Central Lee boys, girls have numbers and youth

DONNELLSON – Central Lee’s boys' track team is looking to make big strides, counting on a bevy of freshmen additions, while the girls are hoping strong numbers show improvement.
The Lady Hawks are returning Makayla Howard and Kamryn Cox. The girls have always had a strong shuttle hurdle squad and Cox will be a part of that team, as well.
“I believe we will have a good season with upcoming freshmen,” said Laure Lee Ellingboe, the girls' head coach.
“We should have a pretty good shuttle hurdle relay team and Kamryn is determined to do well in the 400 hurdles. She’s aiming to make it to state and Makayla is striving for a good season in her events.”
Newcomers this year include freshmen Macie Doty, Nora Lampe, Elania Barlow, Julia Fraise, Allison Gruntmeir, and senior Brooklyn Jones. Gabby Maynes will also be in the mix helping prop up the Lady Hawks' relay teams.
For the boys, the Hawks will be relying on senior speedster Grant Myhre in sprints and to replace Tom Eschman in jumps.  Kegan Damico, a junior, will also handle some sprints, hurdles, and field jump events. Ostyn Moore will be on the pad throwing for the Hawks.
Head Coach Tyler Bryant said top new faces include Leo Thomas, a junior who will run distance events, while freshmen Brett Cook and Evan Fogerty will join the sprint events, and Austin Fogarty will run utility where needed.
“My expectations are always high, and this year I feel very confident I can raise those expectations a little more. Our program goal is always to send at least three events to the state track meet, but this year we added one more goal - to win at least one meet,” he said.
“We have excellent numbers that allow us to compete as a team. Grant Myhre has the potential to make the state meet in multiple events, leading the way as a senior. My junior group is a strong group who I have coached now for five years, and I have only seen growth and hunger for success.”
The Hawks' few sophomores will take on fill-in roles.
Bryant said he has big hopes for the freshmen boys on the roster.
“I have big expectations for this freshman group, I see many of them competing for top spots in sprints and long distance events. All of this has allowed us to focus on a competitive family culture. Our motto is "See it, Speak it, Believe it," and I believe our kids hold fast to that mantra," he said.
"My goal is to allow these kids the best opportunity for success, while having fun along the way, and by doing this, I can help these guys develop into excellent young men.”
Bryant said West Burlington and WACO will be the teams to beat in the conference.