HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Central City running to success

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By Rachael Enabnit, Central City senior

CENTRAL CITY - Central City boys' track and field coach Mat Weis has one goal heading into Thursday's district meet.

“Going to try to get somebody to state," he said. "Hopefully everyone can get their personal best no matter where they finish.”

The boys' team consists of Ashton VanAlst, Lucas Kramer, Seth Schlotterbeck, Joey Rochford, Jessie Lafler, Nick McCarry, Deshawn Luedeman, Eric Wolf, Shin Tatsumi, Brandon Stevens and Alden Betzer.

“Hope to see everyone next year and hope to see more runners,” Weis said, looking ahead to next year.

The girls' team is led by a new face this year, Peter Knutson.

“It has been a very successful season being that everyone involved has improved," he said.  "Although, comparatively to conference teams, we've been weak.

“We're laying the groundwork for more successful competitions for years to come.”

Knutson said  his plans for Thursday's regional is focusing more on mental aspects of the race.

“Using visualization strategies, and resting their bodies for the bigger meets,” he said.

Knutson's expectations are simple.

“These will be the opportunities for the girls to run their best races of the year," he said before the Tri-Rivers Conference meet. "Arden Betzer will most likely qualify for state in the 1500 and the 3000. We'll fair quite well at the state meet.”

Other girls on the team are Rylee Owens, Shelby Malone, Tessa Engen, Alexa Starry, Gabby Appelhans, Mikayla Edwards, Sam Crist, Kelsey Kellogg, Kayla Greif, Promise Wright, Sam Nielsen, Kate Shoop, Rachael Enabnit and Amanda O'Leary.

“It has been enjoyable to get to know the girls and see their progress and looking forward to future years,” Knutson said.