Getting ready for next week's season opener, the Austin High boys track and field team ran time trials along with Lyle/Pacelli on Tuesday at the Gilbertson Track.
In past years, the Austin Packers have opened up with an indoor meet in Mankato but that date didn't work out for the team this season. This year's season opener takes place next Tuesday afternoon at the Faribault Invitational.
Last year, it was a senior-laden team for coach Tony Einertson as 22 guys graduated off the roster. This means new competitors will have to fill their shoes this season at the beautiful Gilbertson Track in the Wescott Field complex.
Senior Max Galen was part of the relay teams that went to state the last two years. He has done a lot of work in the off-season and according to the coach, got out of the gate with solid times in the 200 and 400 meters at the time trials.
Cole Adams, a senior captain, will be a high jumper in the field events. Adams will also be the Packers top runner in the 300 high hurdles.
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Zach Fadness was one of the top cross country runners for the Packers last fall and he'll handle the long distance events. The senior runner finished first in a home cross country meet, so he knows how to set the pace in the longer races.
"Thomas Herrera (senior) will be our top thrower for the field events," coach Einertson said. "He went to a day camp at the University of Minnesota last week and is already throwing 4-5 feet farther than he did last year.
"We've been practicing for over three weeks, so the guys are ready to get out on the track. We have a lot of freshmen out and we'll see how they adjust to the varsity competition."
Austin High only has two home meets this season. The first home date will be a week from Saturday when the boys and girls host the Austin Invitational.
