PREVIEW: Returning TRC champs to pace Eagles

     Three Tri-Rivers Conference champions, including a state runner-up, will lead the Midland High School girls track and field team this season.

     The Eagles have 18 athletes out for the team this year, including eight returning letter-winners. Leading that group are two seniors: Libertie Uppena, who was second at the state meet in the shot put last year, along with being a conference and district champion; and Jaelynn Folkers, a state qualifier in the 1,500 and 3,000, and a member of the district and conference champion 4x400 relay.

     “Returning athletes with experience will be our strength,” said third year coach Ryan Luensman. “The girls are buying into the program and learning new skills every year.”

     Also back are sophomore state qualifiers Emma Dusanek and Drew Jensen, who were also part of that 4x400 relay; sophomores Delanie Uppena and Kayla Folkers, who were state alternates; sophomore thrower Sara Flores, and sophomore hurdler/sprinter Lauren Eganhouse.

     North-Linn is the likely favorite in the Tri-Rivers Conference, the coach said, because it has “a ton of girls and can fill all the races. That’s a huge advantage.”

     As for the Eagles, “We just need to stay healthy so we can train and compete hard throughout the year,” Luensman said. “We have some high state caliber kids and it will be exciting to see how far everyone can improve throughout the year.”