Glennallen Track Set to Open Season Saturday

The Glennallen track and field team has been hard at work in recent weeks. The Panthers are about to show off what they’ve been working for, as they are set to open the season at a meet in Valdez on Saturday, their first official event of the season. 

“Our track athletes are always diligent and hardworking; this year is no exception,” head coach Mackenzie Dysinger said. “I think the kids are going to be highly competitive in the mid to longer distances, 400,1600 meter and 3200 meter. Because our team is mid-distance and distance athletes our pre-season is focused on gradually increasing mileage and strength training so we can work on speed intervals.”

Last season the Panthers had three state qualifiers, and overall it felt like a vast success. 

“More importantly our season was full of kids improving on individual time goals, getting outside and creating some great memories at practices and on trips,” Dysinger said of last season.

On the team this year will be senior Tobyn Dolge (went to state in 4x800), Kayla Abbott (went to state in 3200), junior Timothy Severs, sophomores Sheperd Korth, Kenton Scribner, John Owen Ranck, Mariah Abbott, freshman Thor Carlson, eighth grader Brett Gearhart, seventh graders Casey Fields, Markus Abbott, Wyatt McGinnis, John Coulter and sixth graders Sawyer Roslansky, Jackson Ashton and Jason Dysinger.

“Overall, our biggest goal is to send as many athletes as we can to compete at state, which means winning or placing well at regionals,” Dysinger said. “I've learned that the keys to a good season are coaching athletes in when to have fun, when to work hard, and when to rest. It is also vital to have a great assistant coach. I am very grateful for Bruce Rogers for taking time to teach me what it takes to be a good head coach, driving the buses and helping at practice.”

The coach is really looking forward to the meet at Valdez, especially since their ability to practice has been limited so far this season.

“Since we haven't been on a real track yet this year, I'm excited to see how each athlete performs,” Dysinger said. “I think we will have a few kids breaking the six minute mile mark within the first couple meets. We have a great group of junior high runners that will be having their first track season ever and I'm looking forward to watching them experience it for the first time and crush their goals.”

Dysinger added that they feel the support from the community; something she’s more than grateful for.

“As a team we are thankful to our community for supporting us, especially with the horn honks when we have to do intervals on the highway hills,” she said. “Thank you Glennallen for cheering us on!”