(Oakland, IA) — The Riverside Girls Track and Field are hoping to follow up on some of their success from last year. The 4×400 relay won a state title for the third straight season but Senior Carly Henderson has graduated and run off to the College of St. Mary’s. The Bulldogs return the first two legs on that team Veronica Schechinger and Elly Henderson but they will be hard pressed for a 4 peat. Instead, Head Coach Jared Hoffman has plenty of other options in his relays. Last year, the 4×100 was 7th, the 4×200 was third and the 4×800 was 4th and Hoffman says they are in good shape
Hoffman says its too early to determine where the strength of this team is — they have close to 30 runners out for track and field and they have tremendous balance in their line up. In the field events, Sophomore Kayden Schnack will lead the high jump and Freshman Arabella Singleton is the only competitor in the long jump. Riverside does have two state veterans in the shot put — last year Sophia Fenner got on the medal stand in 8th place and Sophia Taylor finished 18th
For the sprints, Elly Henderson will be the leader although Hoffman she could go anywhere in the line up. Bailey Richardson will lead in the long distance along with freshman Iviana Schechinger. Hoffman says Ayla Richardson and Lilli Reed will be hurdlers and the hope is that two freshmen will step up to put a shuttle hurdle team together. Overall, Hoffman says this team has set high goals for themselves
Riverside’s first outdoor meet is on April 3 at Griswold.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Jared Hoffman
