By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel’s 2020 track season was set to open with a lot of enthusiasm.

The Bluebirds had 30 athletes planning to compete on the team, which had coach Curtis Guhr excited with the number of students who planned to participate.

“These are great numbers for a 1A school,” he said. “Goessel has some athletes that have excelled in other sports and look to make their mark for the Bluebird’s track team this season.”

Now that spring sports are canceled, Goessel will miss an opportunity for what could have been a banner year.

Senior Jerah Schmidt was expected to provide leadership for the Bluebird boys since he had the drive it took to compete at state.

He was a state cross-country medalist in the fall, and scored points in the 800-meter run, 1,600-meter and 4-by-400 relay during last year’s state track and field meet.

Kale Funk was expected to bring a sprinter’s speed and showcase his experience in long jump. Luke Wiens explored 300 hurdles, javelin and was set to contribute on several relays.

David Sawyer, Dawson Duerksen and Jacob Schrag all had experience in distance events. Nate Zogleman scored in long jump and middle distance events a year ago, and Dylan Riley was expected to compete in javelin and discus.

Elyse Boden was a state cross-country medalist in the fall, and was expected to excel in distance races for Goessel girls. Senior Porclein Unruh contributed in several relays last year along with 800-meter run. Emily Flaming and Elizabeth Schmucker circled the track last year in the 400-meter dash and participated in several relays. Alyssa Boden ran sprints, including 4-by-100 relay, a year ago with Aspen Abbott. Lyna McCombs was expected to contribute in shot put and discus.

None of the girls team competed during 2019’s state meet, but several missed qualifying at regional by one position.

“We are looking for good things out of several younger athletes,” said Guhr. “The returning letter winners will give leadership to the team this year.”

Goessel’s season was to begin with a home track meet April 7, and Berean hosting a Central Kansas League meet on Goessel’s track April 28.