By Becky Walz,
The key to a successful 2021 season is in the hands of any promising Decorah boys track and field athlete as veteran head coach Joel Rollinger and his staff get set to fill out a competitive line-up. In his 22nd year at the helm, Rollinger will be aided by assistant coaches Bill Post, Dale Wilharm and Jeff Wettach.
A quick look
When the 2020 season was ultimately cancelled due to COVID-19, numerous Vikings also lost out on finishing their stellar careers. Among those who graduated included multi-year letter winners — Jason Adam, Patrick Bockman, Braden Elton, Matthew Franzen, Logan Halverson, Breydon Johnson, Andrew Magner, Eli Mitchell, Sam Robinson, Seth Shindelar, Keaton Solberg, Gabe Vilardo and Tucker Young.
Returning with experience for Decorah are seniors Briggs Duwe, Ethan Frana, Brady Hogan, Kyle Renken, Drew Snyder and juniors Jacob Pipho, Bennett Schutte, Hogan Smith, Haywood Stowe and Austin Wilkins.
Completing the roster are seniors Kody Bodensteiner, Noah Breitenbach-Dirks, Nick Einck, Cael Luzum and Charlie Robinson; juniors Joseph Hjelle, Nathan Larson, Landen Marlow, Thomas Ostlie, Oskar Paulson, Addae Whitsitt and August Witt; sophomores Jaden Baker, Lange Betts, William Einck, Victor Merritt, Cade Olson, Corbyn Palmer, Brock Taylor and Ben Wymer; and freshmen Cade Averhoff, Camren Darling; Kelley Gates, Brayden Hartl; Dakota Johnson; Montana Jump-Gerleman, Hunter Lemke, Trey McCain, Kaiden Quandahl, Danny See, Joe Stammeyer, Will Teslow, Fisher Tweten and Garrett Waskow.
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Strengths and concerns
Provided the Vikings remain healthy, the coaches believe they can put together competitive sprints and sprint relays. The return of NEIC’s top distance runner in senior Brady Hogan shines a light for Decorah as well.
As Decorah gets set to begin the 2021 season, the lack of depth is a concern of the coaches. Rollinger notes that how his guys react and bounce back from an entire lost year of competition is also concerning. As the season progresses it will also be important for the athletes to develop point production and experience in both field and hurdle events.
Outlook for season
Not having a 2020 season makes it difficult for the coaches to forecast where Decorah will land in the Northeast Iowa Conference.
“Our goal is to compete for the NEIC championship,” said Coach Rollinger. “We won’t be considered the favorite but will work hard.
Among the skipper’s top competitors are Charles City and Waverly-Shell Rock, although he notes that every team in the conference has solid athletes who can gain points for their respective teams.
“The vacancy light is bright and blinking for any promising athletes to grab a varsity spot and become a 2021 letter winner,” concluded Coach Rollinger. “We are extremely grateful to have a track and field season this year. Although disappointed at losing the non-scored indoor season, we are hopeful that Mother Nature will bless everyone with tremendous outdoor opportunities.”
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