The Esko boys track coach Gary Beaudot led his young team to an impressive finish this season, clinching the runner-up position in the conference and sending two athletes to state.
"We had a great turnout and I feel like our boys performed at a higher level than what I was expecting for such a young team," Beaudot said.
Leading the way for the Esko boys was junior Phillip Wirtz, as he took second place in the pole vault, while freshman Jackson Lindquist finished as the runner up in the 3200-meter run at the section meet in May.
At state, Wirtz placed 13th in the pole vault while Lindquist ended his season with a 15th place finish in the 3200-meter run.
"Those boys along with some other strong juniors will be back next year and it will be nice to have Adam Ryan back healthy as well," Beaudot said.
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Ryan, a sprinter, pulled his hamstring during the 200-meter dash at the conference meet, ending his season and creating a hole on the relay teams. With Ryan back next year, Beaudot thinks they will be very competitive.
One of the biggest surprises of the season came in the field events where several first-timers found success, according to Beaudot.
"Max Reinertson, Tony Wilcox and Mark Savage all did well and will be strong contenders in the future," he said. "With all the kids gaining more experience we could certainly make a run for the section title next year."
