Despite the cold and wet weather, the Shamrocks competed at the meet. Because there were only two teams there, the boys and girls were combined together in all the running events, except the 4X100 meter and 4X200 meter relays.
At this point in the season, Coach Tucker can submit unlimited entries in all events, but once medal meets start, only the top two girls and boys from each event will be able to compete. Athletes are allowed to be in four events per meet. Practice meets allow the athletes to try out different events and give the coaches the opportunity to see which athletes are best suited for specific events at medal meets. .
This year, senior Tenille Duessler has added the long jump to her list of events; she stated, “So far jumping has been good, and jumpers have their own family. It’s nice to get to know them, and I feel that jumping is helping me in my throwing events.”
Highlights from Tuesday night’s action included the freshman making their first high school appearance, along with Luna Tomasi and Nele Granes, who are both foreign exchange students; jumper Emma Englebrecht jumping 33 feet in triple jump; Lauren Gerleman throwing 78 feet in discuss; and multiple running events, which will all improve throughout the season.
Mr. Tucker gave his thoughts on the boys team, commenting, “This season as a team I look for the boys team to be stronger. Last year’s team was centered around Seth [Schenck], and this year, the veterans are looking more accomplished, and there is some exciting freshmen coming up.”
As for the girls team, Mr. Tucker remarked, “I plan to have a final four state team. I have a great senior core this year. The sophomore and juniors are improving, and there is a bunch of talented freshmen that have come out for the team this year.”
New Haven has about two weeks until they begin competing in medal meets.
-by Molly Munsinger