Boys Track & Field: Adding more

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Most teams will have their share of success, but what separates the top teams is the ability to sustain success.

The Rosemount boys track and field team has set itself apart from most teams in the state. Recent success like the Irish have enjoyed will do that.

“Each year is different,” Rosemount coach Jay Hatleli said. “You always carry over some kids, and then you have new kids and new strengths, different personalities. This was one of those years we had a nice combination of mature experienced kids and we had a group of young talent that contributed right away. It doesn’t matter what sport you’re coaching, that’s what you’re looking for.”

The Irish finished third as a team in the season-ending state meet. They won the section meet, and added True Team section and state titles earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, nine athletes earned the chance to compete at the state meet.

Seniors Austin Eliason, Chris Massey, and Christian Willman finished their careers at the state meet.

Each of them earned all-state honors to go with their all-conference selections. Eliason broke the school record in the 200-meter race.

“Those guys had rock solid performances and rock solid attitudes,” Hatleli said. “Their approach to the sport and the maturity they brought can’t be underestimated on how it affects the younger guys.”

Seniors Andy Malicki and Ben Koeppen were also all-conference.

Several underclassmen played a role in the team’s success also.

Junior Zach Vraa was all-state and all-conference.

Sophomore Brandt Berghuis was in the shot put at the state meet and was earned all-conference honors.

Fellow sophomores Goaner Deng and Andrew Hausmann ran at state, earning all-state honors, as did junior Andrew Anderson.

The beat keeps going.

Tags: track and field, sports