BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
Canton track and field returns one state qualifier from a year ago in Alexis McRoberts, and she’s ready to get back at it.
“I’m so excited to be back in track full time,” McRoberts said. “I love throwing and the atmosphere it provides, so I’m happy to be back.”
McRoberts set school records last year as she made states in the shot put, and narrowly missed in the discus.
“I feel like coming off of my success last year is definitely motivating,” said McRoberts. “To know what I had accomplished last year, while still falling short of my main goal, motivates me to put in the work so I have no choice but to succeed, and further my personal bests.”
The senior took 10th last year in the shot put at states, missing a medal by two spots.
“Just missing a state medal was not a great feeling, and I don’t want to be in that position again,” she said. “I have put in the work in the off season, and I will continue to do so moving into the season, so that hopefully through the season I am hitting marks that exceed expectations. Some things that I have worked on hard in the offseason are really focusing on the back of the circle, making sure I’m hitting my marks, and control throughout the throw. As for shot, my technique change to a rotation, and bettering the technique I had from the previous season.”
Her goal this year is to make it to states in both throws - discus and shot put - and be peaking when she does.
“Hopefully I throw the best I possibly can at the state meet, said McRoberts. “And let the rest take care of itself.”
The team as a whole is excited to be back on the track and field as the weather warms.
“A few of the athletes competed in some indoor meets, and we’re really looking forward to this start,” said coach Brandy McRoberts. “Now if the weather would cooperate.”
Along with McRoberts on the girls’ side, they also return Daveian Crowley from injury, a multi-event district qualifier.
“We are very excited to have her back on the track,” said coach McRoberts.
They also have some up and comers to keep an eye on.
“I also expect Danah Wesneski and Stella Rockwell will have grown a lot from last year, and will contribute a lot this season,” coach McRoberts said. “They’ve been in the weight room and getting stronger. Emilia Pepper had a great season as a freshman, and I expect she will grow a lot this year.”
On the boys’ side they return Lawrence Halbfoerster, a cross-country state medalist who nearly made states in the 1600 and 3200 last spring.
“He put up a strong season last year, and a great cross-country season,” coach McRoberts said. “Wyatt Hilton has been in the weight room a lot, and I look to see big improvements for him in throwing. Also, Landon Lake and Manuel Halbfoerster have been competing some indoor and looking strong.”
One to watch will be Monte Whitehead, too.
“(He) is looking strong this season, and is focusing only on track, where he doubled with baseball last year,” coach McRoberts said.
ROSTER (Grade)
GIRLS
Daveian Crowley (12)
Alexis McRoberts (12)
Gabriel Shedden (12)
Layla Frisbie (11)
Stella Rockwell (11)
Danah Wesneski (11)
Hayley Larsen (10)
Kendall Petrowski (10)
Addison Mundy (9)
Xavierra Preston (9)
BOYS
Max Ault (12)
Lawrence Halbfoerster (12)
Leland Pepper (12)
Sawyer Vroman (12)
Hunter Watkins (12)
Elton Weingartner (12)
Wyatt Hilton (11)
Landon Lake (11)
Colton Olson (11)
Chase Petrowski (11)
Monte Whitehead (11)
Gabe Blaney (10)
Manuel Halbfoerster (10)
Jaxon Karpinski (10)
Henry Proseus (10)
Brock Vroman (10)
Nicholas Weaver (10)
Chase Larsen (9)
SCHEDULE
Mar 24 at Athens, Sayre, Wellsboro, 4 p.m.
Mar 31 at Towanda, NPM, 4 p.m.
April 4 host Kirby Classic
April 7 at Wyalusing, Towanda, Wellsboro, 4 p.m.
April 10 at Northwest Invitational
April 14 vs NPM, NEB, Williamson, 4 p.m.
April 17 at Lock Haven Invitational
April 21 vs NPM, Wellsboro, 4 p.m.
April 24 at Lasagna Invitational
April 28 at Wellsboro, Athens, 4 p.m.
May 1 at Coudersport Invitational
May 4 vs Troy, 4 p.m.
May 8 at NTL Track and Field Championships (Athens)
May 14 & 16 at District IV Championships (Milton)
