The St. Joseph-Ogden High School boys’ track and field team had competed in a few indoor meets in February and March.
But no outdoor meets. And the Spartans, much like every boys’ track and field team across Illinois, are unsure if they’ll get to do so this spring after the coronavirus pandemic has put a halt to spring sports.
“Our team is doing what they can to train on their own to put themselves in a position to be successful when we return,” said Jason Retz, SJO’s coach since 2014. “Practices were going very well, and we were really making progress on a young team. Our future is bright with some of the youth we have on the team.”
SJO has three returning state qualifiers from the 2019 Class 1A state meet on its 2020 roster in junior Hayden Knott (shot put), junior Brady Buss (400-meter relay, 800 relay and 1,600 relay) and sophomore Ethan Vanilew (1,600 relay).
Austin Carnes, Brayden Grimsey and Eric Poe are the three seniors SJO has on its 38-man roster.
Along with Buss and Knott, Mason Behrens, Lukas Hutherson, Brandon Mattsey, Evan Schmitz, Max Shonkwiler, Aaron Wagner-Dillman and Logan Wolfersberger comprise the junior class.
Besides Vanilew, Braden Clampitt, Charlie Mabry, Elijah Mock, Jett Morris, Jonathan Poulter, Luke Stegall and Karsten Wayland make up the sophomore class.
Owen Birt, Ethan Blackburn, Tyler Burch, Will Childers, Zach Dahman, Jackson Greer, Bryson Helfrich, Jacob Kern, Hunter Ketchum, Ryan Kuchenbrod, Aidan McCorkle, Kyle Meccoli, Aidan Moberg, Caleb Nemecz, Christopher Newman, Will Page, Bobby Rowland and Garrett Siems are all freshmen who were looking to make their debut with the Spartans this spring.
“It’s a fun group to watch,” Retz said. “They have strengths in many events. Our throwers are making great progress. Our jumpers are young, but will make big improvements throughout the year. Our sprinters and distance crews will be very competitive not only area wide but also across the state.”
Retz’s heart aches for seniors like Carnes, Grimsey and Poe amid the uncertainty of whether they’ll get to compete again at SJO.
“Not only is it devastating to us as coaches because we see the work they have put in over the years, but also difficult for the rest of our team,” Retz said. “It goes without saying that it’s difficult for them, but we hope the strength of their family, coaches and teammates help them get through this. We just hope they’ll have at least one more chance to pull on the SJO jersey.”
Retz is trying to make the most of the time spent away from the track, along with no practices or meets to attend.
“Things don’t slow down,” he said. “Every day, I’m checking in on the team through video calls, running myself, meeting with other coaches and finishing my honey-do list.”
Retz hosted a Zoom meeting with 72 coaches from across the country in late March to help create support for others going through the situation with their teams.
His athletes also made a video to reach out to any other athletes who may be struggling with the lack of a season.
“I get to sleep in maybe an extra hour, but not a lot of down time,” Retz said. “I’m going to use this time to grow as a coach and person, not sit here and feel bad for myself and my athletes.”
Retz is eager to see the SJO boys’ track and field team together again. Whether that’s for an in-person meeting, a practice or, even better, a meet.
“It’s tough, but I really believe this gives everyone an opportunity to grow,” he said. “This is a gift we have, spending time with our families and communicating with people we have maybe not done so for a while. Those of our athletes who are motivated for the right reasons will shine very bright when this is over. Sure, I want to get back to normal, but right now is an opportunity for everyone to grow.”
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