Strengths numerous for Plainsmen track team

    A strong group of upperclassmen will lead the Perkins County boys’ track team during the 2022 track season.
PCS has five seniors and five junior that the team will look to for leadership and scoring, Plainsmen Head Coach Shayne Hite said.
“Most of them are returning letter winners and were the main point providers last season,” Hite added.
Seniors Erik Snyder, Colton Pouk, Triston Hite and Austin Meyer are three-year lettermen. Jordan Mireles is also a senior on the team.
Ethan Sihm, Tony Lyon and Casey Uehling earned letters as freshmen and sophomores. Casey Hanson also lettered last season.
Pouk went to state last year in the 800-meter run and the 1,600-meter run. Hansen went to state in the 400-meter dash.
“We will look to them for points in the sprints and mid-distance events,” Hite said.
In the sophomore class, Blake Garner, Trevor Cornelius, Mason Toner and Henry Taylor lettered last season.
Although team numbers are comparable to previous years,  Hite said PCS is starting over in some events with new varsity competitors.
“We are hoping we can create a little depth in some events and can fill in some of those gaps,” Hite said, adding, with seven freshman out this season he is hoping they develop fast in some events and can contribute points for PCS.
“If all stay healthy we could compete strong when the conference and district meets come around,” Hite said.
Joining Hite on the coaching staff are Tristan Stephenson, high jump, 1600-meter run, 3200-meter run, Distance Relays; Steve Snyder, 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, sprint relays, long jump and triple jump; Dean Friedel, weights; and Student Assistant Coach from Chadron State College Riley Schliep, short sprints and triple jump.  Hite will coach the 400-meter dash, 800-meter run, hurdles, relays and pole vault.
The team will take to the field for its first meet Thursday in Grant. Chase County and Potter-Dix will be in town for the PCS Pre-Season meet.
The Plainsmen will host the E. Lee Todd Invite April 1.
Other meets include the Dundy County Stratton Invite April 5, the Sutherland Invite, April 14, the Chase County Invite April 19, The Hershey Invite April 23 and the McCook JV Invite April 25, before Perkins County hosts the SPVA Meet April 29.
The Plainsmen will travel to the Best of the Midwest in Sutherland to kick off a new month May 3. The Dundy County Stratton Twilight will be the teams final tune up before the district meet.
The C-9 district meet will be in Mitchell this year on May 12. Also attending will be Bayard, Bridgeport, Chase County, Gordon-Rushville, Hemingford, Kimball, Mitchell and Morrill.
Although the state meet will be held over the course of four days, May 18-21, Class C will compete with Class D May 20-21.