BY TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Merrill GIrls Varsity Track and Field Team started their season out with an indoor invitational meet in the Merrill Fieldhouse on Tuesday, March 30, 2023. Nine schools participated: DC Everest, Edgar, Faith Christian Academy, Prentice, Rib Lake, Waupaca, Wausau East, Wittenberg-Birnamwood, and Merrill.
And out of all nine, the Merrill Girls took first place, starting their season out with a victory and setting the bar high.
“In an exceptional exhibition of athletic prowess, the Merrill High School Girls Track Team emerged victorious,” said Alec Oestreich, new Merrill Varsity Head Track and Field Coach.
The Merrill Girls Varsity Track and Field Team totaled “an outstanding 130 points,” he said, outperforming their closest rival, Wausau East, who had 124 points. “Edgar, Wittenberg-Birnamwood, Rib Lake, Waupaca, and Prentice trailed in the rankings.”
Oestreich listed some of the stand-out accomplishments of the Merrill girls at the meet:
• The 4x770m Relay team of Olivia Bares, Breannon Herdt, Norah Schmidt, and Bailee Sommer took first place “dominating the competition,” Oestreich said.
• The 4x380m Relay team of Madi Crossman, Mia Smith, Olivia Troyer, and Jalie Severt took first place.
• Norah Schmidt placed first in the 800m and second in the 3200m race.
• Madi Crossman finished second in the 200m dash.
• Brooklyn Kragenbrink took second place in High Jump.
• The 4×228 Relay team of Olivia Troyer, Mia Smith, Avery Hoff, and Brooklyn Kragenbrink took second place.
• Elexa Emmer took second place in Shot Put with a throw of 32’10”.
• Amber Winter closely followed, taking third place in Shot Put with a throw of 31’8.5”.
• Jalie Severt took third place in Pole Vault.
• Gracie Vanvuren placed third in the 1600m race.
“The extraordinary performance of the Merrill High School Girls Track Team demonstrates their steadfast dedication and determination,” Oestreich said. “Focusing on future contests, the team is poised to sustain its success.”