The Owatonna Huskies track season officially kicked off with a strong showing on April 10, as the team earned a convincing win over Faribault, Red Wing, St. Peter and the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf. After a past successful season, the Huskies are eager to build on that momentum and make this year even more memorable.
The team is led by seven senior captains: Halle Theis, Maryn Pool, Isabella Schultz, Amanda Clubb, Nolan Ginskey, Zach Dahnert, and Jack Sorenson. Each captain brings unique strengths and leadership to the team as they strive toward both individual and collective goals.
The boys’ Head Coach Kevin Stelter, who is in his 38th year of coaching, expressed his excitement in getting the season underway, “I feel pretty good now that we’re finally rolling,” Stelter said. His goals include winning the Big 9, capturing the section meet title for the fourth straight year, qualifying for True Team State and finishing in the top five. He also hopes to send at least eight athletes to the state meet.
Jack Sorenson has assumed the role of boys’ distance captain. He is setting the bar high for himself and for his team, as well. He said, “My personal goal is to make it to state in the 1600m and 3200m and to break 4:12 in the mile that would set the school record and put me in the top five in the state.” As a team leader, Sorenson is focused on winning the Big 9, sections and True Team State while also placing at the state meet. “I feel like I’ve been leading the team since junior year, and it feels good to officially be a captain now,” he added.
The boys’ sprinters have commonly been one of the most successful groups of the Owatonna track team overall. Nolan Ginskey has stepped in as the boys’ sprinters’ captain and he shares a similar ambition to his fellow captains and teammates. Ginskey said, “My personal goal is to win the state. As a team, we want to win True Team State.”
The captain of the boys’ throwers, Zach Dahnert, has high hopes for the season. He said, “My goal is to throw at least 60 feet in the shot put. As a team, we want to win True Team State and send more athletes to state than we did last year.” Being named captain is something Dahnert is not taking lightly. He continued, “It’s an honor to be chosen by my teammates. I won’t let them down. I’m going to win state for them.”
The girls’ sprinters are led by Coach Ryan Guenther, who is new to the role, but not to the team. Guenther said, “Our goal is to get one percent better every day, build a positive and effective team culture and place in the top three in the Big 9.” He continued, “There is a lot of talent all around on this girls program. From the throwers to the jumps to the sprints, our team is very diverse. Be on the lookout for just about everything.”
Senior captain Maryn Pool is embracing her leadership role of being a captain on the girls’ team. She said, “It’s really awesome, I like knowing that people look up to me, and I enjoy helping the younger athletes since I’ve been in their shoes.” Pool’s personal goal is to set a new personal record in the open 400 and PR in her favorite event, the 4×400 relay. “I just love the environment of it. It’s the last event of the day and everyone’s really excited.” Pool continued.
Isabella Schultz, who is the girls’ distance captain, has her sights set on breaking 14 minutes in the 3200m and building confidence in herself. Shultz said, “I feel very honored to be one of the captains. I love track, and I love that I get to lead by encouraging my teammates to do their best every day and every meet.”
Halle Theis is a fellow girls’ sprinters captain, along with Pool, as well as a jumping captain. She is aiming for a state appearance and personal records in all her events. Her role in being a captain means a lot to her. She said, “It means a lot, because a lot of girls look up to you. You can always be there for someone when they need something. It just feels good to be that person for them.”
Amanda Clubb, who is the girls’ throwing captain, is focused on growth and enjoying the season. Clubb said, “My personal goal is to improve as much as I can, have fun and feel satisfied with my results at the end of the season.” Her team’s goal is to uplift the team’s energy and environment. Clubb continued, “It’s an honor to be captain because the whole team votes on it. It feels good to know that people appreciate your contribution and want you to lead.”
The track team’s next meet is April 22, 4:30 p.m. at Red Wing. More big meets are on the horizon, such as the Hamline Elite Meet, Big 9 Conference Meet and the Section Meet. The Huskies are looking forward to a great 2025 season.
