A new coach is ready to lead the DeForest girls’ track and field team.
Can the Norskies defend their WIAA Division 1 state title? It won’t be easy without Anna Szepieniec, who accounted for most of DeForest’s winning 46-point effort at last year’s state meet. She’s moved on to compete for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
However, her partner at state, Stacy Kipkoskei, who took first in the 300-meter hurdles at state last year, returns to lead DeForest.
Joe Schneider has a lot to work with as he takes over the Norski program from Christopher Smith, who retired after last season.
“I am very excited for the girls this season,” said Schneider. “They should be able to compete at a high level again this season. We have a strong group of senior leadership. We have really good numbers this year, with almost 70 girls out this season, which will add depth and competition throughout the lineup. We have a lot of athletes that have worked really hard in the offseason getting stronger and competing in other sports, which will help them compete at a higher level this spring.”
In addition to Szepieniec, DeForest graduated sprinter/thrower Esther Ekezie, hurdler/sprinter Lucy Manzetti and middle-distance runner Logan Peters.
With her unexpected state victory in the 300 hurdles, Kipkoskei has emerged as DeForest’s leader. A year ago, she placed second in the 100 and 300 hurdles at the conference meet, as Szepieniec took first. It was a different story at state, though, as Kipkoskei broke through and beat her teammate. Kipkoskei, a senior, also placed seventh in the long jump at conference.
“In hurdles, Stacy Kipkoskei is returning for her senior year after winning the state championship in the 300m hurdles,” said Schneider. “She is also a strong 100m hurdler, as well as competing in the sprints and long jump.”
Senior distance runners Quinn Aulik and Taylor Bussiere are back, as they look to move up a level. Bussiere took third at conference last year in the 3,200 run and sixth in the 1,600 run, while Aulik was fifth in both the 3,200 run and 1,600 run at conference, to go along with a sixth-place finish in the 800 run. Fellow distance runner Mary June Nelson, a sophomore, raced to fourth in the 3,200 run at conference last year.
“We have a lot of returning athletes in our distance program that qualified for the WIAA State Cross Country meet, including Quinn Aulik, Taylor Bussiere, MJ Nelson and Emma Hermansen,” said Schneider. “They are all strong runners that will help us compete at a high level this season.”
Junior Ally Armstrong is a sprinter, high jumper and discus thrower. She was part of the conference champion 400 and 1,600 relay teams from last year, while Armstrong also placed seventh in the high jump. Sophomore sprinter Jenna Graske was also part of that 400 relay team, as she also finished sixth at conference in the 200 dash.
“I think we could have a few athletes that could take a big step competitively this year,” said Schneider. “We had a good offseason with girls making a commitment in the weight room and competing in other sports. These things really help with track and field. Two athletes that could have really strong seasons include Ally Armstrong (high Jump, sprints, discus) and Brianna Estness (sprints/throws). I think they are both ready to take the next step.”
Schneider is looking forward to seeing how DeForest’s youth develops.
“We have a lot of younger athletes that could provide us a lot of depth in many events,” said Schneider. “I am excited to see how they will develop as the season progresses. Our main goal is for each athlete to have fun throughout the season. We want all of our athletes to work hard every day to improve and achieve the goals they set for themselves.”
According to Schneider, the Badger Large “will be very competitive from top to bottom. I am excited to compete against these schools throughout the season.”
As for taking over a program that’s defending a state championship, Schneider said, “I am excited to continue to move our program forward. I have learned a lot from coach Smith the past four seasons and look forward to continuing to build upon the solid foundation he created. I am lucky to work with coach Parker (the boys coach), who has also helped me a lot the past four seasons and has been great to collaborate with as I navigate through this first season. We are also really lucky to have such a great group of coaches on our staff that are committed to help each of our kids have a positive experience and work to help them reach their goals.”
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