyssa Blazek in the 800 meters.

Talent returns
Over the past two seasons, the Trojans have lost several key components on the team. 
However, the light shines bright on the talent that returns, led by Blazek who qualified both individually and as a member of both relays in 2019. Kourtney Schmidt and Josie Weber were also members of the 2019 relays were raced on the Blue Oval, while Cambree Kruse returns as a state qualifier in the 4×400 relay.
Joining the veteran quartet is a host of promising newcomers including sophomores Brianna Busta and Clare Courtney, as well as freshmen Alayna Kuennen, Ryann Schmit and Halle Weber.
“We are competitive all the way around — freshmen through seniors,” said Coach Hackman. “Everybody works hard and has the same goal in mind, which makes for a great atmosphere at practice.”
Coach Hackman’s main concern for the season lies in competing in enough meets to learn where to put girls in relays and events, so they can excel and reach their full potential.

Looking at the UIC
While the Trojans’ team goal is to finish in the top three at the UIC meet, Coach Hackman believes his team will be in the mix for the top spot.
“We have a good track conference which sends multiple teams and individuals down to the state meet every year, but I believe we have the firepower to be right there with others,” he said. “Our goals are set high, and we have the athletes to do it. School records are up for grabs and the Drake Relays have been in the back of some of their minds. Look for TV girls to make some noise throughout the season and in Des Moines.”

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