The excitement is palpable among Leland track and field athletes as they prepare for both individual achievements and team goals this spring.
The Comets are returning with its biggest squad yet for the young program.
Leland seniors Ella Knudsen and Mya Denoyer will lead the charge along with several other athletes.
“I’m excited to have a huge team this year. So we’ve been a growing program, and it’s exciting this year to show up to practice and have a ton of people there ready to run and have a lot of fun,” Knudsen said.
Knudsen claimed a regional championship in the two-mile at 12:42.
Knudsen finished eighth overall with a personal record time of 5:18 in the mile to claim an Allstate finish. She turned around and finished 19th overall in the 3200-meter run with a time of 12:14. Leland freshman Natalie Burpee finished 29th with a time of 12:59.
The Comets have a roster of roughly 15 boys and 18 girls running for Leland, growing from 17 for both programs combined last season. Some of these runners are dual athletes, with soccer for Leland girls and golf for Leland boys.
“I’m excited to just be with all my friends because there’s a lot more of my friends doing it this year. I'm excited to have fun with it this year,” Denoyer said.
Leland started the season at the Buckley relay race.
“It was a lot of fun. We were able to run some fun relays and try different events out, which was enjoyable,” Knudsen said about the Buckley race.
One of the girls’ team’s goals is for the 4x800 and 4x400 relay teams to compete for a spot at the state championships.
For the boys, Leland junior Nano Creamer is excited about his junior campaign, as he specializes in mid- to long-distance races.
“I’m excited. I have a lot of friends joining this year,” Creamer said. “My goals are to improve speed-wise, improve as a leader, and try to get a relay team for states for the first time ever.” Creamer said.
As of press time, Leland, Glen Lake, and Benzie were competing at their first Northwest Conference game of the season yesterday.
