Hot Springs track overcomes small numbers

HOT SPRINGS – This week in Hot Springs there was jumping, running and throwing galore as the high school track and field team began practices. The athletes are in full preparation mode for the first meet of the season.

The team might be lacking in numbers this year but they make up for it in talent and heart.

“We have slightly fewer numbers this year but we have some returning athletes who made state last year,” Head Coach Vicki Nytes said. “We also have a good group of freshmen and they are excited to compete.”

The Hot Springs track and field team has five new freshmen this year, more than in previous years. Some of those freshmen have already found athletic success on the football field and basketball court. Now, they are excited to try their hand at track.

The freshmen will be able to learn from their elders. Several of the upperclassmen have the know-how of what it takes to compete at state level.

Tanner Hoff went to state in javelin last year and is looking to return. Anthony Burns found success in the 100 and 200 meter. Jarod White and Jimmy Holland went to state last year in the jumping events.

Brother and sister will be competing side by side in the high jump this season.

“Jack Dolson is going to be fun to watch in high jump this year along with his sister Rosa,” Coach Nytes said.

Hot Springs is short on female athletes this season. Dolson will be competing in the high jump and Chelsea Ramstad is returning for her second year to concentrate on throws (shot put, javelin and discus).

Amanda Woods will be out until at least April because of an injury she suffered during basketball season. When she returns, she will be competing in the distance events. That will bring the total of girl athletes to three. Their numbers are small but there is still a lot of talent.

At the moment, Coach Nytes is focusing on matching the right athletes to the right events.

“We lost three key athletes last year to graduation so we are rebuilding our relay teams,” Coach Nytes said. “I am still sorting out the freshmen because I have never worked with them before so it is a matter of finding their strengths. I might put some of them in the mid-length events.”

Once all of the athletes are sorted into their events, and they receive their first times and distances, the season can really begin.

The Hot Springs team finished at seventh place at the State Tournament last year. Coach Nytes believes they have a good shot at making it to state again.

“There is a lot of potential on this team,” Coach Nytes said. “I am really looking forward to seeing what unfolds this season.”

It has been many years since Hot Springs track won state as a team but they always have individual athletes do well.

Their first chance to shine will be at the track meet Saturday, March 29 in Ronan. According to Coach Nytes, the meet is a great warm-up for the rest of the season.

“I am looking forward to the season,” Coach Nytes said. “We have a good core of athletes and that makes it fun.”