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The long-distance runners on the Cook County High school track team were out for a brisk run workout on Monday, April 4. Despite the snow and cold, the runners were little affected by the weather, some not wearing sweatshirts or even sweatpants. Staff photos Brian Larsen
This past Monday, a large contingent of middle and long-distance high school and junior high school runners were out training for the upcoming high school track season as snowflakes fell. Despite the less-than-perfect conditions, the kids were (mostly) smiling and enjoying the run.
They are, after all, Viking tough.
This spring, Viking Head Track and Field Coach April Wahlstrom greeted 60 boys and girls to the Cook County High School track team.
While the somewhat inclement weather has little effect on mid and long-distance runners, it’s not the most fabulous weather for kids in the field event to train in. Athletes who throw the discus or shot put or high jump, long jump, hurdle, or sprint need warmer temperatures and clear areas to best practice their events. On the other hand, distance runners aren’t as affected by weather and can—and do– run outside in almost anything.
When asked what the Vikings’ strongest events will be, Ms. Wahlstrom replied, “We have some strong potential in sprinting, distance, jumping, and some motivated throwers, so we will see. Also, we are hoping for some melting so we can get outside more.”
Viking Head Coach April Wahlstrom (light blue top) led the team in a variety of exercises to build up the young athletes’ strength and flexibility. Wahlstrom was leading the kids in an exercise called “planks” in this picture. They look easier to do then they really are.
Seniors on this year’s squad are Cece Chmelik, Jonah Schmidt, Anna Hay, Molly Lavigne, Olivia Nesgoda and Merlin Higgins. They will provide leadership and help guide the younger kids.
This year, Ms. Wahlstrom has one paid assistant coach, Melissa Oberg, but she also has a bevy of unpaid assistant coaches. Sarah Beggs, the jumping coach; Chris LaVigne, will coach sprinters; Neil Sherman and Arc Haaversen will assist Melissa Oberg as throwing coaches. Jeanne Monson is the strength conditioning and distance coach. Theresa Oberg is a distance coach; TJ Long is a strength and conditioning coach. In addition, Emma Spoon will coach distance and mid-distance, Malin Anderson distance and mid-distance, Chad Benesh, distance, and Steven Anderson will work with the kids on strength and conditioning.
Sprinters worked on form in the halls. Chris LaVigne put the sprinters through their paces on Monday, teaching them strength drills and giving them tips on how to accelerate through a dash.
Other volunteers include Jeanne Anderson.
The Vikings’ first track meet is the appropriately named Polar Vortex meet at Esko on April 19. The kids will then compete at the Two Harbors Invite on April 26; The Duluth East Invite on April 29, Two Harbors on May 3, Matt Kero Invitational at Denfeld High School on May 13, the Polar League Conference Meet on May 18, the North Sub-Sectionals at Mesabi East on May 26 and Sections at the University of Minnesota Duluth track on June 2. Finally, the state meet will be held on June 10 at a place yet to be determined for kids who qualify.
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