Cloquet speedsters picking up the pace

Tim Prosen clearly remembers the times when his Cloquet track and field team had to cancel meets due to snowstorms.

This season, things are different. Beautiful spring weather has allowed the Lumberjacks to compete outside earlier than ever.

Cloquet’s most recent tune-up was at Tuesday’s Lake Superior Conference Quad meet in Hermantown where, according to Prosen, his group of speedsters did a fair job.

“We looked a little rough and have some things to work on,” he said about first outdoor meet. “But it’s still so early in the season.”

After all, the ‘Jacks are used to working out in the gym this time of year.

“We’re just glad to be outside already,” said Prosen. “A lot of kids count down the days until the track season begins. And now to be outside this early is really nice. We’re all pretty motivated.”

Cloquet competed with Hermantown, Duluth Denfeld and Duluth Marshall in the 18-event meet.

“We’ve got a lot of numbers this year,” said Prosen. “And both the boys and girls teams are looking pretty good. There is a lot of young talent out this season, but we also have a good mix of veteran leadership, too.”

How they placed individually or as a team matters little to Prosen, who likened the meet to a tune-up session.

“These are like practice meets for us,” said Prosen. “We’re just trying to build up for the end of the year. Right now, we’re just getting ideas put together.”

As Prosen has switched athletes from event to event, he is starting to see major strides.

“I’ve already seen a lot of personal records this spring,” he said. “And I’m really noticing a lot of small improvements with everyone. Overall, that makes me quite happy, but there is still work to be done.”

So far, the Lumberjacks have had two indoor meets at the University of Wisconsin Superior, and as always, they look quite strong in the relays – especially on the girls’ side.

“Our relays are looking good,” said Prosen. “Our girls have been strong in the past, so hopefully they will continue that success as the year continues.”

Last year, CHS graduates Jes Vork and Taylor Sautbine were the lone two ‘Jacks to make to their way Hamline University for the state meet. Yet this spring, Prosen is hoping for the same or better.

“I’m quite confident in our bunch,” he said. “These kids are a solid group and they know that. They definitely understand that we have a solid team on our hands here.”

The ‘Jacks will be back in action Tuesday, April 20, when they host their first meet of season, another LSC Quad.

Tags: track and field, sports, track, cloquet