PREVIEW: Eagles have eyes on greater State presence

     One was nice. Several would be better.

     The Midland High School boys track and field team hopes to have more of a presence at the State Track and Field Meet than it had last year.

     In 2018, Luke Lasack qualified for State in the shot put and discus, taking ninth place in both.

     The Eagles have reasons to be optimistic about sending more athletes to Des Moines. For one thing, freshman Trenton Rickels is on the team. Rickels was Midland’s qualifier to the State Class 1A Cross Country Meet last fall, placing 16^th.

     Also, the team has better numbers, with 18 athletes out for track.

     “Long-term goals set with this year’s team are to bring one relay team to State, Trenton Rickels in the mile and two-mile, as well as bringing Luke Lasack back in the discus and shot,” fourth-year coach Eric Smith said. “We have some promising newcomers this season, which will allow us to set up some relay teams, something we haven’t had the opportunity to do in the past.”

     The Eagles have five returning letter-winners: seniors Brett Schoenherr and Lasack, and sophomores Connor Martin, Ethan Milder and Kole Michaud.

     Smith said Lisbon, Easton Valley, Edgewood-Colesburg and Maquoketa Valley figure to be among the top contenders for the Tri-Rivers Conference title.

     The coach added that what happens in practice will help determine whether the team’s goals are met.

     “Our athletes need to come to practice and want to get better, put in the work,” Smith said. “Stretching is going to be one of those things that my guys need to get used to doing; they have struggled in the past.”