OHS Journalism
by Alyssa Rager
Although softball and baseball are the primary spring sports of many students at USD 322, there are two other sports available during the spring season that sometimes get overlooked: track and golf.
Last year, the track and field team sent two individuals to state. Lillie Weiser placed fourth in pole vault and sixth in triple jump, and Emmarsyn Fordham placed fifth in shot put. The team’s numbers increased to 15 athletes this year and consists of several underclassmen. The team kicked off their season two weeks ago with Frankfort’s “Arctic Meet” and last week with the Valley Heights Invitational. Sophomore Brooklyn Kolterman said she looks forward to the track season because, “I enjoy running and the atmosphere of the meets. It’s one of my favorite sports.” The team will compete again on Tuesday, April 15th, at Nemaha Central.
The Golf team has had past success as well, with the whole team qualifying for state last year. As a whole, the team placed sixth. Graham Valburg tied for 25th and Konnor Nider for 30th; Joshua Daniels placed 46th, Koy Nider 52nd, Maddix Blacksmith 53rd, and Tatum Lara placed 55th. Junior Graham Valburg said he went out for golf again this year because, “it’s the greatest sport ever invented and I want to make it to State again.” Under new coaching, the team is looking to be successful again. Being coached by Chelsey Figge-Rahjes and Matt Rahjes, the golf team kicked off their season last week with a meet at Washington County. They had an incredible day and took second as a team. The team will be back in action on Tuesday, April 15th at home.
Spring is many of these athletes’ favorite time of year and anticipate their spring sports success for months. Even though the end of the school year becomes hectic with athletes leaving early, community service day, club and class trips, fundraising opportunities, the NHS induction and many other events, the student-athletes at USD 322 put in the work both on and off the field, course, and track.