Boys track and field: Young Norskies look to grow up quickly

A youth movement is afoot with the DeForest boys’ track and field team. Joe Parker, the Norskies’ head coach, is excited about it.

“Don’t ever underestimate what a hungry, young athlete can do when they are chasing goals,” said Parker, now in his 23rd year as head coach.

While the Norskies lost nine contributors from last year’s Badger East Conference meet, they return 16 participants. And, despite all the youth, there is strength in numbers.

“We have record numbers,” said Parker. “Over 80 boys through spring break. Almost half are only sophomores so we will be leaning on some inexperience to fill some holes. We will have strength in a number of places that while we may not have many conference champions, we should still be in the hunt for the team title.”

Getting by Waunakee and Oregon won’t be easy. Parker feels they’re the teams to beat in conference.

“Milton will have a say in the outcome with the depth they have in the sprints,” said Parker.

The Norskies have a strong core group of distance runners in Elijah Pabon, Lucas Tanner and Wyatt Parker. Expect Kirby Colebrooke, Alex Gardner and Luke Beyer to lead the hurdles contingent, while Brooks Wilson and Owen Kramar will handle the pole vault, Brooks Ohmen mans the jumps and Bradley Jacobson, Parker Rogalla and Derek Klein are strong sprinters.

Overcoming their inexperience is the first order of business for DeForest. A large contingent of athletes could help in that regard. DeForest opens the season on Saturday in Watertown.