By John Raffel
Correspondent
MCBAIN – Northern Michigan Christian School has Diane Eisenga and Mark Bonnes as varsity co-head coaches.
“We are returning three seniors who competed at the state finals last year. Isaac Bowden placed third in the Pole Vault and is the current record holder,” Eisenga said. “Nathan Eisenga placed 12th in high jump and Tucker Tossey, along with Nathan and Isaac in the 4×400 placed 12th. Jonas Laser, who graduated last year, was the fourth member of the 4×400 relay, but also qualified for state in the 800 meter and 1600 meter runs. Jonas was a strong leader for the team and will be missed.
“In addition to three seniors mentioned above, we also have two additional seniors Collin Dekam and Jacob Booher who will be a great asset to our middle distance runners. Junior Elijah Kimbel also has his sights set on State this year in the 1600-meter and 3200-,meter run. Finishing out our roster are Brett Ritsema, Hunter Fisher, Elijah Yount and Philip Lerschen in middle distance. Elijah Yount also specializes in the shot put and discus and hopes to increase his personal best in both
categories.”
Also returning is the only girl, Melody Fraser who will compete in the long jump and
sprints.
“Our expectations for the season is to qualify someone for state in all of our field events,” Eisenga said. “We also hope to round out a solid 4×200 and 4×400 relay with state as the goal. Our team strength is the field events and middle distance categories. We also look to break the school record in the 4×200 relay. Our work will be focused on strength and conditioning as well as technique in running and field events. We have many people in place to help with each discipline.
“Due to our small size, we will do well in the conference individually, but as a team we will struggle to get enough points to place in most large meets. We just won’t have the personnel to enter into every event.
Additional Coaching staff members are Rebecca Bowden, Nate Koetje, Nick Yahner and Jonathan Dracht.