Last season marked the last year of coaching track at Esko High School for long time coach Gerry Zimny. This year the Eskomo boys team will not only have a new coach, but they also will need to replace some very talented performers.
"With the retirement of Gerry, our coaching staff will do its best to continue its strong tradition in track and field," said first year coach Gary Beaudot. "We will have quite a challenge filling the shoes of some excellent runners as well as shot and discus standout Tim Rahkola from last year's team."
Brandon McCabe will return in the pole vault as a two-time state participant, Kevin Rengo and Bryan Lindquist return as two of the four runners who went to state in the 4x800 school record relay team, and Chris Marquis is also back after in the mid-distance races and sprints after running in the 4x400 at the state meet last season. That nucleus and a host of other talented athletes should serve the Eskomos well in a quest for a Section 7 title this season.
"Our distance events should be strong with an outstanding group of experienced runners," commented Beaudot. "We are hoping to be strong in the sprints as well, especially in the relays."
McCabe placed third in the pole vault to lead all Eskomos who return this year.
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Also returning will be Erik Reinertson in the hurdles, sprints, relays and long jump; David Palmi in the sprints; Steve Schiller in the sprints and throws; Ryan Clark in the hurdles; Darin Deveau and Adam Ryan in the sprints; Sean Gaskell in the distance events; Ryan Eskuri, Alex Haapenen and Austin Nikunen in the sprints; Kyle Magnuson in the hurdles; Raleigh Goessling, Jeff Lindemood and Phillip Wirtz in the distance events; high jumper Andrew Tondryk; as well as Matt Gruznis, Ryan Braaten, Ben Snyder and Noah Halverson in the throws.
Last year's team won the Nashwauk Invitational. They were the Section 7A True Team Champs and Polar League Champions.
Pine Journal sports reporter Kerry Rodd can be contacted at: kdrodd@aol.com .
