Update on Blue Dragon Track and Field

By Darriell Rhodes

Pat Becher, head coach of HCC men and women track team, is having a successful run so far in the indoor track season.

“Four indoor meets and two to go,” he said, in a recent interview.

With four indoor track meets completed, the veteran coach has 12 athletes qualified to attend Nationals. But the number just gets bigger with every meet they attend.

“We have at least 10 more men and women combined that are very close to qualifying for the national indoor meet,” Becher said.

Adding things together, Becker likely will have a good-sized group going to the national indoor meet.

Having more freshmen this year makes Becher a proud coach, as the team continues to train runners and jumpers for upcoming events.

“Everyone is working hard, getting better and picking up the pace,” he said.

Becher sees good things on the horizon.

“I feel positive that the crew I have going to nationals is going to be a good group to go,” he said.

He listed the qualifiers for Indoor Nationals, as of Feb. 18:

Stormie Fuentes, Amarillo, Texas, Freshman, Pole Vault

Madison Schrock, Hutchinson, sophomore, High Jump

Alex VanSickle, Winfield, sophomore, Shot Put

Holly Wright, Wellington, freshman, High Jump

Colton Butler, Wamego, sophomore, 1000 meter run

Wes Chaney, Hutchinson, freshman, 60 meter dash and Long jump

Manny Hernandez, Las Vegas, Nev., freshman, 800 meter run

Eric Jones, Philadelphia, sophomore, 800 meter run

Lakin Liebst, Medicine Lodge, sophomore, High Jump

Elijah Mcgill, Independence, Mo., Long Jump and 60 meter dash

Charles Norman, Hutchinson, freshman, High Jump

Ridge Williams, Maize, sophomore, 600 meter run

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