The Merrill High School Varsity Track and Field Team recently honored some of its athletes. From L to R: Tyler Spade received the Newcomer of the Year Award. “Tyler Spade had a breakout first year on Track and Field,” Head Track and Field Coach Alec Oestreich said. “He long jumped 189 and consistently improved his times in the 400m dash, along with earning a seventh place finish at the Wisconsin Valley Conference meet.”
Mia Smith was named Female MVP. “Mia Smith has been a key piece of our team for three years (State 4×400 team 2021, Sectional 4×400 team 2022). This year she has run the open 400m dash and has consistently ran new PRs,” Oestreich said. “Mia earned a fifth place finish at the Wisconsin Valley Conference Meet, fourth place at Regionals, and was our only competitor at the Sectional meet in Hudson.” Brooklyn Kraegenbrink received the Ultimate Bluejay Award. “Brooklyn Kraegenbrink has shown her team spirit, leadership, and positive attitude for four years,” Oestreich said. “She has always been somebody that athletes and coaches can count on. Brooklyn is a very vocal leader and a teammate that others strive to become.” Missing from the photo was Erik Mann, this year’s Male MVP. “Erik Mann battled some injuries mid season but held a solid position on our sprint relay teams and 100m dash,” Oestreich said. “He continually improved on his season bests and was part of the 4x100m team that took fifth place at the Wisconsin Valley Conference Meet.”