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Sports
By Patrick Browne
CRYSTAL FALLS — Although it is still early in the season, the Forest Park track team is making the 2024 season one to remember. Having competed in three track meets as of May 1, both the boys and girls teams have won two of their meets and the boys have finished a strong second in a third.
Coaches Kurt and Lindsay Anderson knew going into the season the teams were going to be strong, but how strong was not certain.
“We knew we had a good squad, a lot of returners from last year and a very strong freshmen class, but we lost a couple of athletes who did not return from last year so it is always uncertain until you compete,” Kurt Anderson said.
“The freshmen are scoring regularly which is really helping,” he continued, in what may be the understatement of the season.
Freshmen contributed points in six events in their last meet and are making a difference for the Trojans. From Vic Giuliani at the high jump to Dietrich Rasner running hurdles, Izaiah Tarter in the mile, and Dax Huuki’s addition to the relay teams, the freshmen class is not always taking first place, but finishing well enough to earn points for the team. The points quickly add up and have helped make the Trojans a team to beat.
In addition to the freshmen, the distance runners are running strong for Coach DJ Rasner. Sophomore Joey Mainville and his brother Max (a junior), are just two of the impressive distance runners coached by Rasner.
“We’ve been putting on a lot of miles in practice and it’s really paying off. It helps to have everybody run together and push each other to be their best. We’re also having a lot of fun at practice and that keeps us focused on being a team!”
Shotput and discus standout Kevin Giuliani also credited the coaching staff for the team’s success.
“I’ve been in the weight room working out a lot and I’ve gotten a lot stronger since last year,” Giuliani said. “Having Coach John Paramski [former U.P. champion for shotput and discus] working with us three to four days a week both in and out of the weight room makes a huge difference.”
With their most recent first place finish at the North Dickinson Booster Invitational April 30, the Trojans bested second place by nine points. Their early season success should make it a fun season and has many looking forward to the regional track meet which is just two short weeks away.