Track & Field
Boomer Elmsdale
Fri, February 16, 2024 at 12:02 PM . Kansas
The Free State High School track and field team is gearing up for another exciting season, and Coach Jordan Rose is more than ready for the challenge. As the head coach of the team, Coach Rose is determined to create a positive and encouraging environment for his athletes while also pushing them to improve and reach their full potential. With a strong group of returning State medalists and qualifiers, as well as a focus on communication and support, this season is looking to be one that the team and their fans won't soon forget. The team's overall goal this year is to create a supportive and inclusive team atmosphere and to end the season with a successful showing at the State meet. With this in mind, Coach Rose and his staff have been hard at work preparing their athletes for the upcoming season. They have a solid group of returning State medalists, including Grant Lichauer, Ryan Whittlesey, Jake Hedges, Jake Loos, Cam Stutler, and Roman Jasso. These individuals are not only talented in their own events, but they also have a team mentality and are huge contributors to the team's relay events. Along with these medalists, the team also has returning State qualifiers such as Blake Wohler, Zach Hansen-Terry, Jameson Carter, Thomas Henderson, Cristian Wills, Cooper Stone, Gretchen Weinkauf, Cayman Barnes, Brylee Burns, and Elle Cormaney. While the team has a strong group of returning athletes, Coach Rose is also excited to welcome new members to the team. He may not know them all personally just yet, but he is looking forward to including them in the program and helping them reach their full potential as well. With a mix of experienced and new athletes, the team is poised for success this season. One unique aspect of the Free State track and field team is that they do not have traditional captains. Instead, they look for team leaders who possess qualities such as inclusivity, encouragement towards their peers, and respect towards coaches, officials, and other competitors. This creates a strong team dynamic and ensures that all members feel valued and respected. Another new addition to the team this year is the implementation of an "advisory" role for the coaching staff. Each athlete will have an event coach who will work with them directly, but they will also have an additional staff member who will act as an advocate for them.