Timothy Christian girls track team showing promise
Trojans return state qualifiers Bosman, Hoekstra and Stanton.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The Timothy Christian girls track team is readying itself for the upcoming outdoor season.
A year ago, the Trojans finished third in the Metro Suburban Conference East Division and fourth in a Class 2A sectional. Timothy returns to Class 1A this season.
Back for the Trojans are returning Class 2A state qualifiers Hannah Bosman (low hurdles, triple, jump, 800 relay), Olivia Hoekstra (200, 800 relay) and Zoe Stanton (800 relay).
Bosman, a senior, is a three-time state qualifier who will compete in triple jump, low hurdles and sprint relays. Bosman, who also ran cross-country at Timothy, has missed the first part of the season while competing in the world speed skating competition in China.
“It will be great to have her back,” said Timothy Christian coach Kevin Hackert.
Hoekstra is a junior who leads off the team’s 800 relay. “Olivia is a terrific sprinter,” said Hackert. “She brings a real drive to our sprint practices.”
Last year’s 800 relay team won conference and sectional titles en route to a state berth.
Stanton, a junior, also will be a big help for the Trojans. “Zoe is another returning sprint-relay specialist who brings a lot of experience and consistency to that relay team,” said Hackert.
Hackert also is excited about junior Alyse Schnurr’s progress. “Alyse was third at sectionals last year and has been working hard to improve her strength and speed. We expect great things from her,” said Hackert.
Last year, Hackert was especially impressed with what his team accomplished. “The team was very young and small last year,” he said. “It was the smallest squad I have ever coached and yet they were able to take third in conference and fourth in a very tough Class AA sectional meet despite the fact we couldn’t compete in every event. They are returning this year with a little more experience and a taste for exceeding their coaches’ expectations. That makes them an exciting and optimistic squad. Although our year has just begun, they are working hard and expecting to see results again this year. I am very proud of their attitudes. With two-thirds of our team being freshmen and sophomores, we are young, but I have learned not to underestimate what focused work and positive attitudes can do. It will be another great season.”
At the recent MSC indoor meet, Timothy finished 10th overall. Hoekstra took second in the 200, while Schnurr was fifth in the 55 high hurdles. Timothy’s 800 relay team took fourth.
“We also were very pleased with our underclassmen,” said Hackert. “We had three girls drop 11 seconds each from their 800 times and numerous freshmen stepped up in the varsity meet. We are a very young team. Two-thirds of the team are freshmen and sophomores, but they are a hard-working crew.”
