Colfax returns experienced runners and throwers for 2023 track and field season

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by Marlys Kruger

Sports Correspondent

COLFAX — 25 athletes began practice for the Colfax track and field team two weeks ago which included some state qualifiers from a year ago.

Although the team lost speedsters Nathan Hydukovich, Ryan Albricht, Jasmine Best, and Madison Barstad through graduation, along with throwers Thomas Drees and Alex Swanson, they return plenty of experience in both of those areas.

Senior Molly Heidorn returns as a Dunn-St. Croix Conference champion in the 1600, 3200 and 4 x 800 relay race and was a medalist in the WIAA state meet in the 1600 m run as well as qualifying in the 3200 and 4 x 800 m relay. Returning as part of that relay team are sophomores Hannah Peterson and Kaysen Goodell who have the potential to qualify for a state berth as individuals, according to head coach Kathleen Thorn. Another sophomore, Ava Sedivy, was a sectional finalist in the 200 m dash and has the determination to keep getting better.

Senior Ashton Yarrington is a distance runner who has put in a lot of winter training miles and Thorn is excited to see it pay off this season.

Junior Jeanette Hydukovich has already broken the school record in the shot put and is looking to break the discus record this season. She was the conference champion in both events and a state qualifier and medalist in the shot put a year ago. Junior Kennedy Shane was second team all-conference in the shot put and honorable mention in the discus.

Newcomers expected to score some team points are freshmen Charlie Charboneau in the mid-distance events and high jump and Clara Hydukovich in the throws.

Coach Thorn believes that the team’s strength is, they have a team that is looking to grow.

“We have student-athletes that are reliable and want to share the secrets to their success with their teammates,” she said. “Our mission is that while we are many event groups, we are ONE Colfax track and field team,” she added. 

Team goals from a statistical standpoint is to see student athletes earn success within the conference, sectional and state levels which is obviously enjoyable. 

But at the end of the day Thorn believes the goal of a track and field program is to teach student athletes important life lessons through sports. Those include responsibility, overcoming adversity and succeeding with grace.

Mondovi and Glenwood City are expected to be top competitors for a conference title according to Thorn. Both teams have shown at conference meets they are deep and have athletes in various events where they can score points for both the boys and girls. Mondovi has been the conference champion for the boys and girls for a couple of years while Glenwood City has developed talented athletes and it has been fun to watch them compete.

Thorn begins her third year coaching and is assisted by some pretty experienced personnel including Chuck Brown, Tina Johnson and Ally Heidorn.

2023 Roster

Seniors: Ashton Yarrington, Mark Sonnentag, Molly Heidorn, David Lyrek and Nick Jensen.

Juniors: Jeannette Hydukovich, Kennedy Shane and Drake Knutson. 

Sophomore: Lauren Becker, Janica Larson, Logan Swartz, Theo Hovde, Ava Sedivy, Kaysen Goodell, Hannah Petersen, Mihretu Emch, Rosie Sonnentag, John Riebe, Skyler Maves and Nate Edwards.

Freshmen: Charlie Charbonneau, Elijah Obermueller, Jenifer Maves, Karyn DeLorge and Clara Hydukovich.