Home

 

RECENT NEWS AND UPDATES

.

RETIREMENT

IT LOOKS LIKE THIS WEBSITE IS BEING RETIRED

.

2022 BOYS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM

Pictured is the 2022 Geneseo High School Boys Track and Field Team (minus a few)

.

ALL-STATE HARDWARE

Pictured are the Pole Vault “All-Staters” which included Geneseo’s “Flying Schaads”
Cooper and Malakai earned All-State Awards for the Second Straight Year.

KADEN AND “THE FLYING SCHAADS”
EARN ALL-STATE HONORS

On Saturday, May 28th, the Leafs participated in the IHSA STATE FINALS.  The Leafs were represented by THREE MEN.  It is the goal of every athlete in every sport to end their season in the State Meet Finals.  For Cooper, Kaden, and Malakai, that dream had come to fruition. 

The vaulters were up first.  Both Malakai and Cooper are experienced vaulters.  Both men earned “All-State Honors” last season.  In last year’s State Meet, Cooper placed 9th while “Big Brother” Malakai placed 2nd on a day that saw him break the Geneseo High School Record THREE TIMES (all on third attempts.) 

This year, Malakai has been battling a nagging hamstring injury for much of the season but made it to the State Finals anyway.  Cooper broke his own Geneseo High School Sophomore School Record at the the Sectional Meet where he “Soared” 15′ 06 1/4″.  That jump also moved him up to Number Two in GHS All-Time History.

Both Schaads entered the competition at 4.10 meters (13′ 05 1/4″.)  Cooper cleared it on his first attempt while it took Malakai all three attempts to clear it.  Welcome to Pole Vault 101.  Nothing is guaranteed.  Cooper passed at 4.20 meters (13′ 09 1/4″) while Malakai cleared it on his second attempt.  They both passed 4.30 meters (14′ 01 1/4″.)  Both men were back in action at 4.40 meters (14′ 05 1/4″.)  Cooper cleared it on his second attempt while Malakai was unable to clear the bar.  Then, Cooper cleared 4.50 meters (14′ 09″) on his first attempt.  Up next was 4.60 meters and Cooper was unable to clear the bar.  When the “Dust had Settled”, Cooper had landed in a three way tie for third.  We were all “Holding out Breaths” and “Crossing our Fingers” hoping that Malakai had placed in the Top 9 to earn All-State Honors again.  Take a DEEP BREATH and EXHALE.  He placed 9th.  We understand that both men had higher goals in mind but the bottom line is WAY TO GO, GUYS!  Congratulations on an AMAZING Season.

WOW…..the Leafs still had Sophomore Kaden Salisbury competing.  What an exciting day for the Leafs.  Kaden’s best throw from Friday of 46.78 meters (153′ 05″) had him “Sitting in 7th”.  Kaden wasn’t able to improve on his tremendous throw from Friday and one athlete passed him up to drop him into 8th place.  Yup, that’s EIGHTH PLACE IN THE STATE CLASS 2A MEET.  That place earned Kaden “ALL-STATE HONORS’.  Way to go, Kaden!  It has been a lot of fun watching you improve during the last two years.  You are now the Second Best Sophomore in GHS History in the Discus.  Great Job!  All the best in the coming seasons both for the “Green Machine” and for GHS Track and Field.  Keep Dreaming BIG!

RESULTS

.

LEAFS STRONG IN FRIDAY’S PRELIMS

Pictured are Cooper Schaad, Jake Rapps, Kaden Salisbury, and Malakai Schaad

KADEN & THE “FLYING SCHAADS”
QUALIFY FOR FINALS

On Friday May 27th the Leafs competed in the IHSA Class 2A State Preliminary Round.  Action started in the morning for Class 2A with 3A competing in the afternoon.  Sophomore Jake Rapps raced in the 110 Meter High Hurdles and ran the second fastest time of his life narrowly missing making the finals by one place.  He had the 10th fastest time on the day for Class 2A.  Jake “Stopped the Clock” at 15.67.  Great Job, Jake!  You gained a “Plethora” of experience that will be put to Good Use in the 2023 and 2024 seasons and beyond.  Congratulations on a TREMENDOUS SEASON.  You are now the 4th Fastest Sophomore in GHS School History in the 110’s.  Your improvement curve is SCARY GOOD.  Keep up the hard work.  It is going to be A LOT of FUN watching you in the next two years.

The “Flying Schaads” were also in action.  They entered the competition at 4.10 meters (13′ 05 1/4″.)  Malakai cleared the height on his first attempt while Cooper cleared it on his second attempt.  Both Leafs qualified for Saturday’s Final.  Each man earned “All-State Honors” last season and were hoping for more as they entered the Finals on Saturday.

Last up for the Leafs was Sophomore Kaden Salisbury who competed in the Discus.  Kaden had three solid throws but the big news was made on his second attempt where he threw a “Lifetime” Best of 46.76 meters (153′ 05″.)  He qualified with the 7th best throw on the day.  Way to Go, Kaden!

So, to “Recap”:  the Geneseo Maple Leafs Qualified three of their four individuals for Saturday’s Finals.  They only missed in the fourth event by ONE Place.  That is simply REMARKABLE.  In Addition, it should be pointed out that THREE of the four men are only SOPHOMORES.  To say the “Future Looks Good” is putting it mildly.  Stay tuned for more.

.

STATE BOUND

Pictured are Coach Arthur Atwell, Cooper Schaad, Jake Rapps, Kaden Salisbury,
Malakai Schaad, Coach Zach Johnson, Nate Ryerson, Reed Preston, Kyle Guerrero, and
Coach Matthew Deets.  Missing from the photo is Coach Kyle Deets

On Thursday, June 26th, the Leafs four qualifiers:  Sophomore Jake Rapps (110 Meter High Hurdles), Sophomore Kaden Salisbury (Discus), Sophomore Cooper Schaad (Pole Vault), and Senior Malakai Schaad (Pole Vault) departed Geneseo at 11:00 a.m..  They were headed for Charleston’s Eastern Illinois University.  Joining them on the trip were Coaches:  Matthew Deets, Kyle Deets, Arthur Atwell, and Zach Johnson.  Also making the trip to help with warm-up, etc…were:  Sophomore Reed Preston, and Juniors Kyle Guerrero and Nate Ryerson. 

The I.H.S.A. State Meet is back to its traditional 3-day format.  Class 1A Prelims on Thursday and both Class 2A and 3A Prelims on Friday.  All the finals are held on Saturday.  Prelim “Marks” in all the field events except the High Jump and Pole Vault carry over after each athlete’s three attempts.  The top 12 then will received 3 more attempts on Saturday.  Both the High Jump and Pole Vault jump until they have their “Final’s Field” (usually, around 12.)  All track events also have prelims (except the 3200 Meter Run) and their marks do NOT carry over to Saturday’s Finals.

.

BRAYDEN IS AN ANIMAL

 Pictured is Sophomore Brayden Combs who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

SOPHOMORE BRAYDEN COMBS SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Sophomore Brayden Combs was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the week of Sunday, May 15th through Saturday, May 21st.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in the IHSA Rochelle Township High School Sectional Meet.. 

Brayden’s competition began with “Action” in the Long Jump.  Brayden showed that he was ready to roll in his “Specialty” (the Triple Jump) later in the meet, when he “Soared” to a lifetime best in the Long Jump.  His best jump of 5.67 meters (18’ 07 ¼”) was good for 12th place in the competitive field.  Up next was the Triple Jump and “Oh, My”.  Brayden improved his personal best a “Jaw-Dropping” FIVE TIMES in the SAME MEET.  I have NEVER heard of ANYONE having that type of meet this late in the season.  Brayden’s series of jumps (12.38m (40’ 07 ½”);  12.42m (40’ 09”);  12.42m (40’ 09”)  (yup….he jumped that distance twice);  12.64m  (41’ 05 ¾”);  AND 12.72m (41’ 08 ¾”.)  Brayden’s best jump on the night had him “Sitting” in SECOND PLACE as the 9 Finalists entered their FINAL JUMP.  Remember, the top two finishers qualify for the IHSA STATE MEET.  Two jumpers were able to sneak past Brayden on their last jump to drop him into 4th place in the event.  WOW!!!  I have been involved in the sport for A LONG TIME.  Over 50 Years.  I have NEVER seen anything close to what he accomplished this late in the season.  It was truly INSPIRING.  His best effort moved him all the way up to 6th on the Geneseo High School Sophomore Top 25 List in the Triple Jump.  GREAT STUFF, BRAYDEN.

Brayden is a key member of the Maple Leafs’ “Super-Sophs”.  The Sophomore Class is LOADED with a plethora of Athletic Talent.  The next two years are going to be A LOT of FUN to watch.  Stay tuned.  Brayden has been our Top “Jumper” for most of the season in both the Long Jump and Triple Jump.  He also recently added the High Jump to his event repetoire.  He has also improved there in each of the weeks since he began to compete and train in that “Arena”.  He has been closing narrowly missed clearing 5’ 10” several times.  The “Dude” has “Springs” in his legs.  Really special stuff.  Brayden’s first love is Soccer (a lot more on that to come.)  He has earned Varsity Letters in both Soccer and Track and Field in each of his High School Seasons to date.  Yup…he is FOUR FOR FOUR.  It is going to be a LOT of FUN watching him continue to develop and DESTROY his personal bests over the next two years.  All the best, Brayden.  You are a Very Special Young Man.  Making all of this even more impressive is the fact that Brayden has been battling Osgood-Schlatters Disease in both of his knees.  Here is what a Google search had to say about it:  A childhood repetitive use injury that causes a painful lump below the kneecap.  Osgood-Schlatter Disease affects children experiencing growth spurts. Children who play sports in which they regularly run and jump are most at risk.  The disease causes a painful lump below the kneecap.  The condition usually resolves on its own, once the child’s bones stop growing.

Here is what Brayden had to say about his athletic history:  “I’ve played Soccer since I was 4. 7th and 8th grade were some of my best club seasons. I played with Geneseo and Sporting Iowa. Freshman year I started JV and was a Varsity sub. I started Varsity this year (Sophomore Year). I typically play a center or outside mid, but anywhere up top. We won our Regional Championship against Rocky. I did Track in 7th, ran the mile and 800. Our 8th grade season got canceled, but I kept practicing with distance and brought my mile time to a 4:45 and 800 time to a 2:10. Freshman year I stopped running the mile and stuck with the 800, and also began jumping. I competed in Long Jump and Triple Jump, with the Triple being my best. This year I started doing High Jump as well. Triple is by far my best event, with a PR of 12.72 Meters (41 ft 8.7 inches).” 

Brayden is the proud son of Sara Combs (Aka…. Urlacher…it’s a long story) and Adam Burroughs.  He is the Proud Big Bro to Kynlee Adam (current 4th grader.)

Here are Brayden’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Medium Rare Steak”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Pacific Rim”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Country…(Justin Moore & Zach Bryan)”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Cristiano Ronaldo (Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro GOIH ComM is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Manchester United and captains the Portugal national team….he is considered by many to currently be the greatest Soccer player in the world)”.;  NICKNAME:  ”Combs”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  ““If something stands between you and your success, move it”;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  ” I decided in middle school because I wanted to be able to increase my endurance for Soccer.  Running distance allowed me to build that up.  For high school, it was a bit different.  I learned that I could jump pretty well, I had a pretty decent bounce.  So, I decided to start jumping and set a goal for myself.  I wanted to reach about 41’ by the end of this year and I surpassed it.  My goal after that is to break our school record my senior year, jumping between 45 and 46 feet.  “;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?: “Enjoy Track, it goes by fast.  Every practice and every meet counts.  They all add up to what you want to achieve.  Give it your all every chance you get.  Always push yourself to new limits and keep working, it all pays off in the end.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were Senior Malakai Schaad and Junior Jack Snyder.

DREAM BIG

.

“SUPER-SOPHS” GO CRAZY AT SECTIONAL

Pictured are 4 of Geneseo’s “Super-Sophs”.  They each had HUGE performances.
Pictured are Kaden Salisbury, Jake Rapps, Cooper Schaad, and Brayden Combs

LEAFS GRAB 5TH AT ROCHELLE SECTIONAL

On Wednesday, May 18th, the Leafs traveled to Rochelle Township High School to participate in the IHSA Sectional Meet.  On the line were “Tickets” to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys State Track and Field Championships to be held in Charleston, Illinois over the dates of May 26, 27, and 28th.  The top two finishers in each event automatically qualified along with any additional competitors that equaled or bettered the previously released “State Meet Standards”.  Only performances in the IHSA Sectional Meet are eligible.

The field included teams from:  Burlington (Central), Dixon, Freeport, Galena, Geneseo, Maple Park (Kaneland), Mendota, Princeton, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Sterling, Stilman Valley, Sycamore, West Chicago (Wheaton Academy), and Wheaton (St. Francis.)  Sectional assignments vary from year to year and the Leafs found themselves in an extremely challenging meet this year.  The weatherman provided a much cooler meet than last week with a daytime high of 52˚ and winds from the northwest at 5-10 miles per hour.

We hoped that the team would “Bring It” but were worried.  Those worries were “Put to Bed EARLY” as the team enjoyed a tremendous meet that saw SIXTEEN Personal Bests Attained.  GREAT JOB, MEN!  Leading the way were The “Flying Schaads” (Sophomore Cooper and Senior Malakai) who placed First and Second in the Pole Vault to qualify for the State Meet.  They were joined by Sophomore Kaden Salisbury (Discus) and Jake Rapps (110 Meter High Hurdles.) The Leafs were “Seeded” to score in the 20’s for a total team score and Head Coach Matthew Deets was hoping for a “Top 10” Team Finish.  The Leafs ended up scoring 52 Points and tied for 5th Place in the meet.  Coach Deets was proudly wearing a HUGE Smile at the end of the meet.

Leading the Charge were 4 members of the Leafs “Super-Sophomores”.  Cooper Schaad broke his own GHS Sophomore School Record TWICE while winning the competition.  His winning jump of 4.73m (15′ 06 1/4″) is the second highest jump in GHS School History (2nd to Malakai’s 16′ 00 last season.)  His big brother, Senior Malakai, has been hampered by a nagging hamstring injury for most of the season and performed magnificently himself.  Kaden Salisbury’s Discus Throw of 44.86m (147′ 07″) is the SECOND farthest Sophomore Toss in GHS SCHOOL HISTORY.  He also threw the Shot Put a personal best of 14.39m (47′ 02 1/2″) which is the 10th farthest Toss for a GHS Sophomore.  Brayden Combs improved his personal best in the Triple Jump an unbelievable FIVE TIMES in the meet and narrowly missed qualifying for the State Meet Himself.  He placed 4th in the event (2 athletes passed him on their Last Jump) and “Soared” to 12.72m (41′ 08 3/4″) which moved him up to 6th on the All-Time GHS SOPHOMORE LIST.  Jake Rapps joinged Cooper on the “Top Step” of the Awards Stand via his “Gold Medal” performance in the 110 Meter High Hurdles.  He was “Seeded” SIXTH and literally “SHOCKED” the whole hurdle field when he ROARED Past Everyone during the final two hurdles.  He “Stopped the Clock” at 15.61 which is the 6th Fastest Time for a GHS Sophomore in SCHOOL HISTORY.  WHAT A NIGHT!!!  I could go on for a while but will wrap it up here.  GREAT JOB TO THE WHOLE TEAM!!!  Oh, one more thing….the Sophomore Class scored over 65% of the Leafs total team points.  Way to go Men!!!

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for the Individual Events was 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.  Relay Events were scored:  10-8-6-4-2-1.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Malakai Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Discus)
  • 4th Place:  Jack Snyder  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Jack Snyder  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 5th Place:  Jake Rapps  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 6th Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Nate Ryerson, Zach Stoeger, Jeron Neal  (400 Meter Relay)
  • 6th Place:  Gavin Allison, Justin Johnson, Josiah King, Tyler Gehl  (3200 Meter Relay)

RESULTS

.

KYLE IS AN ANIMAL

 Pictured is Junior Kyle Guerrero who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

JUNIOR KYLE GUERRERO SELECTED AS THIS
WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Junior Kyle Guerrero was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the week of Sunday, May 8th through Saturday, May 14th.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in the Moline F/S Invitational and the Western Big Six Conference Meet. 

The Moline F/S Invitational was held on Monday, May 9th.  Only Freshmen and Sophomores were allowed to compete in that meet.  Kyle’s competition for the week took place on “Friday the 13th” of May.  The WB-6 was hosted by the Sterling Golden Warriors at Roscoe Eades Field and DuWayne Dietz track.  Each was allowed three entries into the meet in the individual events.  Kyle participated in the Pole Vault.  The weather conditions were extremely warm with a daytime high of 93˚ and a High Dew Point.  Kyle entered the competition at 8’ 06” (2.59m).  He cleared it on his first attempt.  He next jumped at 9’ 06” (2.89m).  The metric conversion chart isn’t perfect as it lists both 9’ 05 ¾” and 9’ 06” at 2.89 meters.  The meet was measured in English and then converted to Metric.  As a result, Kyle achieved a Personal Record for clearing this height (by ¼”.)  Great Job, Kyle!  Hang on, he wasn’t done yet.  He then jumped at 10’ 00” (3.04 meters.)  Due to the extreme heat, the poles were softer than they have been all season (they were “Mushing”.)  Vault Guru Arthur Atwell had Kyle move up to a 13’ 06” pole for the FIRST TIME.  He cleared the bar on his second attempt.  To say that Kyle was pretty “Fired Up” would be putting it mildly.  Next up was 10’ 06” (3.29 meters.)  Kyle pulled out a 14’ 00” pole for the FIRST TIME in his life (I’m NOT making this stuff up.)  He took three great shots at clearing the bar but wasn’t able to pull it off.  What a meet Kyle had.  He ended up placing 9th overall in the VARSITY Pole Vault barely missing scoring points for the Leafs (Top 8.) 

Kyle’s journey into high school Track and Field started during the early indoor season when he was in the “Facility” working out on his own and one of the guys challenged him to run with us.  I think it was Senior, and fellow FFA Man, Issac Kuster.  After the run, Kyle noticed Senior Pole Vault Star Malakai Schaad in the early stages of trying to teach “Fellow Rookie” Jesse Peña how to vault.  He walked over and the rest is history.  There is a HUGE “Learning Curve” that usually takes a LONG time.  Required are a LOT of patience and hard work.  However, success starts to enter the equation (clearing ANYTHING) the challenge starts to become a LOT OF FUN.  It has been a lot of fun watching Kyle’s progression.  He wasn’t able to clear a bar in his opening meet.  He kept at it and then cleared (I will talk in English instead of Metric) 7’ 06”.  From there he cleared 8’ 00”.  He just kept working hard and pretty soon he was clearing 9’ 00”.  For him to finish his season the way he did is VERY EXCITING.  Pole Vaulting is a lot like Life.  The harder you work, the “Luckier” or better you get.  Congratulations on a great season, Kyle.  Most of the team was intimidated by both Malakai and Cooper and weren’t willing to become “Vaulters”.  That wasn’t the case for both you and Jesse.  Keep up the hard work and get ready to “Soar High” as you continue to improve.  “Dream Big” and keep backing up those dreams with the hard work that Excellence DEMANDS.  God Bless.

This is what Kyle had to say about his extracurricular history.  “Junior Year:  Track and Field- Pole vault.  I also am extremely involved with FFA Trap Shooting and Bass Fishing.  In 10th Grade:  I participated in FFA Trap Shooting and Bass Fishing.  In 9th Grade I played Soccer.  I played Forward and tried hard to score a lot of goals.”

“In 8th Grade I participated in Track and Field.  I threw the Discus and tried several different racing distances.  I also played Club Soccer where I was an offensive scoring threat.  In 7th grade I ran Cross Country while also playing Club Soccer.  Same Position.  Previous to this I played in the Geneseo Youth Baseball League where I played a lot of different positions. 

Kyle is the proud son of Sara and Jesse Guerrero.  He is the Proud Baby Bro to Abby (19) and the Proud Big Bro to J.R. (current 4th grader), and Carmela (current 2nd grader.)

Here are Kyle’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Country Fried Steak”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Deadpool”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Country….I really like George Strait, Tim McGraw, and Josh Turner”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Current Geneseo Senior Pole Vaulter Malakai Schaad”  (Malakai is the current school recorder holder (16’ 00”.)  At last year’s IHSA State Track & Field Finals, Malakai placed 2nd in the 2A Pole Vault.  During that completion, he broke the Geneseo High School Pole Vault Record THREE TIMES.  Each of those “clearances” occurred on his 3RD attempt.)  ;  NICKNAME:  ”Kyle”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  ““The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope” – John Buchan.  This quote also reminds me of Track meets and how each one is an occasion for the hope of getting better and chasing that elusive, but attainable goal.”;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  ” I used to work out in the facility and people would say I should come for a Track practice. I said yes after one workout since I needed to get some cardio in. After the Track practice I saw Malakia showing Jesse how to vault, so I walked up and asked if he could teach me too.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?: “Daily core workouts at home really help you improve.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:, Junior Tyler Gehl, Junior Josiah King, Sophomore Senior Ines Gonzalez, Sophomore Jeron Neal, and Junior Jack Snyder.

DREAM BIG

.

“FLYIN’ SCHAADS” LEAD LEAFS AT WB-6

Pictured are Geneseo Pole Vaulters and brothers Cooper (front) and Malakai Schaad 

LEAFS 6TH IN WB-6 CONFERENCE MEET

On Friday, May 13th, the Leafs traveled to Sterling High School’s Roscoe Eades Stadium and DuWayne Dietz track to compete in the Western Big 6 Conference Meet.  The field included teams from:  East Moline (UTHS), Galesburg, Geneseo, Moline, Quincy, Rock Island, Rock Island Alleman, and Sterling.  The teams were greeted with a daytime high of 93˚ with a heat index of over 100˚.  The meet began at 3:00 p.m. with the field events.  Running events started at 4:30 p.m.  That was a change from the origional schedule but a strong chance of thunderstorms were predicted for later in the day so the time schedule was changed into a rolling schedule and running events were moved up from 5:00 p.m to 4:30 p.m. 

The team was led by the “Flying Schaads” and Maple Leaf Thrower Kaden Salisbury.  Senior Malakai won the Vault while Sophomore Cooper placed 3rd.  Meanwhile, Sophomore Kaden Salisbury grabbed 2nd place in the Discus and 3rd place in the Shot Put.  These three men scored 30 POINTS.  That is an AMAZING 46% of the Leafs’ team total of 65.  Great job, Men!  The meet scoring grid saw places one through eight awarded points.  Adding in additional Top 4 places were Senior Isaac Kuster (3200 Meter Run) and Sophomore Jake Rapps (110 Meter High Hurdles & 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles.)  The 3200 Meter Relay Team of Senior Justin Johnson, Senior Jason Blick, Junior Josiah King, Junior Tyler Gehl) also placed 4th in their event.

Due to lightning and strong thunderstorms, the meet was first delayed after the conclusion of the 800 Meter Run.  After a lengthy delay, the “Games Committee” elected to resume the meet the following morning at 10:00 a.m.  The end result was several members of the Leafs’ team were unable to return to the competition on Saturday.  No substitutions in individual events was allowed.  The bottom line is summed up by the saying, “It is what it is”.  When the points were counted, the Leafs found themselves in 6th place with 65 points. 

I had the privilege of standing by UTHS’s Head Coach Evan Holschbach when the team scores were read.  Both he and his team (who were near him at their team camp) had NO idea where they had finished.  As the team scores were read their excitement grew until the second place team was announced.  It was Moline which meant that UTHS had won the meet.  They “ERUPTED” with excitement.  Hopefully, we will be experiencing the same “Magical Moment” in the coming years.  We will graduate several key members of the team but will return a plethora of talent.  Dream Big, Men and back that up with the hard work that excellence DEMANDS.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for the Individual Events was 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.  Relays Events were scored:  10-8-6-4-2-1.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Malakai Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Discus)
  • 3rd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Shot Put)
  • 3rd Place:  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 4th Place:  Isaac Kuster  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Jake Rapps  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Jake Rapps  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Justin Johnson, Jason Blick, Josiah King, Tyler Gehl  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Jackson Reade, Jeron Neal, Nathan McAvoy  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Jeron Neal, Jack Snyder, Tyler Gehl, Thomas Allen  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 7th Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)

RESULTS

.

GET THE BROOMS OUT

Pictured are Dylan DeBoef, Reed Preston, Jake Rapps, Jeron Neal, Luke Johnsen,
Kaden Salisbury,and Carter Huizenga.These seven men had a hand in “Sweeping”
the 110 Hurdles, Shot Put, both dashes, and both Throws.

LEAFS WIN “F/S STATE”

On Monday, May 9th, the Leafs traveled to Moline’s Historic Browning Field and Gene Shipley Track to compete in Moline’s annual F/S Invite.  The meet allows for three individuals in each event and only one relay team per relay events.  The meet is limited to Freshmen & Sophomores.  The field included teams from:  Erie/Prophetstown, Geneseo, Moline, Rock Island, Rock Island Alleman, and UTHS.

Thus far this outdoor season, the team has battled challenging weather conditions every single meet.  Cold, Rain, and Strong Winds.  At every single meet.  The only group that has thrived on these conditions has been the distance crew.  They didn’t like the high winds, but the cool weather was wonderful for them.  A little rain thrown in was okay also.  For the rest of the team, NOT SO MUCH.  Thus, Monday’s daytime high of 85˚ with a HIGH Dew Point felt like the middle of July weather.  The forecast for the rest of the week is for daytime highs in the 90’s with heat index readings over 100 degrees.  Hats, Sunscreen, and a LOT of HYDRATION, MEN!.

Anytime we compete against the “City Schools”, you can expect a LOT of speed in the meet.  So, when the 110 Meter High Hurdles Crew of Sophomore Jake Rapps, and Freshmen Reed Preston and Dylan DeBoef placed 1-2-3 I went a little CRAZY with excitement.  I had them pose for “da Picture” that I thought I would use for this story.  Then, in the next event (100 Meter Dash) Sophomore Jeron Neal raced to a tight win.  WOW!  Later, in the meet he also won the 200 Meter Dash (yup…another close one.)  As we were leaving, Jason Nunn (QCA F.A.T. Phenom) handed me the team scores.  The Leafs had won the Meet!  The Leafs scored 153 points to outdistance second place Moline (134) and UTHS who was 3rd (94).  Crank up the excitement level again.  We had some fun with the last two underclass meets.  We “Nicknamed” last Tuesday’s UTHS J.V. Invitational “JV STATE”.  The guys won that meet.  Thus, is seemed appropriate to “Nickname” the Moline F/S Invitational “F/S STATE”.  Yup, they were two for two.  I looked up the rest of the results (all we were given was the team scores) and I saw that Coach Kyle Deets’ “Throwers” has placed 1-2-3 in the Shot Put.  I was on my feet again dancing with excitement.  What a night!  Great Job, Men.

The Team was led via SIX Gold Medal Performances.  Those included Sophomore Jeron Neal (110 & 200 Meter Dashes), Sophomore Jake Rapps (110 Meter High Hurdles & 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles), and Sophomore Kaden Salisbury (Discus & Shot Put.)  The Leafs “Scored” in 21 Events.  Great Job, Men! 

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for both the Individual Events Relays Events was:  10-8-6-4-2-1.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Jeron Neal  (100 Meter Dash)
  • 1st Place:  Jeron Neal  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 1st Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Discus)
  • 1st Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Shot Put)
  • 2nd Place:  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put)
  • 2nd Place:  Reed Preston  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Jackson Reade  (Long Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Jake Rapps, Jackson Reade, Brayden Combs, Thomas Allen  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Thomas Allen  (High Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Thomas Allen  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Dylan DeBoef  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Carter Huizenga  (Shot Put)
  • 3rd Place:  Tim Sebastian  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Austin Hull, Max Johnsson, Eric State, Rylan Lambert  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Brayden Combs  (High Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Jacob Taylor  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Jackson VanHyfte, Josh Anderson, Guage Damewood, Brayden Combs  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Taber Swanson  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Alex Davis, Guage Damewood, Dylan DeBoef, Jackson VanHyfte  (400 Meter Relay)

RESULTS

.

JACKSON AND WILL ARE ANIMALS

 Pictured are Sophomore Jackson Reade & Junior Will Taylor
who were selected as co-winners of this week’s “Animal of the Week”

JACKSON & READE SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S
ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNERS

Sophomore Jackson Reade & Junior Will Taylor were selected as “Co-Animal of the Week” Award Winners for the week of Sunday, May 1st through Saturday, May 7th.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in the UTHS J.V. Invitational and the Geneseo “John McCormick” ABC Invitational. 

The UTHS J.V. Invitational was held on Tuesday, May 1st and included six teams.  The meet was held at East Moline’s Soule Bowl.  Will didn’t compete in this meet but Jackson certainly did.  Jackson’s competition for the day started in the Long Jump where he placed 4th.  His best jump was 5.62m (18’ 05 ¼”.)  Next up was the 100 Meter Dash were he ran a season best time of 12.28 which was good for 12th place.  Lastly, Jackson raced in the 200 Meter Dash were he again achieved a season best time of 24.48 which placed him 7th overall.

Next up was the Geneseo John McCormick ABC Invitational.  I will share Will’s meet results first.  Will’s meet action started with him teaming up with Nathan McAvoy (1st Leg), Ines Gonzalez (2nd Leg), and Zach Stoeger (3rd Leg) in the “A” 400 Meter Relay.  Will anchored the team with a 11.67 “split).  The team placed 7th overall.  Next up was the “A” 100 Meter Dash for Will.  He “Roared” to a season best time of 11.75 which was a huge season best.  He next “Toed da Line” in the 400 Meter Dash where he again “Threw Down” a season best time of 53.35 which was good for 7th place in the “A Division”.   Will’s meet duty ended in the “A” 1600 Meter Relay.  The team placed a strong second in a Season Best Time of 3:37.50.  The team consisted of Jeron Neal (1st Leg), Zach Stoeger (2nd Leg), Tyler Gehl (3rd Leg), with Will anchoring.  Will raced to his fastest “Split” of the season.  He was clocked in 52.40.  That is also the fastest time by a Maple Leaf this SEASON.  Way to Go, Will!

Jackson started his competitive night off with action in the “A” Long Jump.  He placed 5th in the event with a jump of 5.61m (18’ 05”.)  Next up was the “A” 800 Meter Relay.  Jackson ran the 2nd leg in 23.25 and the team placed a strong 5th.  Joining him were Ines Gonzalez (1st Leg), Jeron Neal (3rd Leg), and Nathan McAvoy (4th Leg.)  Jackson next “Toed da Line” in the “B” 200 Meter Dash.  Jackson sprinted to 5th place with a time of 24.63.  Last, but certainly not least, was his participation in the “B-Division” 1600 Meter Relay.  Jackson wasn’t planning on running this race to put it mildly.  I mean, he ran in the previous race (200 Meter Dash.)  Less than 5 minutes before the race one of the runners planning to race it came up to us and shared that he had “Tweaked” his calf muscle in his last race.  He thought he could run it but when he put his spikes on….no way.  Thus, Jackson was asked to “Lace’em” up again….FIVE MINUTES before the race.  He smiled and replied “I’ll try my best”.  He anchored the team of Nate Ryerson, Ines Gonzalez, and Thomas Allen to FIRST PLACE.  It was a close, come from behind win that saw Jackson dig DEEP and resulted in a new personal best for him.  55.21.  Simply, “Jaw-Dropping”.  WAY TO GO, JACKSON!

We didn’t plan for this award to ever be a CO-Award.  Will had already had a HUGE night and was a “Slam Dunk” for the award until Jackson’s 1600 Meter Relay performance.  After that, we “Slept on It” and decided that they both deserved it.  To be honest, a LOT of teammates are always discussed.  It is HARD to compare “Apples to Oranges”.  We do the best we can.  We are VERY PROUD of the entire team.  Both Will and Jackson are tremendous athletes with great work ethic.  I need to be careful not to make this too long so I am going to go to the responses of the “Animal of the Week Questionnaire”.  Congratulations to both men.  All I can say is those who live in “The Land of the Leafs” are awfully excited by the fact that neither of these men will be graduating.  They will be looking for more great performances from both Jackson and Will in the coming season(s.)  Good luck to both of you.  Keep the high levels of  “Passion an Purpose” that you both possess.  The combination is Omnipotent.

Here is what Will had to say about his athletic history:  “11th Grade:  Football and Track. Was a starting receiver and corner for the football team a was an honorable mention for all conference.  I earned my Varsity Letter in both sports”.    “10th Grade: Football, Basketball and Track. Started varsity for both Football (started corner and Basketball (started at guard.)  I earned my Varsity Letter in each sport.”  “9th Grade: Football, Basketball and Track. Played on the sophomore level in both Football and Basketball. Played Cornerback in Football and Point Guard in Basketball.  I earned my Varsity Letter in Track & Field.” 

Prior to High School:  “8th Grade: Football, Basketball, Track. Won 3rd place in the mile at the State track meet.”  “7th Grade: Cross Country, Football, Basketball, Track. I was 9th overall  in the state Cross Country meet and 1st for 7th graders.”  “Club or Little League Activities Prior to 7th Grade: Played Soccer up until 6th grade. Also played Football and Basketball. “

Will is the proud son of Fran and Tom Taylor.  He is also the Proud  “Baby Bro” of Patrick (out of college) & Alli (out of college.)  He is also the Proud “Big Bro” to Lily (Current 9th grader.)

Here are Will’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: ” Watermelon”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  ” The Hangover”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  ” Hip Hop and my favorite artist is Kanye West.”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  ” My athletic hero is Dak Prescott.  Not only is he the quarterback for my favorite sports team (the Dallas Cowboys) but he also came back from a catastrophic injury that many didn’t think he would ever recover from. He shows a lot of toughness on and off the field.”;  NICKNAMES:  ”Nothing Yet”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “I can accept failure but I cannot accept not trying” Michael Jordan”;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “I competed in middle school and wanted to continue.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT OF TRACK AND FIELD?:  “Don’t be afraid to try new events, you may find something you really enjoy.”

Here is what Jackson had to say about his athletic history:  “10th Grade: Played 2 sports (Football and Track). The injury bug really bit me this year and during Football, I played through a strained hip flexor and a sprained ankle. I played on the J.V. team, but I managed to get a little playing time on the varsity team. I played slot receiver on Offense and Cornerback on Defense. I also rotated in as a Running Back on Offense as well. In my first meet of the season doing Long Jump, I PR’d from last year. Ever since I have been in a slump and I’m still trying to get back to what I know I’m capable of. However, while I was in a slump in the Long Jump I found success in the sprinting events (Mainly 200 and 400.)”  “In 9th Grade: Played 3 sports (Basketball, Football, and Track). In Basketball, I saw action on the court and was known for my ability on defense. In Football, I eventually started at Slot Receiver on Offense and Cornerback on Defense on a F/S team. In Track, I had problems with my hip flexor and only did the Long Jump.”

Prior to high school:  “8th Grade: Played Wingback and corner on the Geneseo “Green” Football team, Basketball, and was planning to do Track before COVID shut everything down.  In 7th Grade: Played Quarterback (and maybe Safety on Defense . . .  I can’t remember) on the Eagles in the Geneseo Youth Football League, Basketball, and did Track. My main event was High Jump and I ended up qualifying for state alongside Thomas Allen. My favorite moment of the season was when we both qualified for state and since it didn’t matter anymore to keep on going, we did rock, paper, scissors to see who would win. Definitely one of those moments that will stick with me forever.”  “Club or Little League Activities Prior to 7th Grade:  Before becoming a Quarterback in 6th and 7th grade on the Eagles, I was a Tight End and played Safety (for sure) in 5th grade. I also used to play Travel Soccer and had played with quite a few guys that are currently on the Track team right now. I also played Baseball for a few years which may be a surprise to some people and I wouldn’t blame them.”

Jackson is the proud son of Cynthia and Mark Reade.  He is also the Proud “Big Bro” to Allison (Freshman), Madison (8th grade.)

Here are Jackson’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: ” Pizza but if we are talking about dessert, I’m gonna say Texas sheet cake.”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  ” Wouldn’t say I have a favorite movie, but Star Wars has had a special place in my heart ever since I was a child.”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  ” Hip-Hop, Pop, Rap, and just anything that is upbeat and hits hard. My favorite groups are Imagine Dragons and NF for how talented they are at what they do.”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Lamar Jackson”.;  NICKNAMES:  ” Back when I used to play Soccer, my Soccer coach nicknamed me Speedy Readey.”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.” Michael Jordan”;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “My dad did Track and I thought that I could find success in it if I put in the work.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT OF TRACK AND FIELD?:  “Give it your all day in and day out,and stick to it. It may get tough, but if it was easy everyone would be doing it.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were: Sophomore Thomas Allen, Junior Tyler Gehl, Senior Ines Gonzalez, Sophomore Jeron Neal, Junior Zach Stoeger.

DREAM BIG

.

SENIORS & PARENTS HONORED

Pictured are the Leafs Eight Seniors and most of their Parents.

LEAFS GRAB MCCORMICK SILVER

On Friday, May 6th, the Leafs played host to their annual John McCormick Geneseo ABC Invitational.  The meet is named after former Maple Leaf Head Track and Field Coach John McCormick (more on him later.)  The field included teams from:  Alleman, Canton, Dixon, Erie-Prophetstown, Forreston-Polo, Galesburg, Geneseo, Metamora, Ottawa, Peoria Richwoods, Princeton, Rock Falls, Sherrard, and United Township.

The weather continued to be a major issue.  We just haven’t had ANY good conditions on a single meet day, since the outdoor season began.  The temperature when the meet began at 4:00 p.m. was in the high 40’s with a STRONG 17 MPH wind blowing from the Northeast.  Oh, I should add that there was a light rain falling for the first two hours of the meet.  Ultimately, as the meet progressed, the rain ended and the wind lessened.  The Leafs also honored their eight Seniors and their Parents before the 1600 Meter Relays.

We have always considered this meet to be the beginning of “Championship Meet Season” and despite the challenging weather conditions a ton of guys achieved personal bests (Tootsie Rolls SOON.)  The Leafs scored in THIRTY-NINE EVENTS, as they totaled 211.5 points to place second as a team.  The Galesburg Silver Streaks won the meet with 234 points.  UTHS finished a mere one point behind the Leafs,  Great Job, Men!

Back to Coach John McCormick.  He was an extraordinary man blessed with a plethora of both passion and purpose.  The mere fact that this Invitational in named in his Honor puts everything into perspective.  I had the honor of meeting “Coach Mac” and his wife early in my career.  I instantly felt both his leadership and his humanity.  There have been very few men that have ever led any Maple Leaf Teams who did it better. 

REMEMBER THE MAN

 

Leading the team were the following “Gold Medalists”:  Senior Gavin Allison (A-1600 Meter Run), Senior Isaac Kuster (C-1600 Meter Run), Sophomore Jeron Neal (C-100 Meter Dash), Sophomore Jake Rapps  (A-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles), (Sophomore Cooper Schaad (B-Pole Vault), Senior Malakai Schaad (A-Pole Vault), and Senior Max Sottos (C-High Jump.)  Joining in the fun was the B-1600 Meter Relay team (Junior Nate Ryerson, Senior Ines Gonzalez, Sophomore Thomas, Allen, and Sophomore Jackson Reade.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for Individual Events was A Events:  10-8-7-6-5-4;  B Events:  8-6-5-4-3-2;  C Events:  6-5-4-3-2-1.  The relays the events were scored as follows:  A Relays:  12-10-9-8-7-6;  B Relays  10-8-7-6-5-4.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Gavin Allison  (A-1600 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Isaac Kuster  (C-1600 Meter Run).
  • 1st Place:  Jeron Neal  (C-100 Meter Dash)
  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (A-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles).
  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (B-Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place:  Malakai Schaad  (A-Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place:  Max Sottos  (C-High Jump)
  • 1st Place:  Nate Ryerson, Ines Gonzalez, Thomas Allen, Jackson Reade  (B-1600 Meter Relay).
  • 2nd Place:  Thomas Allen  (C-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles).
  • 2nd Place:  Kyle Guerrero  (C-Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Justin Johnson  (B-1600 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Isaac Kuster  (A-3200 Meter Run).
  • 2nd Place:  Jack Magerkurth  (B-Discus)
  • 2nd Place:  Jack Snyder  (C-400 Meter Dash)
  • 2nd Place:  Jeron Neal, Zach Stoeger, Tyler Gehl, Will Taylor  (A-1600 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Eric States, Jason Blick, Tim Sebastian, Rylan Lambert  (B-3200 Meter Relay).
  • 3rd Place:  Jake Rapps  (110 Meter High Hurdles).
  • 3rd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (A-Discus)
  • 3rd Place:  Joe Sebastian  (C-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Gavin Allison, Josiah King, Justin Johnson, Tyler Gehl  (A-3200 Meter Relay).
  • 4th Place:  Brayden Combs  (A-Triple Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (A-Shot Put)
  • 4th Place:  Zach Stoeger  (B-400 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Jacob Taylor  (C-3200 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Jack Snyder, Nate Ryerson, Jake Rapps, Thomas Allen  (B-400 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Jack Magerkurth, Carter Huizenga, Kaden Salisbury, Karson Emry  (W-400 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Caleb Durian, Joe Sebastian, Karson Emry, Matt Daly  (B-800 Meter Relay).
  • 5th Place:  Thomas Allen  (B-High Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Caleb Durian  (B-Triple Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Austin Hull  (C-800 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Luke Johnsen  (C-Discus)
  • 5th Place:  Luke Johnsen  (B-Shot Put)
  • 5th Place:  Reed Preston  (B-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 5th Place:  Jackson Reade  (A-Long Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Jackson Reade  (B-200 Meter Dash)
  • 5th Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Jackson Reade, Jeron Neal, Nathan McAvoy  (A-800 Meter Relay)
  • 6th Place:  Nate Ryerson  (B-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 5th Place:  Jack Snyder  (C-200 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (A-200 Meter Dash)

RESULTS

.

LEAFS 3RD AT “J.V. STATE”

Pictured are team members who claimed UTHS JV “GOLD”
Row 1:  Brayden Combs, Zach Stoeger, Tim Sebastian, Tyler Gehl
Row 2:  Matt Daly, Caleb Durian, Jack Snyder, Ines Gonzalez, Christian Haney
Missing from the picture is Austin Hull.

LEAFS 3RD AT U.T.H.S. J.V. INVITATIONAL

On Tuesday, May 3rd, the Leafs traveled to East Moline’s Soule Bowl to participate in U.T.’s annaul  Junior Varsity Invitational.  Alleman, Galesburg, Geneseo, Moline, Rock Island, and UTHS all had teams competing in the meet.  The Leafs kept a LOT of “Big Dogs” home for practice.  Head Maple Leaf Coach Matthew Deets stayed with them for practice and then drove over to support the team.  The weatherman provided a daytime high of 49˚ with a solid north wind (15 mph) and light drizzle for the first two hours of the meet.  As the meet progressed, the rain ended and the wind dropped a bit.

The meet was the final competitive opportunity for several members of the team.  Thus, the team came up with the phrase “J.V. STATE”.  We loved it and the idea of “Bringing It” in their final meet of the season.  The team had a “Great Meet” with a Plethora of personal bests.  Leading the team were the following “Gold Medalists:  Sophomore Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump) the 800 Meter Relay  (Senior Inez Gonzalez, Junior Caleb Durian, Junior Jack Snyder, Junior Matt Daly);  the 1600 Meter Relay  (Junior Jack Snyder, Sophomore Brayden Combs, Junior Tyler Gehl, Junior Zach Stoeger), and the 3200 Meter Relay  (Freshman Tim Sebastian, Freshman Christian Haney, Junior Tyler Gehl, Sophomore Austin Hull.)

The Leafs placed third in the meet.  UTHS won the meet with 168 points.  Moline placed second with 133 points.  Geneseo placed third scoring 111 points.  Rock Island, Galesburg, and Alleman rounded out the team competition scoring 80, 40, and 7 points, respectfully.  A special thank you to the UTHS Staff and volunteer helpers for putting on a great meet.  That isn’t any easy task EVER.  Add in the crummy weather and you add a LOT of extra challenges.

Lastly, I would like to throw out a special “Shout Out” to Maple Leaf Freshman Dylan Gehl.  Dylan is our “Reigning Animal of the Week”.  Dylan was entered in both the 3200 Meter Relay and 1600 Meter Runs.  He wasn’t able to compete due to pain in his stomach.  Thank God he went home.  He eventually ended up at the hospital needing to have emergency appendectomy surgery.  Everything is fine now but there were some scary moments.  We wish him a speedy recovery.  His parents are going to have their hands full trying to slow that rascal down.  Seriously, we have been praying HARD for Dylan and his wonderful family.  God Bless.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for both the Individual Events Relays Events was:  10-8-6-4-2-1.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)
  • 1st Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Caleb Durian, Jack Snyder, Matt Daly  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Jack Snyder, Brayden Combs, Tyler Gehl, Zach Stoeger  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Tim Sebastian, Christian Haney, Tyler Gehl, Austin Hull  (3200 Meter Relay).
  • 2nd Place:  Thomas Allen  (High Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Jacob Taylor  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Mason Anderson, Rylan Lambert, Eric States, Max Johnson  (3200 Meter Relay).
  • 3rd Place:  Christian Haney  (1600 Meter Run).
  • 3rd Place:  Max Sottos  (High Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Taber Swanson  (3200 Meter Run).
  • 3rd Place:  Joe Sebastian, Jackson VanHyfte, Daniel Thompson, Brayden Combs  (800 Meter Relay).
  • 4rh Place:  Brayden Combs  (High Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Ines Gonzalez  (100 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Reed Preston  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Jackson Reade  (Long Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Tim Sebastian  (1600 Meter Run).
  • 4th Place:  Zach Stoeger  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Alex Davis, Thomas Allen, Matt Daly, Jack Snyder  (400 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Thomas Allen  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 5th Place:  Ryley Rowold  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Joe Sebastian  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 5th Place:  Dennis Thompson  (Discus)
  • 6th Place:  Dennis Thompson  (Shot Put)
  • 6th Place:  Guage Damewood, Tyler Holtzen, Dylan DeBoef, Jackson VanHyfte  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Max Johnson, Mason Anderson, Rylan Lambert, Ryley Rowold  (1600 Meter Relay).

RESULTS

.

DYLAN IS AN ANIMAL

Pictured is Freshman Dylan Gehl who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

DYLAN GEHL SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S
ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Freshman Dylan Gehl was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the week of Sunday, April 24th through Saturday, April  30th.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in the Geneseo F/S Invitational and the Pekin “Dragon” Invitational. 

The Geneseo F/S Invitational was held on Tuesday, April 26th and included 11teams.  The meet was held at Geneseo’s Bob Reade Field & Track.  Dylan has run a ton of races already this season, including multiple 3200 Meter Run & 1600 Meter Run Doubles.  He has NEVER had a chance to run the 1600 Meter Run FRESH.  Thus, we decided to let him run a 1600 “Fresh” and try to “Crack” the G.H.S. Top 25 List for Freshmen in that event.  He ran a TREMENDOUS race winning over a Tremendous Field that included Gabriel Esparza (UT), Aaron Conderman (Dixon), and Aalin Schmdt (Sterling).  There is a pretty good chance that all of these runners are going to develop into Outstanding Runners.  Dylan sprinted away from the pack to win by 5 seconds.  His winning time was 4:59.65.  It was just off his personal best of 4:57.79 set a week earlier at the Moline J.V. Inv.  BTW . . .  this time is just one second off the Freshman Top 25 List for the 1600 Run.  Great Job, Dylan.

Next up was the 38th Annual Pekin “Dragon” Invitational which was held on Friday, April 30th.  The meet was held at Pekin High School and included 12 teams.  Dylan’s competition for the night was limited to the 3200 Meter Run.  The weather conditions were, once again, pretty challenging with strong 15 mph NE winds blowing.  Dylan found himself in the lead for much of the race as the other runners used him to try and block some of the wind.  In the end, Sky Riddle (Normal West) kicked hard over the last 400 meters to win the race in 10:28.  Dylan was kicked down in the final steps by Jackson Custer (Pekin) to end up a solid 3rd.  He was also timed in 10:35 (same as Jackson.)  “Big Isaac” (Isaac Kuster) finished right behind “Little Isaac”.  Their 3rd and 4th places provided a HUGE 10 points for the Leafs total of 54.  That was almost 1/5th of the teams total.  Great Job, Men!

“BIG BRO” ON GUARD DUTY

Pictured is Tyler (Big Bro) watching over his little brother Dylan.

Sadly, Dylan underwent an Emergency Appendectomy on Tuesday (5/04.)  That was 24 hour after receiving this award.  He texted me that he wasn’t feeling well and had abdominal pain.  Thank God he didn’t try to “Tough it Out”.  He is one tough kid and the fact that he went home instead of heading to the UTHS J.V. Invite illustrated just how much discomfort he was in.  He is a VERY special young man and I am glad to report that the surgery was successful and he will be fine.  His season ends with him sitting in 17th place on the G.H.S. Top 25 Freshmen 3200 Meter List.  He is also a member of multiple 3200 Meter Relays Teams that “Cracked” the G.H.S. Top 25 Freshmen List.  He also clocked 4:57.79 (barely missing the Top 25 Freshmen list…4:56.)  He was ready to run FAST at all distances as we enter “Championship Meet Season”.  It is unfortunate that he had to experience this setback but the good news is he is only a FRESHMAN.  When I contemplate his future as both an athlete and person I can’t help but smile.  He has been “Blessed” with both Talent and a Tremendous Work Ethic.  That is a wonderful combination that is going to be a LOT OF FUN to watch over the coming seasons.  God Bless You, Dylan.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and “Paying the Dues that Excellence DEMANDS”.  Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey.  In the end, that is the most important part of the journey.  It is both an honor and privilege to serve as one of your coaches.

This is what Dylan had to say about his athletic history.  In High School… 9th Grade: Ran Cross Country and earned my varsity letter with the third-most points on the team. I was proud to be running up on varsity as a freshman. My PR was 16:59 at State where we qualified as a team which was a pretty big deal. We got cool T-Shirts and brought along a bunch of guys from the team as a cheering squad on a charter bus. The season was very fun and I’m looking forward to running for the rest of my high school career. The training was harder than any training I had ever done before and it made me get a lot better. At the beginning of the season, 12 minutes of core was an insurmountable task. Now, it is a normality. I ran very hard during this season, harder than I ever had before. I think out of all races available to me I am most suited for the 3 mile. I also enjoy the scenery and adventurous nature that are a part of a cross country course. This Cross Country season was my best athletic experience yet.

Prior to High School:  “8th Grade: Ran Cross Country with a season of mainly dual meets. During this season, we only had a couple of practices a week in which I was mainly running by myself. This training did not push me far or fast enough. I did run during quarantine but I could have trained better if I knew how. I ended up getting second in Sectionals, but it wasn’t totally legit because I think a lot of teams weren’t competing. I qualified for state but there was no official state and the coaches didn’t let me know about the unofficial state meet so I didn’t run in it. I did Track in the spring but was only able to run the first intra-squad meet and sectionals because of an injury. I also missed almost all of the training that I would normally do so my first and last-mile times were pretty much the same at 5:30.

7th Grade: 7th grade was my first year of doing a running sport and that was Cross Country. I had a lot of fun and was second on the team behind Cooper Schaad. I think the main thing that made me better was that I always had him to chase down at practices so I always had something to push myself with. I remember the excitement and unbelief that I had when I found out that I had qualified at sectionals to go to state very clearly. I got my 2-mile PR at state, with a time of 10:33. This was a full 12 seconds faster than my previous PR which was 10:45 at a very rainy and muddy home conference meet (very fun). I beat Cooper at state which was a big deal for me. After Cross Country, I did Wrestling in the 85-pound weight class and earned MVP out of the 7th graders. I tried very hard at Wrestling but I was not great and most of my wins were forfeits because other teams did not have wrestlers in my weight class. In the spring I was very excited for Track season, but after a couple of practices, the season was canceled. The 2022 season is my first year where I actually know what a full Track season looks like… well almost a full season.

Club or Little League Activities Prior to 7th Grade: I used to play Soccer for many years and I enjoyed it a lot. I liked playing midfielder. I also used to play little league football and baseball but I didn’t enjoy those as much. In 6th grade, I worked very hard in Wrestling and was in the 80-pound weight class. I was 80 pounds without trying to lose weight, and I don’t think much of that weight was muscle either. 🙂

Dylan is the proud son of Maria and Barney Gehl.  He is the Proud Baby Bro to Kylee (20) who attending Iowa State University and Tyler (Current G.H.S. Junior.)  He is also the Proud Big Bro to Jacey (Current G.M.S. 6th Grader.)

Here are Dylan’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Chocolate Ice Cream”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Lord of the Rings”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  ” A lot of 60s music”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Daniel Chenoweth”  (2007 G.H.S. graduate.  2011 Harvard University.  Daniel experienced tremendous success both in high school and college…Daniel still holds the G.H.S. school records in the 1600 Meter Run….4:13 and 3200 Meter Run…8:57.);  NICKNAMES:  ” Little Gehl, Little Beast, Big Horse, Little Isaac, Big D”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Why race?  The need to be tested, perhaps; the need to take risks; and the chance to be number one.”- George Sheehan;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “I ran Cross Country in the fall so I knew that I also wanted to do Track in the spring.  At first, I was just doing it to get in shape for Cross Country but pretty soon I took it very seriously as its own sport. I have always enjoyed running and loved challenges and competition so Track is very well suited for me.”  ;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?:  “Run the 3200. There are many opportunities to get better in long-distance running, and running can be a lifelong sport if you start now. You don’t need to start fast, but you still need to start.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:, Sophomore Thomas Allen, Sophomore Brayden Combs, Junior Caleb Durian, Senior Ines Gonzalez, Sophomore Jeron Neal, Junior Zach Stoeger,  and Junior Will Taylor.

DREAM BIG

 .

COOPER CLAIMS DRAGON GOLD

Picture is Sophomore Cooper Schaad who won the Pole Vault

LEAFS 4TH AT 33RD ANNUAL
PEKIN DRAGON INVITE

On Friday, April 29th, the Leafs traveled to Pekin High School to participate in the 33rd Annual Dragon Invitational.  The meet utilizes the traditional meet format.  This is the format that the IHSA uses in the “Post Season”.  Entries are limited to two entries for the individual events and only one relay team each in the relay events.  It was also nice to travel to an area where we had the chance to compete against a lot of teams that we haven’t seen this season to date.  The 12-team field included teams from:  Bartonville (Limestone), Danville, East Peoria, Geneseo, Morton, Normal West, Pekin, Peoria High School, Peoria Manual, Peoria Notre Dame, Peoria Richwoods, and Washington.

The weather was less than ideal.  The daytime high of 68˚ had come and gone by the time we arrived at 3:00 p.m.  There was a consistent northeast wind that challenged the athletes on the “Homestretch” all meet long.  It sprinkled a bit off and on but the rain wasn’t a huge factor.  There was a lightning delay (30 minutes) just before the meet had concluded.  The team were entertained by a few of the bats that call the Pekin Stadium their home. 

The team was led by Sophomore Pole Vaulter Cooper Schaad who claimed the Leafs’ lone “Gold Medal” during the meet.  Joining in on the fun was the Throwers 400 Meter Relay team of: Junior Karson Emry, Sophomore Luke Johnsen Sophomore Kaden Salisbury, and Junior Jack Magerkurth who placed a STRONG 2nd in their non-scored event.  Freshman Dylan Gehl (3200 Meter Run), Sophomore Luke Johnsen (Shot Put), and the 3200 Meter Relay Team (Senior Justin Johnson, Junior Tyler Gehl, Junior Josiah King, and Junior Gavin Allison) all added a “Bronze Medal” (3rd place) performance.  When the “Dust had Settled”, the Leafs found themselves in a Strong 4th place team finish.  Next, up….”Championship Meet Season”.  Get ready to “Tap” into your Peak Performances, Men!  Make sure that you do all the little things (Proper Sleep, Proper Diet, Proper Hydration, ETC…to allow “da Beast” to Emerge!  DREAM BIG!

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for both the Individual Events and Relay Events was:  10-8-6-4-2-1.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Karson Emry, Luke Johnsen, Kaden Salisbury, Jack Magerkurth  (Throwers 400 Meter Relay).
  • 3rd Place:  Dylan Gehl  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put)
  • 3rd Place:  Justin Johnson, Tyler Gehl, Josiah King, Gavin Allison  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Isaac Kuster  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Jake Rapps  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Jake Rapps  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Jeron Neal, Zach Stoeger, Nate Ryerson, Will Taylor  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Gavin Allison  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 5th Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Discus)
  • 5th Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Shot Put)
  • 6th Place:  Kyle Guerrero  (Pole Vault)
  • 6th Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Zach Stoeger, Will Taylor, Nathan McAvoy  (800 Meter Relay)

RESULTS

.

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

Pictured are 19 of the Leafs’ 21 team members who scored points in Tuesday’s Meet

LEAFS 4TH IN GENESEO F/S INVITATIONAL

On Tuesday, April 26th, the Leafs played host to their annual F/S Invitational.  The meet provides competition at the class level for both the Freshmen and Sophomores.  Each team was allowed two entries in each individual competition.  Relays were contested as “Open” to any combination of Freshmen or Sophomores.  The field included teams from:  Alleman, Dixon, Galesburg, Geneseo, Kewanee, Moline, Princeton, Rock Falls, Rock Island, Sterling, and United Township

The teams were treated to another near perfect night of weather for distance runners (That means is was COLD for EVERYONE ELSE.)  It was actually pretty windy early on in the meet with 10-15 mph winds from the WNW.  The winds died a bit as the meet progressed.  The meet time temperature hovered in the high 40’s after a daytime high of 52˚.  May is almost here so the warm weather has to be coming soon.

The team showed great “Depth” as the Leafs scored points (Top 6 Finishers) in 27 events with 21 team members being a part of the “Scoring Onslaught”.  Leading the way were Sophomores Cooper Schaad and Jake Rapps who “Claimed Gold” in the Pole Vault (just missing his GHS class Record) and both hurdles races.  They were joined by Freshman Dylan Gehl who won the 1600 Meter Run.  Sophomore Thomas Allen (High Jump) and Kaden Salisbury (Discus) added “Silver Medal” performances (2nd places.)  The team also received “Bronze Medal” performances (3rd Place Finishes) from Sophomores Thomas Allen (High Jump), Luke Johnsen (Shot Put), Jackson Reade (Long Jump), and Austin Hull (3200 Meter Run.)  The 1600 Meter Relay team (Sophomore Jackson Reade, Freshman Max Johnson, Sophomore Jeron Neal, and Sophomore Cooper Schaad) also grabbed a 3rd place finish.  Great team effort, Men.  Keep up the hard work and get ready for “Championship Meet Season”.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for both the Individual Events Relays Events was:  10-8-6-4-2-1.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (SO-Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place:  Dylan Gehl  (FR-1600 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (SO-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (SO-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Thomas Allen  (SO-400 Meter Dash)
  • 2nd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (SO-Discus)
  • 3rd Place:  Thomas Allen  (SO-High Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Luke Johnsen  (SO-Shot Put)
  • 3rd Place:  Jackson Reade  (SO-Long Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Austin Hull  (SO-3200 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Jackson Reade, Max Johnson, Jeron Neal, Cooper Schaad  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Reed Preston  (SO-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (SO-Shot Put)
  • 4th Place:  Cooper Schaad  (SO-400 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Christian Haney, Eric States, Mason Anderson, Max Johnson  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Austin Hull  (SO-High Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Rylan Lambert  (FR-800 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Ryley Rowold  (SO-3200 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Jacob Taylor  (FR-3200 Meter Run)
  • 6th Place:  Dylan DeBoef  (FR-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 6th Place:  Eli Ford  (FR-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 6th Place:  Cole Freeman  (FR-Discus)
  • 6th Place:  Austin Hull  (SO-1600 Meter Run)
  • 6th Place:  Jeron Neal  (SO-100 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Reed Preston  (SO-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 6th Place:  Taber Swanson  (FR-3200 Meter Run)
  • 6th Place:  Eric States  (FR-800 Meter Run)

RESULTS

.

NATE IS AN ANIMAL

 Pictured is Junior Nate Ryerson who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

JUNIOR NATE RYERSON SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Junior Nate Ryerson was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the week of Sunday, April 17th through Saturday, April  23rd.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in the Moline J.V. Invitational and the Rock Island  “Rocks” ABC Invitational. 

The Moline J.V. Invitational was held on Tuesday, April 19th and included teams from Alleman, Geneseo, Galesburg, Moline, Rock Island, and United Township.  The meet was held at Moline’s Browning Field and Gene Shipley Track.  Nate’s competitive day began with action in the 400 Meter Relay.  Nate teamed up with Ines Gonzalez (leg 1), Zach Stoeger (leg 3), and Jeron Neal (leg 4.)  Nate ran the second leg in 12.80 as the quartet won the event in a time of 48.06.  Next up was the 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles.  Nate had a rough race and ended up placing 12th in the event in a time of 48.06.  His competitive day ended in the final event of the meet as Nate and “da boys” won the 1600 Meter Relay in a time of 3:37.35.  Nate teamed up with Thomas Allen (1st leg), Zach Stoeger (2nd leg), and Ines Gonzalez (4th leg.)  Nate ran the third leg in 58.52.

Next up was the Rock Island ABC Invitational which was held on Friday, April 22nd.  The meet was held at Rock Island’s Historic Public Stadium.  The 13-team field included teams from:  Alleman, Bloomington, Geneseo, Homewood-Flossmoor, Machesney Park Harlem, Moline, Naperville Central, Plainfield East, Rock Island, Sterling, Thornton Fractional South, and United Township.  Nate was first in action as a member of the 400 Meter Relay Team.  He teamed up with Ines Gonzalez (1st leg), Zach Stoeger (3rd leg), and Nathan McAvoy (4th leg.)  Nate ran the second leg in 11.19 seconds.  Unfortunately, the final “pass” was not completed in the “Zone” thus, the team was disqualified.  Next up was the 110 Meter High Hurdles.  Nate competed in the “C-Division” and placed 7th overall with a season best time of 19.79.  He saved his best event for last.  Nate “Toed da Line” for the 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles with a season best of 46.11 seconds.  Nate had told us that he was going to utilize the “Frank Shorter” strategy and run aggressively.  He wasn’t kidding.  He “exploded out of the blocks” in the “B-Division”.  We held our breaths hoping that Nate had something left for the homestretch.  He answered that question with a powerful homestretch run that saw him cross the finish line in what appeared to be a “Dead Heat”.  It took the F.A.T. program to separate the top two.  When “the Dust had Settled”, Nate found himself in second place only a mere .03 seconds out of “Gold”.  Nate had DESTROYED his personal best by 2.49 seconds.  His time of 43.62 currently has him currently “sitting” in the 21st fastest time for a G.H.S. Junior in SCHOOL HISTORY.  In an event that athletes try and “Drop Time” by 1/10 of a second, it is EXTREMELY RARE for anyone to drop that much time this far into the season.  GREAT JOB, NATE!

Nate is no stranger to athletic and academic success.  He has is been a bit frustrated that he wasn’t running faster in races.  He isn’t alone in this area.  There is a term that has been born that sums a LOT of this situation up.  It’s called “COVID-19 Fog”.  Nate “Threw Down” a very special performance that had his teammates jumping up and down and hugging him.  The message that Nate provided is “Stay the Course”.  Keep up the hard work and success WILL follow.  All the best in the coming weeks, Nate, for the rest of the 2022 Track and Field Season.  Then, get ready to become a Senior.  I have always believed that there is some kind of “Magical Power” that is available to Seniors if they are willing to go and “Find It”.  Another name for it is “Senior Pride” and it should NEVER be underestimated.  You will find that “Senior Pride” on display next fall on the G.H.S. Soccer “Pitch” and on the G.H.S. “Oval” when 2023 rolls around.  God Bless, Nate.

The Leaf Hurdlers have been making a LOT of noise all season long.  The fact that there are NO Senior in their event group is VERY exciting for the future.  That “Crew” includes:  Thomas Allen (10), Brayden Combs (10), Dylan DeBoef (09), Eli Ford (09), Reed Preston (10), Jake Rapps (10), Nate Ryerson (11), Joe Sebastian (11), and Nathan Venneberg (11.)  Fans of Maple Leaf Track and Field are “Oozing” with anticipation” in regards to what the coming season(s) will bring.  “Keep the Faith”, Men.

This is what Nate had to say about his athletic history.  In High School…Junior Year:  “GHS Boys varsity and JV(primarily) Soccer starting field player earning my Varsity Letter. Played both outside mid, striker and outside defender. Also played starting field on the Geneseo club/high school team at the winter BettPlex league. Current GHS Track and Field Athlete”.  Sophomore year:  “GHS Boys Soccer JV (conference championship team) starting field/goalie. Played both goalie and field positions at striker and outsider midfield with some outside defender. GHS Track and Field varsity athlete and “Sophomore Top Dawg” and “Most Improved”.  I earned my Varsity Letter and ran the 22nd fastest time G.H.S. History for Geneseo Sophomores in the 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles (44.69.)”  Freshman year:  “Freshman and JV Soccer starting goalkeeper. Track and Field runner for a brief period before COVID shut everything down for the rest of the school year.”

Prior to High School:  “In 8th Grade:  State Track and Field athlete (GMS) (4×400), track sectional champions and XC runner alongside my last year of Travel Soccer with the local Geneseo club.”  In 7th Grade:  “State Track and Field athlete (GMS) (4×200), track sectional champions, GMS XC runner, Geneseo Travel Soccer.”  Prior to middle school, I played Soccer on the Geneseo Soccer Club (3rd -8th Grade) where I played Goalie and Striker.  I also played Baseball in 2nd and 3rd grades (shortstop.)  I gave Football a shot in 5th grade and played lineman on defense and wide-out on offense.  That was one and done experience for me. I also participated in my elementary school’s running club!”

Nate is the proud son of Anne and Tom Ryerson.  He is the Proud Big Bro to Nile (Current Maple Leaf Freshman) and Novak (Current Geneseo 5th Grader.)

Here are Nate’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Tiger Belly Sandwich from the Locomotive Coffee Shop in Geneseo “;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Dune (2021)”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Anything – I listen to it all and way too much of it.  My favorite artists are Phoebe Bridgers  (From Google:  Phoebe Bridgers is an American singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Pasadena, California, she was a member of Sloppy Jane before embarking on a solo career. Bridgers’ debut studio album, Stranger in the Alps, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim), Kanye West (From Google:  Phoebe Bridgers is an American singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Pasadena, California, she was a member of Sloppy Jane before embarking on a solo career. Bridgers’ debut studio album, Stranger in the Alps, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim), and Kendrick Lamar (From Google:  Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Since his mainstream debut in 2012 with Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, Lamar has been regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation and one of the greatest rappers of all time.);  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Tyreek Hill”  (From Google:  Tyreek Hill is an American football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. Hill was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He attended Garden City Community College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of West Alabama.);  NICKNAME:  ”Nathan or Nathaniel”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny” – Steven Hawking;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  ” I mostly I mostly decided to join Track and Field in middle school because all my friends from Soccer who did XC plus my new friends from XC encouraged me to do it. A lot of my now graduated and senior friends also encouraged me to try it while it wasn’t as competitive as high school Track.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?: “Always try everything. If coach needs an extra runner in a relay, go for it. If we need long jumpers or throwers for a JV meet, hop in. Never be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone because, just like me, it might put you in something like the 400 or the hurdles which you may have never known you were good at before. You might just meet some dudes you have never talked to before and grab some new friends. Many of my current best friends I’ve met are from trying new things such as sprinting and some of my best memories came from that as well, so take the jump or you’ll never really know what happens!”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:, Sophomore Brayden Combs, Junior Caleb Durian, Freshman Dylan Gehl, Senior Ines Gonzalez, Junior Zach Stoeger,  and Junior Will Taylor.

DREAM BIG

.

LEAF THROWERS 4 X 1 WINS IT ALL

Pictured are Jack Magerkurth & Karson Emry (Row 1)
Luke Johnsen, Thows Coach Kyle Deets, & Nathan McAvoy

LEAFS 7TH AT THE 37TH ANNUAL
ROCK ISLAND ABC INVITE

On Friday, April 22nd, the Leafs traveled to Rock Island’s Historic Public Stadium which is home to Almquist Field.  The Stadium was built during the “Great Depression” and was a Public Works Project that was part of “F.D.R.’s” “New Deal”.  There have been a plethora of outstanding athletic performances over the years.  The Stadium holds 15,00 spectators and is a magnificiant facility.  Rock Island was only the second school in the State of Illinois to begin utilizing the ABC format which we LOVE.  This format allows for a large number of participants for each team.  The only thing I wish that they would add is “B” Relays.  The traditional competitive field has always contained a “Full” 16 Teams (with a LONG Waiting List.)  Due to COVID-19 protocols, this meet hasn’t been held since 2019 when this year’s senior class were only Freshmen.  Everyone is still dealing with “COVID FALLOUT” which resulted in this year’s competing field to only include 12 teams.  The meet was still outstanding but we all hope additional teams will join in on the fun next year to fill out the 16-team limit.

This years competitive field included teams from:  Alleman, Bloomington, Geneseo, Homewood-Flossmoor, Machesney Park Harlem, Moline, Naperville Central, Plainfield East, Rock Island, Sterling, Thornton Fractional South, and United Township.  The teams were all greeted with temperatures in the low 50’s and thunderstorms that were rolling throughout the area with heavy rain.  The meet’s starting time was delayed by one hour (to 5:00 p.m.) and they decided to go with a “Rolling Schedule” (NO time schedule.)  As the meet progressed the weather kept on improving.  We ended up with temperatures in the 60’s with moderate winds from the SSE.

The Leafs ended up placing 7th in the team competition and had a LOT of GREAT things happen.  Leading the way, was Sophomore Cooper Schaad who was the Leafs’ Lone “Gold Medalist” in the Individual Events.  Joining him in the “Gold Medal” category was the “Throwers 400 Meter Relay” team of Junior Karson Emry, Sophomore Luke Johnsen, Junior Jack Magerkurth, and Senior Nathan McAvoy.  Adding in “Silver Medals” via their 2nd place finishers were 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdlers were Sophomore Jake Rapps in the A Division and Junior Nate Ryerson in the 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles in the B Division.  This meet is really tough to score in and the following men earned “Bronze Medals” via their 3rd place finishes:  Freshman Dylan Gehl  (A-3200 Meter Run & B-1600 Meter Run);  Senior Isaac Kuster  (B-3200 Meter Run);  Junior Jesse Peña  (C-Pole Vault);  Sophomore Jake Rapps  (A-110 Meter High Hurdles);  and Senior Max Sottos  (C-High Jump.)  The team ended up scoring points in 22 of the meets events demonstrating tremendous team depth.  Great Job, Men!  We are approaching the “Homestretch” of the Season.  All the best in the coming weeks.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for Individual Events was A Events:  10-8-7-6-5-4;  B Events:  8-6-5-4-3-2;  C Events:  6-5-4-3-2-1.  The relays the events were scored as follows:  A Relays:  12-10-9-8-7-6;  B Relays  10-8-7-6-5-4.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Karson Emry, Luke Johnsen, Jack Magerkurth, Nathan McAvoy  (Throwers 400 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (B-Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Jake Rapps  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Nate Ryerson  (B-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Dylan Gehl  (C-1600 Meter Run).
  • 3rd Place:  Dylan Gehl  (A-3200 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Isaac Kuster  (B-3200 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Jesse Peña  (C-Pole Vault)
  • 3rd Place:  Jake Rapps  (A-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Max Sottos  (C-High Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Gavin Allison  (A-1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Max Johnson  (C-800 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Jack Magerkurth  (C-Shot Put)
  • 4th Place:  Nathan McAvoy, Zach Stoeger, Thomas Allen, Will Taylor  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Justin Johnson  (B-1600 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (A-Discus)
  • 5th Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (B-Shot Put)
  • 5th Place:  Justin Johnson, Josiah King, Will Taylor, Gavin Allison  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 6th Place:  Karson Emry  (A-High Jump)
  • 6th Place:  Brayden Combs  (B-High Jump)
  • 6th Place:  Brayden Combs  (A-Triple Jump)
  • 6th Place:  Joe Sebastian  (C-110 Meter High Hurdles)

RESULTS

.

69 YEARS OF COACHING

Pictured is Coach Jeff Quick & Coach Tauwon Taylor by the Coach Gene Shipley Track Sign

LEAFS 2ND AT MOLINE J.V. INVITE

On Tuesday, April 19th, the Leafs traveled to Moline’s Browning Field and Gene Shipley Track to participate in the annual Moline J.V. Invitational.  The field included teams from:  Alleman, Galesburg, Geneseo, Moline, Rock Island, and UTHS.  The weatherman continued his stingy weather conditions.  The daytime high of 52˚ had come and gone.  The meet time conditions were 46˚- 48˚ with a 5-10 NNW wind.  It was a perfect night for distance races (which means it was COLD for everything else.)

An added point of interest relates to the picture at the top of this story.  The Moline High School Track is named in Honor of the late Gene Shipley.  He served as the Head Track and XC Coach from 1953 through 1985.  Standing next to his sign are Jeff Quick who was the head Track and XC Coach from 1985 through 2005.  Both Coach Shipley and Coach Quick are elected members of the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame.  The last man in the picture is Tauwon Taylor (Headed to the HOF himself down the road) who took over as the Head Track and XC Coach after Coach Quick.  Both Tauwon and Jeff are also graduates of Moline High School.  So, when you stack their career back-to-back-to-back….these three men have coached the Moline Maroons since 1953.  That is SIXTY-NINE YEARS.  WOW!!!  All three men were “All-State” athletes in their own right but are even better individuals.  They all are (or were) First Class Men!  It has been both my privilege and honor to have known all three men.

The Leafs scored a ton of points (122) which was good for second place in the meet behind UTHS’s 177.  Leading the team were the following “GOLD MEDALISTS:  Sophomore Cooper Schaad (1st Place 800 Meter Run);  Senior Ines Gonzalez, Junior Nate Ryerson, Junior Zach Stoeger, Sophomore Jeron Neal (400 Meter Relay);  Sophomore Thomas Allen, Junior Zach Stoeger, Junior Nate Ryerson, Senior Ines Gonzalez  (1600 Meter Relay);  and Freshman Dylan Gehl, Freshman Christian Haney, Junior Josiah King, Senior Isaac Kuster  (3200 Meter Relay).

The scoring grid for all events was 10-8-6-4-2-1.  Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.

  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (800 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Nate Ryerson, Zach Stoeger, Jeron Neal  (400 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Thomas Allen, Zach Stoeger, Nate Ryerson, Ines Gonzalez  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Dylan Gehl, Christian Haney, Josiah King, Isaac Kuster  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Dylan Gehl  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Tyler Gehl  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Kyle Guerrero  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Zach Stoeger  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 2nd Place:  Caleb Durian, Jack Snyder, Jake Rapps, Max Sottos  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Caleb Durian  (Triple Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Karson Emry  (High Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Max Johnson  (800 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Jake Rapps, Brayden Combs, Tyler Gehl, Dennis Thompson  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Carter Huizenga  (Shot Put)
  • 4th Place:  Isaac Kuster (1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Reed Preston  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Daniel Thompson, Tyler Holtzen, Guage Damewood, Jackson VanHyfte  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 6th Place:  Mason Anderson  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 6th Place:  Brayden Combs  (High Jump)
  • 6th Place:  Cole Freeman  (Discus)
  • 6th Place:  Zach Stoeger  (100 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Dennis Thompson  (Shot Put)
  • 6th Place:  Nathan Venneberg  (110 Meter High Hurdles)

RESULTS

 

.

KADEN IS AN ANIMAL

 Pictured is Sophomore Kaden Salisbury who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

KADEN SALISBURY SELECTED AS THIS
WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Sophomore Kaden Salisbury was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the  week of Sunday, April 10th through Saturday, April  16th.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in a dual meet with Galesburg High School and the Galesburg “Silver Streak” ABC Invitational. 

The dual meet was held on Tuesday, April 12th and was against the Galesburg Silver Streaks.  The meet was held at Geneseo’s Bob Reade Field and Track.  Kaden’s first event was the Shot Put and he was only able to get one throw in.  Kaden placed 3rd in the event with a throw of 12.77 meters (41’ 10 ¾”) but injured his throwing hand when the shot put slid down towards his fingers and he hyperextended his hand.  Throws Coach Kyle Deets, “Shut Him Down” in the Shot Put after that.  He wasn’t going to allow him to compete in the Discus but Kaden convinced him that he was fine to throw the discus.  The results were “Jaw-Dropping”.  Kaden unleashed a series of throws that were all TEN FEET farther than he had thrown all season.  His best was 43.08 meters (141’04”) which is the FOURTH FARTHEST throw for a Geneseo Sophomore IN SCHOOL HISTORY.  WOW!!! 

Kaden was examined the next day by Mr. Todd Ehlert who is certified athletic trainer.  His diagnosis was a soft tissue injury.  He recommended sitting out the Shot Put until the swelling is gone along with the pain.  He gave a thumbs up for competing in the Discus (which resulted in a HUGE Kaden smile.)  Thus, Kaden was next in competition on Friday, April 15th.  The Leafs were competing in the annual Galesburg Silver Streak ABC Invitational.  Kaden won the “A” division (Top Throwers) with another personal best of 43.68 meters (143’ 03”.)  He has been “On Fire” ever since the outdoor season started.  He struggled a bit indoors with his technique.  Few people realize how challenging it is to control the required technique in both the Discus and Shot Put.

The Leaf Throwers have been looking great all season long.  Kaden is a member of a very talented and hard working group.  Maple Leaf Throws Coach Kyle Deets (Head Coach Matthew Deets “Baby Brother”) was an accomplished thrower himself at both Polo High School and Augustana College.  The boys have been working hard and “Making Some Noise”.  Both Kaden and fellow Sophomore Luke Johnsen have been “Climbing the Ladder” in regards to the Sophomore Top 25 Individual List.  Stay tuned…there is a LOT of season left.  Kaden and Luke are also being pushed by a LARGE Group of Highly Motivated young men in the Throws Group.  To say that the future looks bright, would be putting it mildly.

Kaden is a highly energetic young man with a tremendous work ethic.  He also has an infectious smile that literally “Lights up the Room” when he walks in.  He is also a highly accomplished athlete.  You would NEVER guess that when you talk to him.  He is a humble dude.  All the best in the coming weeks and years, Kaden.  Keep Dreaming BIG and backing those dreams up with the hard work that excellence demands.  It is going to be a LOT of fun watching you continue to develop and continue to chase your potential.  Hopefully, there will be a couple of ALL-STATE MEDALS hanging around your next before you move on to the “Next Level”.  GOD BLESS!

This is what Kaden had to say about his athletic history.  In High School…Sophomore Year:  “I started in Football for the Varsity at Defensive Tackle.  I earned my Varsity Letter.  In Track and Field, I have been throwing both the Shot Put and Discus and have been able to throw personal bests several times.  I am “Dreaming Big” for the rest of the season.  My freshman year was kind of crazy due to COVID-19.  Football was moved from the fall into March and April.  Thus, I played Golf that fall and had a LOT of fun.  I can hit the ball a LONG way.  Controlling where it lands is another issue.  During the Football Season, I started at Offensive Guard and Defensive Tackle on the Frosh/Soph Team.  It was an incredible experience to become a member of the “Green Machine”.  I then transitioned into the Track and Field season where I threw both the Shot Put and Discus and earned my Varsity Letter.  (Kaden threw the 12th best Discus and and 17th best Shot Put in Genseseo School History for a FRESHMAN.)   

Prior to High School:  “In 8th Grade played on the “Green” Football Team starting at Offensive Guard and Defensive Tackle.  I started the Track and Field season but it was “Shut Down” by COVID-19 before our first meet occurred.  Bummer.  I did throw the Shot Put and Discus my 7ht grade year and had some success.  I also played Center on Offense and Nose Guard on “D” for the Vikings during 5th, 6th, and 7th grade years in the Geneseo Youth Football League.   I also played Baseball for the “G-Socks” from 2nd grade through 8th grade in the Geneseo Youth Baseball League.  I played both Shortstop and Pitcher.  I had a pretty mean curve ball and could bring some serious “Heat”. 

Lastly, in regards to Kaden’s other interests he shared with me that he began riding a “Dirt Bike” (50 C-C’s) when he was only TWO YEARS OLD.  He raced “P-W” until he was around eight years old and won a few titles along the way.  Then he took a couple of years off before getting back into it.  He is currently riding a 250 (C-C’s) and is racing in the area.  I asked him if Coach Johnsen knew about it and he smiled and said “Yup”.  BE CAREFUL! 

Kaden is the proud son of Mindy and Shane Salisbury.  He is the Proud Baby Bro to Parker (24.)  Both of Kaden’s parents were tremendous athletes themselves.  His mom was a standout in Basketball while his dad excelled in both Golf and Basketball.  In fact, his dad played Collegiate Golf on Scholarship.  Kaden’s “Big Bro”, Parker, was also a Standout for the “Green Machine” and for the Leaf Track and Field Team in the throws.

Here are Kaden’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Steak…I LOVE IT…Favorite Cut?  Probably New York Strip”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Jurassic Park”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Country.  I really like Morgan Wallen”   Here is what Google had to say about him:  Morgan Cole Wallen is an American country music singer and songwriter. He competed in the sixth season of The Voice, originally as a member of Usher’s team, but later as a member of Adam Levine’s team.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Chase Sexton”  (From Google:  Chase Sexton is an American motorcycle racer who rides for HRC Honda in the 450cc Championship in AMA Supercross. Career[edit]. Sexton won back to back AMA );  NICKNAME:  ”K-Steak”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “If you ain’t first you’re last – Ricky Bobby”;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “My friends wanted me to join with them”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?:  “Just try your hardest”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:, Sophomore Thomas Allen, Sophomore Brayden Combs, Freshman Dylan Gehl, Junior Tyler Gehl, Senior Ines Gonzalez, Junior Ian Leetch, Sophomore Reed Preston, Junior Joe Sebastian, Senior Malakai Schaad, and Junior Will Taylor.

DREAM BIG

.

3200 RELAYS “DOUBLE-UP

Pictured are the members of both the 3200 Meter Relay A & B.  Both teams won their races to
claim “GOLD”  Pictured are Max Johnson, Josiah King, Justin Johnson, Mason Anderson,
Gavin Allison, Austin Hull, Tyler Gehl, and Eric States.  That is a VERY rare accomplishment!

LEAFS CLAIM “SILVER STREAK” ABC BRONZE

On Friday, April 15th, the Leafs traveled to Galesburg’s F & M Bank Stadium to participate in the 10th annual “Silver Streak” ABC Track and Field Invitational.  The field included teams from:  Canton, Galesburg, Geneseo, Limestone, Monmouth-Roseville, Morton, and Quincy.  The format for the meet was the same as last Saturday’s UTHS ABC Invite.  The point scoring grid was also the same.

The weatherman gave us a “Mixed Bag”.  The weather conditions for the distance events were nearly perfect.  What does that mean?  It was pretty cold for EVERYTHING ELSE.  The daytime predicted high of 52˚ never happened.  The teams competed in temperatures in the high 40’s with 10-15 mph winds that literally were off and on all night.  My winter jacket was felt pretty good.

The Leafs had a great night and placed a STRONG 3rd place overall.  UT won the meet by a mere two points over Galesburg.  They scored 262 and 260 points, respectfully.  The Leafs were a close third totaling 239 points.  The Leafs demonstrated exceptional depth “Across the Board” by scoring in 41 of the 50 scoring events.  I did the math and that works out to an outstanding 82%.  Great Job, Men!!!

Leading the way were the “Flying Schaad’s” who each won their Divisions of the Pole Vault and put up some very impressive heights in the cold conditions.  Senior Malakai Schaad cleared 4.44 meters (14′ 07″) while his Sophomore brother, Cooper, cleared 4.26 meters (14′ 00″.)  Those heights almost ALWAYS earn ALL-STATE HONORS at the IHSA State Meet.  Great job, Guys!  Other team members who claimed some “Galesburg Silver Streak Gold” included:  Sophomore Jake Rapps (A-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles);  Sophomore Kaden Salisbury  (A-Discus);  Nate Ryerson, Ines Gonzalez, Jack Snyder, Gavin Allision  (B-1600 Meter Relay);  Justin Johnson, Tyler Gehl, Josiah King, Gavin Allison  (A-3200 Meter Relay) and Max Johnson, Eric States, Mason Anderson, Austin Hull  (B-3200 Meter Relay.)  A plethora of team members earned themselves a “Tootsie Roll” (Awarded in a team meeting to all athletes who achieve a season best.)  Great Job, Men!   Our team is on a ROLL.  Keep the momentum moving forward.  Happy Easter to All.  Remember the “Reason for the Season”.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for Individual Events was A Events:  10-8-7-6-5-4;  B Events:  8-6-5-4-3-2;  C Events:  6-5-4-3-2-1.  For the relays the events were scored as follows:  A Relays:  12-10-9-8-7-6;  B Relays  10-8-7-6-5-4.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (A-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (B-Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place:  Malakai Schaad  (A-Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (A-Discus)
  • 1st Place:  Nate Ryerson, Ines Gonzalez, Jack Snyder, Gavin Allision  (B-1600 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Justin Johnson, Tyler Gehl, Josiah King, Gavin Allison  (A-3200 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Max Johnson, Eric States, Mason Anderson, Austin Hull  (B-3200 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Brayden Combs  (C-High Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Brayden Combs  (C-800 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Dylan Gehl  (C-1600 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Isaac Kuster  (B-3200 Meter Run).
  • 2nd Place:  Ian Leetch  (C-Discus)
  • 2nd Place:  Ian Leetch  (C-Shot Put)
  • 2nd Place:  Reed Preston  (C-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Jake Rapps  (A-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Nate Ryerson  (B-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Joe Sebastian  (C-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Thomas Allen  (C-400 Meter Dash)
  • 3rd Place:  Caleb Durian  (Triple Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Dylan Gehl  (A-3200 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Tyler Gehl  (A-800 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Kyle Geurrero  (C-Pole Vault)
  • 3rd Place:  Justin Johnson  (B-1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Gavin Allison  (A-1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Karson Emry  (A-High Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Christian Haney  (C-3200 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Luke Johnsen  (A-Shot Put)
  • 4th Place:  Josiah King  (B-800 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Reed Preston  (B-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Jack Snyder  (C-Triple Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Will Taylor  (A-400 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Jack Snyder, Nate Ryerson, Jake Rapps, Thomas Allen  (B-400 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Caleb Durian, Karson Emry, Nathan McAvoy  (A-800 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Jack Snyder, Matt Daly, Jack Magerkurth, Jesse Peña  (B-800 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Jackson Reade, Thomas Allen, Tyler Gehl, Will Taylor  (A-1600 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Thomas Allen  (B-High Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Carter Huizenga  (B-Shot Put)
  • 5th Place:  Jack Magerkurth  (B-Discus)
  • 5th Place:  Jackson Reade  (A-Long Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Zach Stoeger  (B-400 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Karson Emry  (C-200 Meter Dash)

RESULTS

.

“SUPER SOPH’S” LEAD LEAFS

Pictured are Cooper Schaad and Kaden Salisbury who both had BIG Nights! Cooper broke
his Sophomore PV Record while Kaden threw the 4th best Sophomore Discus in School History

GALESBURG DUAL

On Tuesday, April 12th, the Leafs hosted the Galesburg Silver Streaks in both a girls and boys dual meet.  The meet was held at Geneseo’s Bob Reade Field & Track.  Galesburg ended up winning the meet 81.50 to the Leafs’ total of 64.50.  Several key Maple Leafs were either held out of the meet due to minor injuries or were competing in fewer events for the same reason.  Head Maple Leaf Track & Field Coach, Matthew Deets, knows what he is doing and realizes that the meets that really matter occur during “Championship Meet Season”.

The biggest challenge in regards to Tuesday’s meet was the WIND.  It was blowing from the SSE at 22 MPH with gusts up to 40.  Due to the high winds, the Pole Vault was moved indoors.  The temperature actually rose to a daytime high of 72˚ but the wind continued to blow.  Geneseo and Galesburg have a long history of taking turns hosting an annual dual meet. 

The highlight of the meet was the Pole Vault where “da Flying Schaads” were at it again.  Cooper and Malakai actually tied for first place with a winning height of 4.42 meters (14′ 06″.)  Cooper broke his own Geneseo High School Sophomore Class Record of 14′ 03″.  Simply Amazing Stuff.  The Schaad Brothers are re-writing Geneseo High School’s Pole Vaulting Record Book. 

Sophomore Kaden Salisbury had quite a night himself.  He placed 3rd in the Shot Put (12.77 meters….41′ 10 3/4″.)  During the Shot Put, Kaden injured his throwing hand.  He wanted to still able to compete in the Discus but no one expected too much out of him since he had hurt his hand.  Kaden shocked us all as he had four throws OVER 136′.  His winning toss of 43.08 meters (141′ 04″) is the Fourth Best Sophomore Discuss Throw in GHS SCHOOL HISTORY. The only names ahead of Kaden’s on the Sophomore List are LEGENDARY:  A.J. Marmion, Curt Jensen, and Big Joe Huffman. 

Additional team members who earned “Gold Medals” for “da Leafs” included Junior Gavin Allison who pulled off the unusual 3200 Meter Run and 400 Meter Dash Double (He also ran the 1600 Meter Relay) and Sophomore Jake Rapps who won the 110 Meter High Hurdles is 18.37 running the entire way into the “Teeth” of the wind.  They were joined on the Top Step of the Victory Stand by the 3200 Meter Relay team of Senior Bode Neff, Junior Josiah King, Senior Isaac Kuster, and Junior Tyler Gehl.

It is always fun to host meets at Bob Reade Field & Track.  It was also awesome to watch team members cheering for each other.  That type of encouragement is omnipotent.  Keep up the Great Job, Men.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for Individual Events was 5-3-1 and 5-0 for the Relays.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Gavin Allison  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Gavin Allison  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 1st Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Discus)
  • 1st Place tie:  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place tie:  Malakai Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place:  Bode Neff, Josiah King, Isaac Kuster, Tyler Gehl  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Thomas Allen  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Dylan Gehl  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Tyler Gehl  (800 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Justin Johnson  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put)
  • 2nd Place:  Jack Magerkurth  (Discus)
  • 2nd Place:  Nate Ryerson  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 2nd Place:  Zach Stoeger  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 3rd Place:  Brayden Combs  (High Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Brayden Combs  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Caleb Durian  (Triple Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Kyle Guerrero  (Pole Vault)
  • 3rd Place:  Isaac Kuster  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Jeron Neal  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 3rd Place:  Reed Preston  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Shot Put)

RESULTS

.

USAIN BOLT FEVER HITS “G-TOWN”

Pictured is most of the 2022 team.  The picture was taken on Monday, April 11th.  Several pictures were “snapped” for the team 2022 Poster.  After the main pictures were taken, Head Maple Leaf Coach Matthew Deets suggested this pose.  It is the winner in my mind.  Here is what Google had to say about the Great Man:  Usain St. Leo Bolt, OJ, CD, OLY is a retired Jamaican sprinter, widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time. He is the world record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4 × 100 meter relay.

.

GAVIN IS AN ANIMAL

Pictured is Junior Gavin Allison who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

JUNIOR GAVIN ALLISON SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Junior Gavin Allison was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the sixth week of the 2022 Season.  The time frame for this week’s award ran from Sunday, April 3rd through Saturday, April  9th.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in a quadrangular meet at Stillman Valley and the United Township ABC Invitational. 

The Stillman Valley Quadrangular Meet was held on Tuesday, April 3rd and included:  the Dixon Dukes, the Geneseo Maple Leafs, the Rock Falls Rockets, and the Stillman Valley Cardinals.  After talking the entries over with Gavin and Justin (Johnson), we decided to change the event sequence that each man has been running.  This allowed them the opportunity to run the 3200 Meter Run.  It was a cold and windy meet so running fast times was a challenging assignment.  Gavin won the 3200 Meter Run in a Maple Leaf season best time of 10:35.00.  He secured six team points for the Maple Leafs.  Next up was one time around the track in the open 400 Meter Dash.  Gavin sprinted home in 4th place OVERALL (Not Too Bad for a Distance Dude.)  That’s two more team points for “da Team”.  He “Stopped the Clock” at 57.16 which was a season best in the open 400 for him.  He was TWO FOR TWO in regard to setting a “Season Best”.  Last up was the 1600 Meter Relay.  He teamed up with Junior Zach Stoeger (1st Leg), Sophomore Jackson Reade (3rd Leg), and Junior Will Taylor (4th Leg.)  Gavin ran the second leg in 56.90.  The team won the race in a season best time of 3:43.28.  Six more points for the Maple Leafs’ Team Score and make that THREE FOR THREE for Season Bests.  Way to Go, Gavin!

The 12-Team United Township ABC Invitational was held on Saturday, April 9th.  When the A-3200 Meter Relay took the track, Gavin teamed up with Senior Justin Johnson (1st Leg), Junior Tyler Gehl (2nd Leg), and Junior Josiah King (3rd Leg.)  Gavin ran the anchor leg.  Each man ran with tremendous “Passion and Purpose”.  Gavin brought the team home in 8:47.15 which was a Season Best by a STAGGERING TWENTY-SEVEN SECONDS.  Gavin’s “Split” was another season best for him.  He clocked 2:07.  Amazingly, ALL Eight Men in the 3200 Meter Relays ran SEASON BESTS!!!  I have NEVER seen that happen before.  It was MAGICAL.  Gavin was next on the track in the “LOADED” A-Section of the 1600 Meter Run.  He ran ANOTHER Awesome race that resulted in ANOTHER Season Best and Personal Best.  He placed 5th Overall in the race and was timed in 4:46.43.  He has the fastest times for the Leafs at everything from 800 Meters on Up.  The dude is ONLY A JUNIOR!!!  He ended his competitive week in the 1600 Meter A-Division.  He teamed up with Junior Zach Stoeger (1st Leg), Senior Nathan McAvoy (3rd Leg), and Junior Will Taylor (4th Leg.)  Gavin ran the second leg in 56.90.  The team placed 8th overall and were just “Out of the Medals”.  What a Week!

Gavin is a VERY Special Young Man.  It has been a LOT of fun watching him mature and “Catch Fire” in regards to his athletic desires.  I will cover his athletic history a bit later but I wanted to touch base with the transformation that has occurred within Gavin.  His improvement curve following his Freshman XC Season has been nothing short of Phenomenal.  I met any athlete that was interested in running every day after school that year starting on December 1st.  Gavin came EVERY SINGLE DAY.  HE made the decision to “Walk the Walk” instead of what most people do…..”Talk the Talk”.  Thus, he has learned the critical lesson of the more you put into an endeavor the greater the “Intrinsic” Reward.  He chosen to chase the Pursuit of Athletic Excellence.  How does someone do this?  They TRAIN, intelligently.  They dedicate themselves.  The results speak for themselves.  Stay “Tuned In”….he is still a work in progress.  I love the quote “The Will To Win Means NOTHING Without the Will To Prepare”.  Gavin understands that quote.  Follow him, Men of Geneseo.  All the best in the coming weeks this season and beyond, Gav.  It is a True Honor and Privilege to Be One of Your Coaches.  Keep “DREAMING BIG” and doing the work that making those dreams come to fruition DEMANDS!  Also, don’t forget to enjoy the journey.  The friendships and memories you are creating will pass the test of time.  God Bless.

This is what Gavin had to say about his athletic history.  In High School…Junior Year:  “For my Cross Country season my best time was 16:11.  I set the new course record for the “Rustbuster” 2-mile with a time of 10:44 and ran the new fastest Geneseo Time for the Kewanee Dunes Invite.  I medaled in the Top 40  in the Loaded Field at the Metamora Running Red XC Invite.  The 2021 XC team made history by qualifying for the STATE FINALS for the first time in 20 years for Geneseo.  This year for Track and Field, I am currently the #1 runner for the Leafs in the 800 (2:07), 1600 (4:46), and 3200 (10:35.)  These times will be A LOT faster in the coming weeks.”  Sophomore Year:   My sophomore year I was able to crack the Top 3 in XC.  I also earned multiple medals throughout the season and was able to help the team qualify for the Shazam State Championship (NO IHSA State Meet due to YOU KNOW WHAT.)  My fastest XC time was 16:28.  For the 2021 Track season, I ran a 4:49 mile (GHS’s 2nd fastest), 2:07 800 meter split in the 3200 Relay (#1 Leaf), and a 10:43 3200 Meter Run (#2 Leaf.)  We barely missed qualifying for State in the 3200 Meter Relay.  We had run the “State Standard” earlier in the season but it was Windy and HOT at the Sectional Meet making it tough on every team.  I also participated in the Maple City 4 the day after the State Track Meet and on VERY little sleep ended up running 23:27 for a HUGE PR.  Freshman year in XC was a learning experience.  I did earn a medal at the Freeport Invite’s Open Race.  My Track season was canceled early on due to COVID-19.  I continued to train on my own so that I would be ready when my next opportunity presented itself.

Prior to High School:  “In 8th Grade, I won my first XC Medal at the 2018 Heartland Conference XC Championship in the Open Race.  In Track, I continued to pursue my sprinting lifestyle in the same events that I raced the previous year, but was inspired to test out some longer distances too (800 meters.)  In 7th grade, I participated in XC for the first time as well as Track and Field.  In Track, I trained for the 100 Meter Dash and the 110 Meter High Hurdles.  Prior to that, when I was in preschool, I was put in a little running club by my mom.  When I was in 1st grade, I was on a Little League Soccer Team where my team was dubbed “The Earthquakes”.  Our team was neither good nor bad because we never won or lost a single game.  In 6th grade, my dad had me join the Geneseo Youth Football League.  I played a LOT of positions.

Gavin is the proud son of Julie and Andrew Allison  Gavin is lucky to be a “Twinky”.  He is the Proud Baby Bro (By ONE minute) to Ev.  He is also the Proud Big Bro to Stella (Current 6th Grader.)

Here are Gavin’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Fried Cabbage & Brussel Sprouts mixed with White or Fried Rice topped with Soy Sauce”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “The Batman”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Anything 80’s music (The song:  Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses is pretty catchy”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Steve Prefontaine”  (From Google:  Steve Roland “Pre” Prefontaine was an American long-distance runner who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics. While running for the Oregon Track Club, Prefontaine set American records at every distance from 2,000 to 10,000 meters, as he prepared for the 1976 Olympics.);  NICKNAME:  “Trevor Atkinson”  (During Gavin’s Freshman XC season, for some reason I thought that was his name…I even typed it in stores.  He has a GOOD memory;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “The best pace is a suicidal pace.  Today feels like a good day  to die – Steve Prefontaine”;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “I’ve been working on being the fastest runner that I can be whether it’s sprints or long distance.  Cross Country is all about pacing, endurance, and who has the guts to destroy a huge race course.  While Track is focused on speed, form, and training yourself to be the best in your specific discipline.  I wanted to balance out the speed and endurance so I can equally fast in both forms of running”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?:  ” If you speak it into being – good or bad, it will happen.  Speak good for yourself”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:  Sophomore Thomas Allen, Freshman Dylan Gehl, Junior Tyler Gehl, Junior Kyle Guerrero, Senior Justin Johnson, Junior Josiah King, Junior Jack Magerkurth, Sophomore Jeron Neal, Sophomore Jake Rapps, Sophomore Kaden Salisbury, Senior Malakai Schaad, Junior Joe Sebastian, and Junior Will Taylor.

DREAM BIG

 

.

FRANK SHORTER

1972 Olympic Marathon Champion helped to inspire the Maple Leafs at the UTHS ABC INV.
Frank Shorter is an American former long-distance runner who won the Gold Medal
in the Marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics and the Silver Medal
at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

LEAFS 5TH AT UTHS ABC INV.

On Saturday, April 9th, the Leafs traveled to United Township High School’s historic Soule Bowl to participate in the annual Kiwanis Track and Field Invitational.  The meet has been around for decades for a reason.  The field is always extremely competitive and UTHS always runs first-class meets.  The Leafs have used the meet as their traditional Outdoor Invitational Season Opener.  This year’s field included (along with their Mascot and current enrollment):  Alleman (Pioneers-495 m);  Dunlap (Eagles-1287);  Galesburg (Silver Streaks-1246);  Geneseo (Maple Leafs-849);  Moline (Maroons-2083);  , Plainfield South (Cougars-2422);  Pleasant Valley (Spartans-1402);  Quincy (Blue Devils-1759);  Rock Island (Rocks-1603);  Sherrard (Tigers-427);  Sterling (Golden Warriors-998);  and United Township  (Panthers-1691.)

The meet utilizes an “A-B-C” format for all of the 14 Individual events.  That’s right, three separate levels of competition.  The relays use an “A-B” format.  Thus, each of the four relays have two separate levels of competition.  We LOVE the format.  It allows for a large number of team members to be given the chance to compete.  The top athletes in each event compete at the “A Level”; the Number Two athletes in each event competes at the “B Level”; etc.  The point values are higher at the higher levels of competition.  The “Scoring “Grid” for meet is listed below.  A LARGE number of team members recorded “Personal Bests” which is ALWAYS the goal. 

The weatherman has made any outdoor training challenging thus far in the season.  There have been MANY cold and rainy days.  On Saturday, however, there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky the entire day.  It was a bit chilly when we arrived at 8:30 a.m. (32˚) but the temperature gradually rose over the course of the meet and was up to 52˚ by the end of the meet.  The winds were manageable with a NNE wind of 10-12 miles per hour.  Luckily, the Soule Bowl is sheltered on three sides.  We STRONGLY suggested that the boys put some sun block on and made it available.  What do we know?  Most of the team had red faces by the time they boarded the bus to head for home.  Oh, well.  The sunshine sure did feel GOOD :).

The Leafs scored a top Six Finish in 32 EVENTS, totaling 151.50 points and demonstrating a LOT of depth along the way.  The team ended up with a solid 5th place finish.  Plainfield South won the meet scoring 285 points.  Iowa’s Pleasant Valley was an impressive 2nd scoring 228 points (amazing considering the fact that they don’t contest the Triple Jump or Pole Vault in Iowa.)  Just ahead of the Leafs 5th place team score of 151.50 were fellow Western Big Six Members Galesburg (186.50) and United Township (176.50.)  Just behind the Leafs were:  fellow WB-6ers Quincy (143), Sterling (125), Moline (121), and Rock Island (88.)  The conference season and championship meet should be very competitive.  Each team hopes to continue building towards a “Championship Meet Season Peak”. 

Leading the way for the Leafs were Senior Malakai Schaad who placed first in the Class A Pole Vault. He was the Leafs’ lone winner in the highly competitive “Class A Division”.  The Leafs also grabbed a pair of “Gold Medals” in the “Class B Division” with Junior Jack Magerkurth winning the Discus and Sophomore Cooper Schaad taking the Pole Vault.  Leafs who placed 2nd in the meet were:  Sophomore Brayden Combs (C-High Jump);  Senior Nathan McAvoy (C-200 Meter Dash);  and the B-1600 Meter Relay Team of Sophomore Jeron Neal, Sophomore Thomas Allen, Sophomore Jackson Reade, and Junior Tyler Gehl.  Winning “Bronze Medals” via their 3rd place performances were:  Junior Kyle Guerrero (C-Pole Vault);  Sophomore Jake Rapps (A-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles);  and Junior Joe Sebastian (C-110 Meter High Hurdles AND C-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles.)  Great efforts, Men.  It is going to be a LOT of fun watching all of you continue to improve as the season progresses.  Don’t forget to Enjoy the Journey!

I would also like to give a “Shout Out” to the Vaulters who had a HUGE day.  Senior Malakai Schaad, Sophomore Cooper Schaad, and Junior Kyle Guerrero.  They scored 22 of Geneseo total team points in ONE EVENT.  The Hurdle Crew of Sophomores Jake Rapps and Reed Preston along with Juniors Nate Ryerson and Joe Sebastian scored in ALL SIX of the 110 Meter High Hurdles and 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles heats.  They ended up scoring 28 team points in only TWO EVENTS.  Lastly, GREAT JOB to the Distance Crew for scoring in every middle distance and distance events except the 800 Meter Run and the A 3200 Meter Run.  Those events included scorers in 3200 Meter Run (B & C) and the 1600 Meter Run (A, B, C) as well as scoring in BOTH of the 3200 Meter Relay (A & B.)  As a collective group they scored 30 team points for “da Leafs” on the day.  The fact that there was only ONE Senior in this scoring group and the there were SIX FRESHMEN leaves me drooling upon contemplation about what the future might hold.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for Individual Events was A Events:  10-8-7-6-5-4;  B Events:  8-6-5-4-3-2;  C Events:  6-5-4-3-2-1.  For the relays the events were scored as follows:  A Relays:  12-10-9-8-7-6;  B Relays  10-8-7-6-5-4.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Jack Magerkurth  (B-Discus)
  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (B-Pole Vault) 
  • 1st Place:  Malakai Schaad  (A-Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Brayden Combs  (C-High Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (C-200 Meter Dash)
  • 2nd Place:  Jeron Neal, Thomas Allen, Jackson Reade, Tyler Gehl  (B-1600 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Kyle Guerrero  (C-Pole Vault)
  • 3rd Place:  Jake Rapps  (A-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Joe Sebastian  (C-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Joe Sebastian  (C-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Dylan Gehl  (B-3200 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Dylan Gehl  (C-1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Carter Huizenga  (C-Shot Put)
  • 4th Place:  Justin Johnson  (B-1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Reed Preston  (B-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Jake Rapps  (A-110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (A-Discus)
  • 4th Place:  Justin Johnson, Tyler Gehl, Josiah King, Gavin Allison  (A-3200 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Max Johnson, Mason Anderson, Eric States, Rylan Lambert  (B-3200 Meter Relay)
  • 5th Place:  Gavin Allison  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Thomas Allen  (B-High Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Brayden Combs  (A-Triple Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Luke Johnsen  (A-Shot Put)
  • 5th Place:  Nate Ryerson  (B-300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 5th Place:  Will Taylor  (A-400 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Caleb Durian  (B-Triple Jump)
  • 6th Place:  Karson Emry  (A-High Jump)
  • 6th Place:  Christian Haney  (C-3200 Meter Run)
  • 6th Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (B-100 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Jeron Neal  (C-100 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Zach Stoeger  (B-400 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Jeron Neal, Thomas Allen, Karson Emry  (A-800 Meter Relay)

RESULTS

.

LEAF GOLD MEDALISTS

Pictured are Gavin Allison, Jackson Reade, Will Taylor, Zach Stoeger, Brayden Combs, & Dylan Gehl.
Each man was a part of a Maple Leaf Victory in Tuesday’s action.

LEAFS WIN STILLMAN VALLEY QUAD.

On Tuesday, April 5th, the Leafs traveled to Stillman Valley High School.  The trip took about 1:45 minutes.  The meet included:  the Dixon Dukes, Geneseo Maple Leafs, Rock Falls Rockets, and the Stillman Valley Cardinals.  Field event began at 4:00 p.m with the running events starting at 4:20ish.  This was Geneseo’s first trip to Stillman Valley High School in Track and Field that we know of.

The track facility had recently been updated and was very nice.  They also FATed the meet results.  They get an A+ for that achievement.  The weatherman didn’t give us a perfect day but it was okay.  The daytime high was 51˚.  There was a “healthy” SSW wind blowing for the entire meet with the temperature gradually dropping.  It wasn’t a “night for easy PR’s”.  Multiple team members achieved them ANYWAY.  All races on the track finished into the teeth of the wind on the homestretch.

Leading the Leaf efforts were the following “Gold Medalists”:  Senior Gavin Allison  (3200 Meter Run);  Sophomore Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump);  Freshman Dylan Gehl  (1600 Meter Run);  and the 1600 Meter Relay Team of Junior Zach Stoeger, Junior Gavin Allison, Sophomore Jackson Reade, and Junior Will Taylor. 

Another fun fact for the meet that the Dixon Dukes Head Track and Field Coach is Ryan Deets.  He is the eldest of the three brothers.  Matthew (Our Head Man) is the middle brother.  That leaves Kyle (the baby bro) who coaches the throws for the Maple Leafs.  All three men grew up in Polo, Illinois where they attended Polo High School.  They were standout athletes there and each man took both their academic and athletic talents to Augustana College where they were nurtured by Hall of Fame College Coach Paul Olson.  He is simply one of the finest human beings I have ever met.  Each of the “Deets Bro’s” flourished while at Augie where they earned numerous Varsity Letters and All-Conference Honors.  They are all great guys who possess a LOT of Passion and Purpose for the sport of Track and Field.  We are VERY lucky to have two of the three Deets brothers on the GHS staff.

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for Individual Events was 6-4-3-2-1 and 6-4-2-0 for the Relays.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Gavin Allison  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)
  • 1st Place:  Dylan Gehl  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Zach Stoeger, Gavin Allison, Jackson Reade, Will Taylor  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Karson Emry  (High Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Tyler Gehl  (800 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Jake Rapps  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Jake Rapps  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Shot Put)
  • 2nd Place:  Will Taylor, Zach Stoeger, Jeron Neal, Nathan McAvoy  (400 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Zach Stoeger, Matt Daly, Karson Emry  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Bode Neff, Josiah King, Jason Blick, Tyler Gehl  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Caleb Durian  (Triple Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put)
  • 3rd Place:  Justin Johnson  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Discus)
  • 3rd Place:  Cooper Schaad  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 3rd Place:  Nathan McAvoy, Thomas Allen, Matt Daly, Ines Gonzalez  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Dylan Gehl, Christian Haney, Rylan Lambert, Max Johnson  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Gavin Allison  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Jeron Neal  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place  Ian Leetch  (Discus)
  • 4th Place:  Jackson Reade  (Long Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Nate Ryerson  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 5th Place:  Brayden Combs  (High Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Karson Emry  (Long Jump)
  • 5th Place:  Josiah King  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 5th Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (Discus)

RESULTS

.

KARSON IS AN ANIMAL

 Pictured is Junior Karson Emry who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

JUNIOR KARSON EMRY SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Junior Karson Emry was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the fifth week of the 2022 Season.  The time frame for this week’s award ran from Sunday, March 27th through Saturday, April  02th.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in a triangular meet with The LaSalle-Peru Cavaliers and the Sterling Golden Warriors on Friday, April 1st which was held in Geneseo at Bob Reade Field and Track.

The triangular meet against LaSalle-Peru and Sterling was actually moved from Thursday, March 31st to Friday April 1st due to poor weather.  It was a GREAT move because Thursday’s weather was NASTY.  In that meet, Karson competed in FOUR events.  That’s the maximum that is allowed by the I.H.S.A.  Karson’s day started with action in the Long Jump.  Karson “Soared” to a new personal best with a jump of 5.69 meters (18’ 08”) which was good for 2nd place in the meet and three team points for the Leafs.  He then had to run from the Long Jump runway which is outside of Geneseo’s Bob Reade Field and Track on the north end to the south end where the High Jump is situated.  Karson collected himself and then enjoyed another amazing series of jumps that saw him clear SIX FEET (1.83 meters.)  He tied for first place but was bumped to 2nd on “misses”.  Great Job, Karson!  In case you aren’t scoring, that is another 3 points for the Maple Leafs.  Next up for Karson was action in the 800 Meter.  Karson ran leg one and teamed up with Junior Jack Snyder (2nd leg), Junior Jack Magerkurth (3rd leg), and Sophomore Jackson VanHyfte (4th leg.)  The team placed 3rd overall, just missing scoring points (top 2 in relays in a triangular.)  They “Stopped da Clock” at 1:42.32.  Great Job, Men!  We suffered a stop watch malfunction so we were unable to record their individual “Splits”…. Our Sincere Apologies Men.  Karson’s competitive action ended with the 200 Meter Dash.  Karson “Threw Down” another personal best of 25.37 into a minor head wind.  Karson time placed him sixth overall in the event.  So, to recap, in his individual events he was THREE FOR THREE in PERSONAL BESTS.  That is AMAZING and VERY HARD TO DO.  Way to go, Karson!

Karson has been a difference maker ever since he entered “da program”.  He has been the Leafs Top High Jumper the entire time.  He also has a LOT of enthusiasm.  He is just so positive and supportive of his teammates.  His enthusiasm is “Infectious”.  I have witnessed countless situations where Karson helped to “lift” a teammate to a higher level of performance in both practices and competitive situations.  Keep up the great job, Karson.  You don’t have to be an elected captain to be the best leader on the team.  Yeah, your leadership has been noticed and here is a  special “Shout Out” to YOU!!!  All the best with this season in the coming weeks and beyond.  You are a very special young man.  We are so very glad that you bring high levels of both purpose and passion each and every day.  We also hope that you continue to experience high levels of intrinsic rewards.  Those are the ones that matter them most.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey and all of the great friendships that you have developed.

Karson’s athletic history includes the following:  Junior Year – “Not much this year yet had a fun joining the Cross Country team in the fall.  I battled injury issues but enjoyed the experience.  I am in the middle of my Junior Track season and have some BIG Goals.  Sophomore Year – “I played Basketball for the Maple Leafs.  I played the 5 which is the big man.  Then, during the Track and Field season, I qualified for the STATE FINALS in the High Jump.  I didn’t have my best meet but I placed 15th Overall”.  Freshman Year – I played Basketball for the Maple Leafs.  I played the 5 (Big Man Inside.)   Coach Funk was the head coach he has probably been my favorite coach that  I’ve ever had.  We really connected.  Then, during the Track and Field season I was only able to participate in one track meet (which I won the High Jump) before COVID-19 shut down everything for the rest of the school year.  No sports, or any extra-curricular activities while all academics were accomplished remotely.

“In 8th grade, I played Baseball and was a catcher I played Basketball . . .  I played the 5 but i really wasn’t good enough yet to play much so I sat on the bench most of the season  I played Soccer  and I was a goalie.  During the Track and Field season, I qualified for the State Meet and walked out with a 5th place medal in the High Jump to earn ALL-STATE HONORS.”  In 7th Grade, my true love was Baseball.   I played catcher.  I also played Soccer and was a goalie.  I also played Basketball but I was very bad so I barely got any playing time.  In the spring I tried Track and Field for the first time and I really liked the 200.  I was really bad at it but I thought it was fun then coach wanted me to try High Jump and I had a couple of meets where i didn’t clear a height and then something just clicked and I fell in love with track and mainly High Jump”.  “Previous to that, I played Baseball and was a catcher.  I also played Soccer and was a goalie.  In addition, I played Basketball but was very bad in all of those sports”.

Karson is the proud son of Becky and Frank Emry  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” to FIVE older siblings:  Ashley 31, Rebecca 30, Trent 29, and “da Irish Twins” Rachel and Taylor 27.  By the way “Irish Twins” are siblings that are born in the same year but are NOT actually twins.

Here are Karson’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Chicken Alfredo”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Step Brothers”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Rap & 60-70s Classic Rock”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Kobe Bryant & Lebron James (Bron Raymone James Sr. is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association.);  NICKNAME:  “Chester”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “They laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same- joker;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “I wanted to get faster and strong for Basketball back in middle school then I fell in love with it.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?:  ” just don’t give up on it.  Some of your peers maybe will be better than you at the start but everyone’s potential is limitless so stick with it and work hard and the results will come with it”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:  Sophomore Thomas Allen, Junior Gavin Allision, Junior Tyler Gehl, Senior Ines Gonzalez, Senior Justin Johnson, Junior Josiah King, Sophomore Jeron Neal, Sophomore Kaden Salisbury, Junior Zach Stoeger, and Junior Will Taylor.

DREAM BIG

.

LEAF GOLD MEDALISTS

Pictured L-R Nathan McAvoy, Jeron Neal, Luke Johnsen, Dylan Gehl, Cooper Schaad, Jake Rapps,
Tyler Gehl, Thomas Allen, Ines Gonzalez, Justin Johnson, Zach Stoeger, Gavin Allison, Will Taylor
Missing from the photo was Josiah (Jo Jo) King.  Each man earned a 1st place finish.

LEAFS TOP L-P & STERLING IN TRI.

On Friday, April 1st, the Leafs played host to the LaSalle-Peru Cavilers and the Sterling Golden Warriors.  The teams were treated to a daytime high of 49˚ with minimal winds.  The temperature did gradually drop as the meet proceeded.  Considering how cold and rainy the weather has been in the days leading up to the meet, we were lucky to get it in.  The meet was originally scheduled for Thursday, March 31 but when Maple Leaf Head Coach Matthew Deets suggested to the other schools that the meet be moved back a day (Thursday’s high was 39˚ with a LOT of rain early) they both jumped at the idea.

The team enjoyed having a home meet and not needing to jump on “Big Yellow” for a bus trip to another town.  The team made the most of their opportunities and recorded a plethora of personal bests.  The team scored 94.5 points to defeat both Sterling (57.5 points) and LaSalle-Peru (33 points.)  It was also nice to be competing outdoors for the first time this season.  We are very fortunate to have a tremendous facility.  We also appreciated all of the meet helpers that allowed us to host the meet.  It literally takes an army to run a home meet and when all of our team is competing, it is a challenge to find all the necessary helpers.

Leading the Leafs were the following “Gold Medalists”:  Freshman Dylan Gehl  (3200 Meter Run);  Sophomore Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put);  Senior Nathan McAvoy  (200 Meter Dash);  Sophomore Jake Rapps  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles);  Sophomore Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault);  Junior Will Taylor, Junior Zach Stoeger, Sophomore Jeron Neal, Senior Nathan McAvoy  (400 Meter Relay);  and Senior Ines Gonzales, Sophomore Jeron Neal, Sophomore Thomas Allen, Senior Nathan McAvoy (800 Meter Relay); Justin Johnson, Josiah King, Tyler Gehl, Gavin Allison (3200 Meter Relay.) 

A special “Shout Out” goes to Sophomore Cooper Schaad who broke the Geneseo High School SOPHOMORE SCHOOL RECORD in the Pole Vault TWICE.  He cleared 14′ 01″ and 14′ 03″ to break the previous record set by his big brother Malakai (14′ 00″.)  Great Job, Cooper!  Also, Senior Captain Nathan McAvoy was a part of THREE FIRST PLACE FINISHES (200 Meter Dash, 400 Meter Relay, 800 Meter Relay), and  Sophomore Jeron Neal was a member of TWO FIRST PLACE FINISHING RELAYS (400 Meter Relay & 800 Meter Relay.)  WAY TO GO, MEN!!!

Team members who scored points for the Leafs are listed below.  The scoring grid for Individual Events was 5-3-2-1 and 5-3-0 for the Relays.  The following team members scored points for the Leafs:

  • 1st Place:  Dylan Gehl  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put)
  • 1st Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 1st Place:  Jake Rapps  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 1st Place:  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place:  Will Taylor, Zach Stoeger, Jeron Neal, Nathan McAvoy  (400 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Jeron Neal, Thomas Allen, Nathan McAvoy  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 1st Place:  Justin Johnson, Josiah King, Tyler Gehl, Gavin Allison  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Karson Emry  (High Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Karson Emry  (Long Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Bode Neff  (800 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Jake Rapps  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Nate Ryerson  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Kaden Salisbury  (Discus)
  • 2nd Place:  Malakai Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Will Taylor  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 2nd Place:  Ines Gonzalez, Nate Ryerson, Jackson Reade, Thomas Allen  (400 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Nate Ryerson, Gavin Allison, Cooper Schaad, Thomas Allen  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Thomas Allen  (High Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Gavin Allison  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Brayden Combs  (300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Tyler Gehl  (800 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (Disucs)
  • 3rd Place:  Jackson Reade  (Long Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Joe Sebastian  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 3rd Place:  Zach Stoeger  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place (Tie):  Brayden Combs  (High Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Caleb Durian  (Triple Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Kyle Guerrero  (Pole Vault)
  • 4th Place:  Justin Johnson  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Reed Preston  (110 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Joe Sebastian  (300 Intermediate Hurdles)

RESULTS

.

2022 TEAM CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED

Pictured are Ines Gonzalez, Nathan McAvoy, Malakai Schaad, Justin Johnson, and Tyler Gehl

“da Fab Five”

The team voted for the 2022 Captains on Tuesday, March 29th.  Each team member was asked to vote for one teammate from within their main event group.  Then, they were asked to vote for three additional team members that they felt were deserving of this honor.  The results of that “Votes” were announced to the team on Wednesday, March 30th.  Thirty-Nine Team members received votes.  What does that mean???  This team has a LOT of great leaders.  The five men pictured above were the individuals who were elected.  Congratulations to each man.  We feel very confident that they will “Earn” this award.  We are also confident that every man on the team will do their best each and every day to lead by example and / or verbally.  Bring on the Outdoor Season!  All the best, Men.  We hope that each of you enjoys a wonderful experience this spring via being a member of this team.

BACK GENESEO TRACK

.

COOPER IS AN ANIMAL

 Pictured is Sophomore Cooper Schaad who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

SOPHOMORE COOPER SCHAAD SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Sophomore Cooper Schaad was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the fourth week of the 2022 Season.  The time frame for this week’s award ran from Sunday, March 20th through Saturday, March 26th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Coach Matthew Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the Leafs participated in the Illinois Top Times Invitational which was held on Saturday, March 26th. 

The meet is considered to be the “Unofficial” Indoor State Championship for the State of Illinois.  The meet was held on the Campus of Illinois Wesleyan University which is a private liberal arts college in Bloomington, Illinois and was founded in 1850.  The meet was held in the Shirk Center.  Athletes had to qualify for the meet.  Qualification was based on season best performances for the 2022 season.  The Leafs were represented by Sophomore Luke Johnsen (Shot Put), Sophomore Jake Rapps (60 Meter High Hurdles), Sophomore Cooper Schaad (Pole Vault), Senior Malakai Schaad (Pole Vault), and Junior Will Taylor (400 Meter Dash.)

Cooper was the “Lone Leaf” to score any team points.  Points and medals were awarded to the Top 8 Finishers.  Cooper placed 7th in a very talented Pole Vault field.  His best height on the day was 4.25 meters (13’ 11 ¼”.)  During the competition he also cleared 3.80 meters (12’ 05 ½”), 3.95 meters (12’ 11 ½”), and 4.10 meters (13’ 05 ¼”.)  That performance earned him the “Animal of the Week Award”.  Cooper has been “On Fire” all season long.  I have been pretty busy on this end so I’m typing his on Sunday, April 3rd.  Thus, our triangular meet with LaSalle-Peru and Sterling meet results are available.  In that meet, Cooper broke his big brother Malakai’s Geneseo High School Sophomore School Record in the Pole Vault TWICE.  He cleared 14’ 01” (4.29 meters) and 14’ 03 ¼” (4.35 meters.)  As of today, Cooper has already has 18 of the top 25 performances in Geneseo Sophomore Pole Vaulting History and it’s only Sunday, April 3rd.  WOW!  Cooper has moved Malakai down to 2nd on the All-Time Sophomore List and his Pole Vault Coach Arthur Atwell (cleared 13’ 06”) down to 3rd.  In fact, that is the 3rd highest vault in SCHOOL HISTORY!  Third to his brother Malakai and (Coach) Arthur Atwell.  What the “Flying Schaads” are doing along with their fearless leader (Coach Arthur Atwell) is simply “JAW-DROPPING”.  We wish you continued success.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.  It isn’t crazy to drop in the goals of winning a State Championship, Earning All-American Honors in College, and earning a trip to the United States Track and Field Olympic Trials in 2024 and beyond (do I dare type qualifying for the Olympic Team???)  Why not?!  Goals are fun to chase 🙂

Cooper’s previous athletic endeavors include the following:  Sophomore Year:  Earned his Varsity Letter in Wrestling and helped the team win the Western Big 6 Title.  He also earned his 2nd straight letter in Cross-Country in which he helped the Leafs qualify for the State Finals for the second straight year.  That is a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in over 20 years.  His Freshman year saw him star in XC (previously mentioned) and enjoy a Track and Field season that was amazing.  Due to COVID-19, both Wrestling and Track and Field seasons ran concurrently from April into June.  He chose to focus on Track and Field.  The season was dramatically shortened.  It included a couple of Invitational Meets and a LOT of Dual Meets.  It also included the IHSA Sectional Meet and State Meet.  Cooper “Rewrote” the Freshmen Top 25 Performance List by grabbing 28 of the top 30 jumps in Freshman School History.  All in an abbreviated season.  Simply incredible stuff.  He established a new Geneseo Freshman School Record of 14’ 00” (4.26 meters) and earned ALL-STATE HONORS at the IHSA STATE FINALS in the Pole Vault.

Prior to high school, Cooper participated in Cross Country, Wrestling and Track and Field during his 8th grade year.  He qualified for the state finals in Cross Country as an individual.  He almost qualified for state in Wrestling, just missing.  His Track and Field season was shut down due to COVID-19 just a few days before the first meet was schedule to occur.  In 7th grade, Cooper participated in Cross Country where he barely missed qualifying for the State Meet as an individual.  He also participated in Wrestling where he qualified for the Sectional Meet and just missed qualifying for the State Meet.  He also participated in Track and Field where he participated in numerous events.  His “Bread and Butter” event was the Pole Vault where he placed 3rd in the IESA STATE MEET to earn ALL –STATE HONORS.  Prior to 7th grade, Cooper wrestled as a 6th grader the Geneseo Middle School and qualified for the Sectional Meet.  He also was active an active participant in Club Soccer from Kindergarten until middle school.  He was a “Beast” and played EVERYWHERE on the field. 

Here are Cooper’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Chicken Heart”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Chef”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Lawrence”…I have never heard of them..here is what Google had to say…Lawrence is a US-based soul-pop group founded by New York City-raised sibling duo Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, who have been singing, performing, and writing songs together since their early childhood. Today, Lawrence is an eight-piece band that has released three studio albums, plus several live and acoustic albums.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Will Daniels  (Leaf Legend…..All-American and National Champion in the Decathlon and Heptathlon in College.  Qualified for the 2020 Olympic Track and Field Trials;  NICKNAME:  “Coop”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “The will to win means little without the will to prepare” – Juma Igangaa;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “My brother was in it as were several of my friends.  I also experienced a lot of success in middle school”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?:  “Go All In”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:  Senior Malakai Schaad, and Sophomore Will Taylor.

DREAM BIG

.

ILLINOIS TOP TIMES INV.

Pictured are Luke Johnsen, Cooper Schaad, Jake Rapps, Malakai Schaad, and Will Taylor

FIVE LEAFS COMPETE WITH STATE’S BEST

On Saturday, March 26th, the Leafs competed in the Illinois Top Times Indoor Invitational.  The meet is considered to be the “Unofficial” Illinois Indoor State Championship.  The Leafs were represented by Sophomore Luke Johnsen (Shot Put), Sophomore Jake Rapps (60 Meter High Hurdles), Sophomore Cooper Schaad (Pole Vault), Senior Malakai Schaad (Pole Vault), and Junior Will Taylor (400 Meter Dash.)  Most of the schools in the State of Illinois had NO ONE qualify.  Geneseo was represented by FIVE MEN and four of them will return next year.  The meet is a great opportunity to get some “Big Meet” experience.

The meet is set up for competition in all three Illinois Track and Field Classifications.  The 1A competition was contested Friday evening.  The 2A competition started at 9:00 a.m. with the 3A to follow.  That resulted in a 6:15 a.m. bus departure time.  The selection process for entry into the meet was based on performances during the indoor season through last weekend.  Then, they offered entry into the meet in a descending order.  Not all schools accepted but most did.

Sophomore Jake Rapps was the first Maple Leaf boy to compete when he lined up for the 3rd heat of the 60 Meter High Hurdles.  Jake ran a solid race and ended up placing 5th in his heat.  Only the top 8 fastest times qualified for the finals.  Jake ended up 16th overall and ran an excellent time of 9.26 which was just off his personal best.  Jake performed well and has a VERY bright future.  Keep up the hard work, Jake.  I am drooling with anticipation as we move into the outdoor season.  Bring on the 110 Meter High Hurdles and the 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles.  Way to go, Jake.

Up next for the Maple Leafs was Sophomore Luke Johnsen (“LJ, 3rd”) in the Shot Put.  Luke was up against a tremendous field of throwers and ended up with a throw of 13.20m (43′ 03 3/4″).  Luke wasn’t happy and was hoping for a lot more.  That is a GOOD problem.  That means he cares a LOT.  The Shot Put is a very technical event.  Luke, your potential is “Through the Roof”.  Keep paying your dues in practice.  The results will prove well worth it.  Bring on the outdoor season and let’s add in the Discus.  We are VERY proud of you.

Up next for the Leafs were the “da Flying Schaad’s”.  Sadly, Malakai “Tweaked” his hamstring on Monday and was “Held Out” of the competition.  It was not an easy decision but it was the right one.  Better to be safe than sorry at this point in the season.  He did a GREAT job of supporting his brother despite the challenging circumstances for him.  Sophomore Cooper Schaad came in at 3.80m (12′ 05 1/2″) and cleared it on his 2nd attempt.  Next up was 3.95m (12′ 11 1/2″) which he cleared on his first attempt.  Next up was 4.10m and his first chance to use his new pole.  It is the next pole in the sequence for him and it is going to take a bit of an adjustment for him to feel comfortable.  He has complete faith in Vault Coach Arthur Atwell and used it for his first two attempts which he did not clear the bar.  He switched back to the previous pole and “Mr. Clutch” cleared on his final attempt at that height.  He then switched back to his “Big Stick” for 4.25m and repeated the exact same sequence.  He had two solid attempts but near-missed before moving back to the same pole that he cleared to sail over 13′ 11 1/4″.  “Mr. Clutch” was on his game.  He then took 3 great attempts at 4.40m (14′ 05 1/4″) barely missing them all.  Cooper ended up placing 7th to become the Leafs’ lone medal winner.  Way to go, Cooper!  Bring on the outdoor season.  Way to be a team man, Malakai!!!

Last up for the Leafs was Junior Will Taylor who competed in the 400 Meter Dash.  The field was “Loaded” and Will ran a strong race.  He participate in the 5th heat and was just off his indoor best time with his 54.35.  His time was good for 20th overall.  Great Job, Will!  Bring on the outdoor season.  Both your work ethic and intense competitive streak are true pleasure to watch.  All the best in the coming competitive opportunities.   

Listed below is the lone team member who scored points via his top 8 place finish in the meet.  The meet scoring grid was 10-8-7-6-4-3-2-1.

  • 7th Place:  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)

RESULTS

.

JAKE IS AN ANIMAL

 Pictured is Sophomore Jake Rapps who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

SOPHOMORE JAKE RAPPS SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Sophomore Jake Rapps was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the third week of the 2022 Season.  The time frame for this week’s award ran from Sunday, March 13th through Saturday, March 19th.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in a triangular meet with Rock Island Alleman and Sterling on Tuesday, March 15th and the Galesburg “Last Chance Invitational” held at Monmouth College on Saturday, 19th.

In the triangular meet against Alleman and Sterling, Jake competed in FOUR events.  That’s the maximum that is allowed by the I.H.S.A.  Jake’s competitive day started with action in the Long Jump.  Coach Deets is searching for long jumpers and it appears to be an event that might be a good fit for Jake.  He placed 12th in the event with 3.61 meters (11’ 10 ¼”.)  He was having a LOT of problems with “Hitting the Board”.  Hang in there, Jake.  This can be a GREAT event for you and our team needs some help there.  Next up was “His Bread & Butter” event indoors (he 60 Meter High Hurdles.)  He blitzed the field as he sprinted to a lifetime best of 9.22 in winning the event.  Up next was a leg on one of the Maple Leafs’ 800 Meter Relays.  Jake ran the second leg in 25.75 seconds.  He teamed up with Jack Magerkurth (1st leg), Max Sottos (3rd leg), and Karson Emry (4th leg.)  Their team placed 3rd overall in the Varsity Race.  Last up was the 1600 Meter Relay.  Head Coach Matthew Deets was using the meet as both a competitive opportunity for the team but also a workout in a competitive environment.  Jake’s 1600 Meter Relay Team placed 5th overall with at time of 4:01.33.  Jake ran the second leg in 1:03.25.  The team consisted of Nathan McAvoy (1st leg), Jake (2nd leg), Max Sottos (3rd leg), and Austin Hull.  Great stuff ,Jake.

Jake’s week of competition concluded with action in the Galesburg “Last Chance Invitational” hosted at Monmouth College’s Huff Athletic Center.  Jake competed in two events.  First up was the 60 Meter High Hurdles.  Jake was chasing a time that would be fast enough to qualify him for the Illinois Top Times Indoor Invitational.  The meet is the “Unofficial” Illinois Indoor State Championship.  Jake “Punched” his ticket by “Throwing Down” a lifetime best of 9.13 which placed him 3rd in the 30-Team Field.  He also participated in the Open 400 Meter Dash.  Jake recorded another season best with his open time of 59.50.   

I have known Jake since his oldest sister (Becca) ran cross-country for our high school.  She graduated from G.H.S. in 2016 so that means that Jake was a mere 7 years old when I met him for the first time.  It has been a lot of fun watching him and his siblings grow up before my eyes.  He is a hard worker but humble.  He possesses high levels of both passion and purpose.  He is also demonstrating HIGH levels of leadership.  This is rare for someone so young.  Maple Leaf fans need to keep their eyes on this one.  I predict that he is going to accomplish some great feats at GHS before “taking it to the next level”.  We wish you all the best, Jake.  Keep chasing your potential.  It will lead you to GREATNESS.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way.  God Bless you and your wonderful family.  One other cool fact about his family that I wanted to share concerns his parents and an amazing gift that they give to their children when they graduate from high school.  I am sharing this hoping the idea “Catches On”.  The graduate gets to pick a vacation trip ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.  Both mom and dad accompany them along with the sibling of their choosing.  HOW COOL IS THAT?????  His Mom & Dad ROCK!!!

Jake’s athletic history includes the following:  Sophomore Year – Jake wide receiver for the “Green Machine” on offense and safety on “D”.  The coaching staff also “shuffled the deck” a little late in the season an experimented with him as a kicker and as a quarterback.  Stay tuned-in for further developments in those areas next fall. Jake has already earned his Varsity Letter in Track and Field this season and we are still only in MARCH.  His Freshman Year saw him earn participate in three sports in an unusual fashion.  He had planned to play Football in the fall but COVID-19 moved the season to the early spring which made him available to run Cross Country which he had done in middle school.  Jake jumped in to try and help the team and condition himself for the “Gridiron”.  Jake played wide receiver on offense and safety on defense for the Green Machine on the F/S Team.  Then, after Football, season he joined the high school Track and Field Team.  Jake has been working on learning how to hurdle with MAJOR disruption from COVID-19.  He enjoyed a strong season that saw him earn his VARSITY LETTER.  Not bad for a freshman learning new skills in challenging events.  Before the season was over, Jake had recorded the 15th fastest 110 Meter High Hurdle Time in SCHOOL HISTORY for Freshmen.  He clocked an outstanding time of 17.48 in our COVID-19 shortened season.  He wasn’t finished yet.  He followed that up with the 12th fastest 300 Meter Intermediate Hurdle Time in SCHOOL HISTORY for Freshmen.  Jake “Stopped the Clock” at 44.77 seconds at the WB-6 Conference Meet.  I predict that he will continue to attack the class records sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.  The dude is FOR REAL and is ready to do some MAJOR DAMAGE to those lists.  Ready, Set, Go!!!  All the Best, Jake!

Before High School, Jake participated in Cross-Country where he raced at a high level.  He also planned to participate in Track & Field but the season was shut down by COVID-19 the day before the first meet was scheduled.  Seriously, that’s a major bummer.  In 7th grade, ran Cross-Country while he played both Fullback and Defender for the Chiefs in the Geneseo Youth Football League.  He also participated in Track & Field running the hurdles and whatever Coach Todd Ehlert needed him to do.  Prior to Middle School, Jake was a “Main Man” on the Chiefs in the Geneseo Youth Football League where he played fullback and everywhere on “D”.  He started his “Gridiron” career in 5th grade.  He also attended HUNDREDS of athletic events supporting his older siblings.    

Jake is the proud son of Alisande and Paul Rapps.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” to Becca (24), Drew (22), Colby (20), Ali (18 and current G.H.S. Senior.)  He is also the proud “Big Bro” to Lizzie (14.)  Jake’s family has had a HUGE Impact on the Geneseo High School Teams that they participated on.  HUGE!!! 

Here are Jake’s answers to the “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Stuffed Green Peppers”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Dinner for Schmucks”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Pop & Rap”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Julio Jones…for those who don’t know who he is here is a quickie from Google (Quintorris Lopez “Julio” Jones Jr. is an American Football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college Football at Alabama, and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2011 NFL);  NICKNAME:  “Jake”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Do or Do Not . . . There is NO TRY” – Yoda;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “All of my family made me do it and I LOVED IT”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?:  “Just try as many events as possible to find what you like instead of doing what people say you should do”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:  Junior Gavin Allison, Junior Karson Emry, Junior Tyler Gehl, Senior Justin Johnson, Junior Josiah King, Sophomore Cooper Schaad, Senior Malakai Schaad, and Sophomore Will Taylor

DREAM BIG

.

“BIG ISAAC” AND “LITTLE ISAAC”

Pictured are Isaac Kuster (Big Isaac) and Dylan Gehl (Little Isaac)

Both men ran the 3200 placing 6th and 7th and were never more than 1 step from each other.

LEAFS SCORE 57 POINTS IN 30 TEAM INV.

On Saturday, March 19th, the Leafs traveled to Monmouth to participate in the “Silver Streak Last Chance Invitational.  The meet was hosted by Galesburg High School on the campus of Monmouth College.  The meet was held in the  Huff Athletic Center.  The facility is tremendous (just like last Saturday’s meet at St. Ambrose University) and the Leafs took advantage of the opportunity being in such a fine environment.  The meet included teams from:  Abingdon (A-Avon), Bartonville (Limestone), Biggsville (West Central), Burlington, Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central), Dunlap, East Moline (United Township), East Peoria, Elmwood, Farmington, Fort Madison, Galesburg, Geneseo, Kewanee, Kewanee (Wethersfield), Knoxville, Lincoln, Macomb, Madison, Moline, Monmouth (M-Roseville), Orion, Peoria H.S., Peoria (Notre Dame), Pleasant Plains, Princeton, Quincy, Rock Island (Alleman), Sherrard, Taylor Ridge (Rockridge), Toulon (Stark County.) 

Due to the large field and the fact that the meet included 30 girls teams also, meet management decided to split the meet into a Boys Session followed by a Girls Session.  What a great idea.  They alternate every year.  The only challenging thing about that decision was that meant an early wake-up for the boys.  The meet started at 8:30 a.m. and our bus left the school at 6:15 a.m.  Thus, next year the boys will go second and get to sleep in.    The reason that the meet is called “The Last Chance Invitational” refers to the fact that it is the last chance for athletes to qualify for next Saturday’s Top Times Invitational (unofficial Illinois Indoor State Meet.)  There were elite performances in every event and a plethora of future “All-State ” athletes “In the House”.  

The Leafs grabbed top 8 finishing places in twelve events.  That is extremely impressive considering the fact that there were 30 teams competing.  Leading the way was the Leafs lone “Gold Medalist”, Senior Pole Vaulter Malakai Schaad, who won the event with a leap of 4.34 meters (14′ 02 3/4″.)  Team members who placed 2nd (earning “Silver Medals”) included Sophomore Cooper Schaad (Pole Vault) and the 3200 Meter Relay Team (Junior Gavin Allison, Senior Justin Johnson, Junior Tyler Gehl, and Freshman Christian Haney.)  Sophomore Jacob Rapps was the lone Maple Leaf who placed in the Top 3 to earn “Bronze Medals”.  Jacob achieved this accomplishment in the 60 Meter High Hurdles.

The meet was non-scored but we awarded team points to the top eight places just like they awarded in the large field of teams at the St. Ambrose Invitational last Saturday.  The scoring formula for both individual events and relays was 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.  The following team members scored points via their top 8 place finish:

  • 1st Place:  Malakai Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Gavin Allison, Justin Johnson, Tyler Gehl, Christian Haney  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Jacob Rapps  (60 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Gavin Allison  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Will Taylor  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 5th Place:  Will Taylor, Zach Stoeger, Nate Ryerson, Cooper Schaad  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 6th Place:  Justin Johnson  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 6th Place:  Isaac Kuster  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 7th Place:  Dylan Gehl  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 7th Place:  Luke Johnson  (Shot Put).
  • 7th Place tie:  Karson Emry  (High Jump)

RESULTS

.

“IRON MAN”

Pictured are Tayloran Atwell, Malakai Schaad, and Vault Coach Arthur Atwel
(By the way this is the first Track Picture of “da Newlyweds”…married December 31st!!!)

LEAFS WIN ALLEMAN & STERLING TRI.

On Tuesday, March 15th, the Leafs traveled to Sterling’s Westwood Sports Complex to participate in a Triangular Meet with Rock Island Alleman Pioneers and the host Sterling Golden Warriors.  The meet also had three girls teams competing (Alleman, Moline, and Sterling.)  None of the teams “Loaded Up” their line-ups.  The Leafs won the meet scoring 76 points.  Sterling placed second scoring 57 points while Alleman placed 3rd scoring 12 points. 

The Leafs were led by the following “Gold Medalists”:  Junior Gavin Allison (800 Meter Run);  Junior Karson Emry  (High Jump);  Sophomore Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put);  Senior Justin Johnson  (1600 Meter Run);  Sophmore Jacob Rapps  (60 Meter High Hurdles);  Senior Malakai Schaad  (Pole Vault);  Junior Will Taylor  (400 Meter Dash);  and the 3200 Meter Relay (Gavin Allison-11, Justin Johnson-12, Tyler Gehl-11, Josiah King-11.) 

A special “Shout Out” goes to Senior Malakaii Schaad.  Malakai just finished a “Big Weekend” that saw both of his parents accompany him to New York City to participate in the New Balance Indoor Nationals over the weekend.  I learned after Tuesday’s meet that Malakai and his parents GOT HOME at 6:30 a.m. MONDAY MORNING.  He “Crashed” for a short time before heading to school.  It is hard to imagine just how tired he must have been feeling Tuesday afternoon.  I honestly thought he might not compete.  He not only competed but won the Pole Vault competition as he “Soared” to the 2nd highest 2A height of the indoor season.  Malakai cleared 4.57 meters (15′ 00″) before taking 3 excellent attempts at 15′ 06″ and barely missing.  Well done, Malakai!  All of that has earned him the “Nickname” of “Iron Man”.

The meet awarded team points to the top 2 places in relays and the top 4  places individual events.  The scoring formula for individual events was 5-3-2-1 and for the relays it was 5-3-0.  The following team members scored points via their top 8 place finish:

  • 1st Place:  Gavin Allison  (800 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Karson Emry   (High Jump)
  • 1st Place:  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put)
  • 1st Place:  Justin Johnson  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 1st Place:  Jacob Rapps  (60 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 1st Place:  Malakai Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 1st Place:  Will Taylor  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 1st Place:  Gavin Allison, Justin Johnson, Tyler Gehl, Josiah King  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Karson Emry  (Long Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Isaac Kuster  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 2nd Place:  Reed Preston  (60 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 2nd Place:  Nathan McAvoy, Jack Snyder, Ines Gonzalez, Matthew Daly  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Will Taylor, Zach Stoeger, Thomas Allen, Cooper Schaad  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Isaac Kuster, Jason Blick, Mason Anderson, Samuel McCleary  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Thomas Allen  (High Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Brayden Combs  (Long Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Dylan Gehl  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 3rd Place:  Jack Snyder  (Triple Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Will Taylor  (60 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Kyle Guerrero  (Pole Vault)
  • 4th Place:  Christian Haney  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Jeron Neal  (60 Meter Dash)
  • 4th Place:  Joseph Sebastian  (60 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Max Sottos  (High Jump)
  • 4th Place:  Zach Stoeger  (400 Meter Dash)

RESULTS

.

NATHAN IS AN ANIMAL

Pictured is Senior Nathan McAvoy who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

SENIOR NATHAN MCAVOY SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Senior Nathan McAvoy was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the second week of the 2022 Season.  The time frame for this week’s award ran from Sunday, March 6th through Saturday, March 12th.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in the St. Ambrose “Fighting Bees” Invitational.

Nathan’s competitive day started with action in the 60 Meter Dash.  The 17-Team meet provided for stellar competition in EVERY event.  Nathan “Blazed” a lifetime best time of 7.43 to place 8th in the event and scored one point for “da Leafs”.  Next up was action in the 800 Meter Relay.  Nathan anchored the team with the Leafs’ fastest “Split” on the day.  His split time was 24.17.  In that relay, he teamed up with Sophomore Jeron Neal (1st Leg), Junior Zach Stoeger (2nd Leg), and fellow Senior Ines Gonzalez (3rd Leg.)  The Leafs placed 6th in the event to score 3 team points and recorded a season best time of 1:39.41.  Last up was the 200 Meter Dash.  Nathan ran another lifetime best as he “Blitzed da Oval” in a mere 24.57.  That is moving indoors and his time was fast enough to place him 6th overall in the field.  To recap….that is 3 for 3 in “Scoring Team Points”.  It is also 3 for 3 in regards to setting “Lifetime Bests”.  What a day!!!  Great stuff, “Mac”! 

I have known Nathan since we was born.  I have watched him grow up.  To say that I am proud of him would be a HUGE understatement.  I “Nicknamed” him “The Flash” after his opening meet performances (which took all of us by surprise.)  We have always thought of Nathan as more of a thrower.  Probably with the Discus being his omnipotent event.  Well, after his performances at Sterling, the coaching staff needed to reevaluate where he he can be most productive in regards to helping the team.  That appears to be a “No Brainer”.  THE SPRINTS.  Who would have thought???  I asked Nathan if he would prefer the “Nickname” “The Rocket”.  His response was…..if you like but isn’t “The Flash” FASTER than “The Rocket”.  Checkmate!  “The Flash” IT IS. 

The McAvoy Family history is Rich and Lengthy in the Geneseo Community.  According to his Aunt Shelly, Alexander McAvoy (He was Nathan’s GREAT – GREAT – GREAT – GREAT – GREAT – GREAT – GREAT Grandfataher…..that’s 7X in case you lost count) got things started when he moved his family to Geneseo in 1865.  That is 122 YEARS AGO!!!  His Grandfather, Ted, served as a Geneseo High School Principal in addition to achieving high levels of success as both an athlete, teacher, and coach all in the Geneseo School System.  He was elected to the Geneseo High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.  Similar success levels can be found via his Aunt and Uncles.  His parents were also excellent athletes along with his older brother Alex (Football and Track and Field for the boys and diving for him Mom.)  In addition, his cousins athletic and academic resumes are also extensive, to put it mildly.  Another point of interest is the father of his Aunt.  I am not certain what the relationship is (cousin maybe) the man’s name is Carlton Fisk who isn’t from G-Town but WOW…(Carlton Ernest Fisk, nicknamed “Pudge” and “The Commander”, is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1969 to 1993 for the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. He was the first player to be unanimously voted American League Rookie of the Year.)  I could go on for a LONG TIME but will stop here.  Geneseo is LUCKY his family ancestors decided to call Geneseo “Home” and stay here.  God Bless Them All.

Nathan is a very special young man in his own right.  His future plans include attending Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona where he plans to major in Computer Science.  He has invited all of us to come and visit him next winter when the thermometer dips below ZERO “Up North”.  He has a Grandmother who lives in the Phoenix area and has been visiting her since he was a “Little Mac”.  He fell in love with both the area and weather.  Knowing Nathan as I do, you expect nothing but a stellar academic career at ASU.  Look for similar success when he finalizes his career path.  He is an extremely hard worker and has the “It Factor”.  All of that equals SUCCESS.  It is always special to me when a Senior “Catches Fire” and “Takes it to the Next Level”.  I wish you continued success, Nathan both in high school and beyond.  I also hope that you are able to “Enjoy the Journey”.  God Bless You.  “Carpe Diem”.

Nathan’s athletic history includes the following:  Senior Year – Nathan started in Football at Linebacker on Defense and Fullback on Offense.  He was also the Maple Leafs starting 182 in Wrestling earning “All-Conference Honors” at the WB-6. He also wrestled 195 pounds to the Leafs.  His Junior Year saw him earn his Varsity Letter in Football for the first time playing Defensive End and Offensive Guard.  Due to COVID-19, both the Wrestling season and Track and fFeld season ran concurrently.  He was a thrower for the Leafs and saw minimal action in the sprints (all the throwers sprint a little.)  However, it looks as though his “Throwing Days” are over he has “Blossomed” into the Leafs’ Number One sprinter. Sophomore year he played the same positions in Football and also was a member of the Wrestling team.  His Track and Field season ended after a couple of indoor meets (he was only a thrower then) due to COVID-19 shutting EVERYTHING DOWN.  His Freshman year he played the same positions in Football.  During the winter he tried his hand at bowling for G.H.S.  He also threw the Shot and Discus for our Track and Field team.

Before High School, Nathan played Offensive Guard and Defensive Tackle in Football.  He also was a thrower for the Track and Field team.  In 7th grade, he played the same positions in football and was a thrower in Track and Field.  Prior to Middle School, Nathan played for the “Eagles” in the Genseo Youth Football League.  He played Defensive End and was the “Starting Quarterback”.  The time frame for his “Eagles” career was from 1st through 5th grade.  He also participated in youth Soccer (playing EVERYWHERE) and youth Baseball (Catcher and Shortstop.)

Nathan is the proud son of Jeff and Holly McAvoy.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” to Alex (Current Junior in College and former Maple Leaf Star Athlete.)

Here are Nathan’s answers to his “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “Sweet Potato Casserole”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Rango Rango”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “Genre….90’s Alternative Rock…Artist…..Playboi Carti”.  I have never heard of them so I did a Google Search and this is what I found (Jordan Terrell Carter, known professionally as Playboi Carti, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Atlanta, Carter was initially signed to local underground label Awful Records prior to signing with ASAP Mob’s AWGE Label under Interscope Records.);  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Chris Bumstead”  I do know him (Many people have have asked me if I was him.)  For those of you that have never heard of him this is what Google had: (Christopher Adam Bumstead is a Canadian IFBB professional bodybuilder. Bumstead is the reigning Mr. Olympia Classic Physique winner, having won the competition in 2019, 2020 and 2021. He was also the runner-up in 2017 and 2018.) ;  NICKNAME:  “Mac” and now, “The Flash”;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity;  but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes to make them possible – T.E. Lawrence.;  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “When my brother did it I found out I was good at throwing”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?:  “You get out of it what you put in;  MOTIVATE YOURSELF”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:  Sophomore Thomas Allen, Junior Gavin Allison, Junior Matthew Daly, Freshman Dylan Gehl, Senior Isaac Kuster, Sophomore Jacob Rapps, Sophomore Jackson Reade, Junior Nate Ryerson, Sophomore Cooper Schaad, and Junior Zach Stoeger.

DREAM BIG

.

NEW BALANCE INDOOR NATIONALS

Pictured is Malakai Schaad’s uniform and competition number

On Saturday, March 12th, Senior Malakai Schaad competed in the New Balance Indoor National Championship Meet.  Malakai’s previous performances qualified him for the competition that saw over 1000 athletes take part in all of the various Track and Field events.  The meet was held over two days (Friday, March 11th & Saturday, March 12th.)  The meet was held at “The Armory” which is a state of the art facility.  Simply put, one of the best facilities in the WORLD.  The facility rests in the bustling New York borough of Manhattan.  The competition fields were the best of the best in each and every event. 

Malakai has been working very hard for several years now and those efforts have been rewarded with a plethora of success.  He is also developing quite an impressive resume in regards to competitive experience.  Each and every elite competition that Malakai has been able to participate is “Priceless” in regards to value.  The Schaad boys (Malakai, Cooper, and Finn) have hit the “Jackpot”.  They have been blessed with parents (Gwen & Jason) who support their extracurricular activities heart and soul.  Thus, no one was surprised to hear that both of them traveled with Malakai to the competition.  This wasn’t their “First Rodeo” and their boys are VERY lucky to have such supportive parents.  

Malakai’s competition was in the “Elite” Pole Vault Competition.  The field events were measured in metric but I will talk about his jumps in ENGLISH.  I am “Old School” and understand that a LOT better.  Malakai entered the competition at 13′ 09 1/4″ (4.20 meters) and cleared it on his second attempt.  He next jumped at 14′ 03 1/4″ (4.35 meters) and cleared that height on his first attempt.  Up next was 14′ 09″ (4.50 meters) and he cleared it on his 3rd and final attempt.  Then, the bar was moved up to 15′ 03″ (4.65 meters) where he took three great attempts but failed to clear the height. 

Way to go, Malakai.  You were competing against many of the top high school vaulters in the country.  Malakai’s clearance was matched by 9 other athletes whose place was determined on “Misses”.  Only 15 vaulters cleared a higher height than he did.  All the best in the coming weeks and months as you and your brother, Cooper, continue to Re-Write the Geneseo Pole Vault History.  They are affectionately known as “The Flying Schaads”.  May you Fly High and Safe.  God Bless.

RESULTS

.

COOPER FLIES HIGH

Pictured is the Geneseo Sophomore Cooper Schaad who won the Pole Vault

LEAFS CLAIM “FIGHTING BEES” SILVER

On Saturday, March 12, the Leafs traveled across the Mississippi River to Davenport, Iowa to participate in the St. Ambrose University High School Classic.  This was the Leafs first time competing in the event and the team made the most out of the opportunity.  The meet was held in the Wellness & Recreation Center.  It is a wonderful facility.  The field included teams from:  Annawan-Wethersfield, Bettendorf, Camanche, Davenport (Assumption), Davenport (Central), Davenport North, Davenport (West), Geneseo, Mercer County, Moline, Pleasant Valley, Peoria (Notre Dame Boys), Riverdale (Boys), Rock Island, Rock Island (Alleman), Streator, and United Township.  Several schools were on spring break so they were missing team members.  Regardless of that fac,t the meet contained a plethora of talent from both sides of the river.  St. Ambrose’s Head Coach Dan Tomlin and his staff are to be commended for putting on a tremendous event.  All the best to the “Fighting Bees” during the rest of their season.  They compete in the NA.I.A. Collegiate Division. 

The team was led by “Super Sophs” Luke Johnsen (won the Shot Put) and Cooper Schaad (tied for first in the Pole Vault.)  Cracking the “Top Three” were Sophomore Brayden Combs (3rd in the Triple Jump) and Senior Isaac Kuster (3rd in the 3200 Meter Run.)  Senior Nathan McAvoy also enjoy a huge meet by scoring [points in THREE EVENTS.  Nathan placed 8th in the 60 Meter Dash, 6th in the 200 Meter Dash, and teamed up with Sophomore Jeron Neal, Junior Zach Stoeger, and Senior Ines Gonzalez to place 6th in the 800 Meter Relay.  The meet scored eight places and the Leafs enjoyed a strong meet.  The team placed 2nd overall to United Township.  U.T. scored 98.50 points while the Leafs placed second with 69.50 points.  Rounding out the Top 5 in the 17 team field were Rock Island (3rd place scoring 64 points), Bettendorf (4th place scoring 61 points), and Davenport West (5th place scoring 51 points.)

The meet awarded team points to the top eight places.  The scoring formula for both individual events and relays was 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.  The following team members scored points via their top 8 place finish:

  • 1st Place:  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put)
  • 1st Place (Tie)  Cooper Schaad  (Pole Vault)
  • 3rd Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Isaac Kuster  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Dylan Gehl  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 4th Place:  Jacob Rapps  (60 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 4th Place:  Zach Stoeger, Thomas Allen, Cooper Schaad, Matthew Daly  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Gavin Allison, Tyler Gehl, Justin Johnson, Josiah King  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 6th Place:  Gavin Allison  (1600 Meter Run)
  • 6th Place:  Kyle Guerrero  (Pole Vault)
  • 6th Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 6th Place:  Jeron Neal, Zach Stoeger, Ines Gonzalez, Nathan McAvoy  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 7th Place (Tie):  Karson Emry  (High Jump)
  • 7th Place:  Christian Haney  (3200 Meter Run)
  • 7th Place:  Jackson Reade  (Long Jump)
  • 8th Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (60 Meter Dash)

RESULTS

.

LUKE IS AN ANIMAL

Pictured is Sophomore Luke Johnsen who was selected as this week’s “Animal of the Week”

SOPHOMORE LUKE JOHNSEN SELECTED AS THIS WEEK’S ANIMAL OF THE WEEK AWARD WINNER

Sophomore Luke Johnsen was selected as the “Animal of the Week” Award Winner for the first week of the 2022 Season.  The award was created by Coach Deets and honors a team member selected by a committee that includes the coaching staff and the elected captains.  The weekly selection is someone who has trained and/or competed at an extremely high level.  Many team members were considered and ability level plays only a small role in the decision.  All team members are eligible and the award is given on a weekly basis.  An athlete is only eligible to win the award once during the season.  During the week, the team participated in the Sterling Gold Medal Invitational and the Rolling Meadows Windy City Pole Vault Summit.

Luke participated in the Shot Put for the Leafs.  Luke placed second in the event with a throw of 13.85 meters (45′ 05 1/4′).  Luke’s throw was a personal best and was the 14th farthest throw from a Geneseo Sophomore in SCHOOL HISTORY.  He is also just a bit under 3 feet off of the IHSA State Qualifying Standard in the Shot Put.  Pretty good stuff for his first meet.  Geneseo has been competing in Track and Field for well over 100 years so that is an amazing feat.  What makes it even better is the fact that this was only the first meet and the best is yet to come.  Way to Go, Luke!

Luke has been doing a great job of helping to lead the Leaf throwers all season long via example and verbally.  Being called up to be a leader is never an easy assignment and the fact that Luke is only a Sophomore makes that role all the more impressive.  To say that Luke has had incredible mentors in his life would be putting it mildly.  Luke has grown up as a proud member of the Geneseo Athletic Family.  Both his Father (Larry, Jr.) and his Grandfather (Larry, Sr.) have served our school as tremendous head football coaches and were tremendous athletes in their own right.  L.J. Sr. was a star football player in high school and then excelled at Northeast Missouri State University (Now called Truman State University) where he was elected a team captain.  His father (L.J. Jr.) was a star athlete at G.H.S. and then later at Winona State University and then at Augustana College in Rock Island.  He earned “All Conference Honors” in football at each level.  Luke truly “Won the Lottery” in regards to his athletic genetic gene pool.  His Aunt Tracey (Dad’s side of the family) held the G.H.S. hurdle school record for a LONG time and earned “All-American Honors” at Augustana in Track and Field.  His mom was a star Volleyball Player at Oswego High School while her sister (Luke’s Aunt on Mom’s side) also earned “All-American Honors” in Track and Field at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. 

It has been a lot of fun watching Luke grow up in such an amazing environment.  His playgrounds have literally been the Geneseo High School Athletic facilities.  His family heritage is that of “Hall of Fame Coaching”,  State Championship & National Team Aspirations, and Individual All-American Honors.  Add to that a strong dose of F.C.A. (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and a plethora of All-State Mentors and the end result is an A+ background in CLASS.  Luke is an accomplished athlete himself (with a LOT more of that to follow.)  Way to Go, Luke!  It is going to be a LOT of fun watching you continue to chase your potential.  Everyone had been given God Given Talent.  It appears that you may have gone through that line twice.  Seriously, you are a very special young man and we wish you all the best this season and beyond,  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey!  God Bless you and your amazing family..

Luke’s athletic history is impressive to say the least.  This year, he has competed in nothing but VARSITY competition in Football for the “Green Machine” where he started at Tight End on Offense and shared starting at Defensive End on “D”.  He is obviously off to a great start in Track and Field also.

Freshman year, Luke started at Tight End on offense and Defense End “on D” on the J.V Team.  Pretty impressive stuff for a Freshman.  Due to COVID-19, his Football season was bounced from the Fall to March and April of the spring that year.  He then rolled directly into Track and Field.  He was pretty banged up after the Football season (especially his left knee) so he didn’t see much action last season.  He still came to practice and became kind of an assistant coach.  Very Impressive Stuff for a FRESHMAN.  His 8th grade year saw him star in Football playing Offensive Guard and Defensive End.  His Track and Field season lasted one week and was cancelled due to COVID-19 the day before their first meet was scheduled.  In 7th grade, Luke threw the Shot Put and barely missed qualifying for the State Meet.  He also finished up his youth playing days in the Geneseo Youth Football League where he was a star for the Eagles.  He played Center on Offense and Defensive End on “D”.  Luke also played on a traveling baseball team from 2nd to 7th grade where he played 1st base.  He also played on a traveling basketball team from 3rd through 6th grace where he played every position, demonstrating what a diversified athlete he is.  He has always had a ton of parental support which is omnipotent.

Luke is the proud son of Larry and Sarah Johnsen.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” to Lauren (Current Maple Leaf Senior.)

Here are Luke’s answers to his “Animal Award Questions”:  FAVORITE FOOD: “New York Strip Steak”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “The Blind Side”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (genre or group):  “September by Earth Wind and Fire”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “My sister Lauren (Current Maple Leaf Senior….Volleyball Star) and my cousin Kyle (Current Augustana College Baseball Player.);  NICKNAME:  “L.J.-3  (His Grandpa is a Hall of Fame Coach and is the “Original “L.J.”…..His father will be a HOF Coach and is L.J.,Jr;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  (Romans 8:31.)  WHY DID YOU JOIN THE TRACK TEAM?:  “In Middle School I was forced to join it and ever since then I just loved the sport”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT?:  “Don’t be afraid to join Track and Field.  It’s a great all around sport that helps you get better at other sports.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Animal Award” were:  Junior Gavin Allison, Sophomore Brayden Combs, Senior Aiden Coppejans, Junior Karson Emry, Freshman Dylan Gehl, Junior Tyler Gehl, Senior Ines Gonzalez, Freshman Christian Haney, Senior Justin Johnson, Freshman Max Johnson, Freshman Rylan Lambert, Sophomore Jacob Rapps, Junior Nate Ryerson, Sophomore Cooper Schaad, Senior Malakai Schaad, Freshman Eric States, Junior Zach Stoeger, and Junior Will Taylor.

DREAM BIG

.

FLYING SCHAADS HIT THE ROAD

Pictured are Cooper Schaad, Malakai Schaad, and G.H.S. Pole Vault Coach Arthur Atwell.
Behind them is the famous Rolling Meadows High School Metal Mustang.

WINDY CITY POLE VAULT SUMMIT

After receiving a unique competitive opportunity Maple Leaf Head Coach Matthew Deets and Leaf Pole Vault Coach Arthur Atwell decided to accept an invitation from Rolling Meadows High School and attend their Windy City Pole Vault Summit.  The meet was a Pole Vault-Only competition and was open to any returning Pole Vaulter in the State of Illinois who earned All-State Honors at last year’s IHSA STATE FINALS.  Unfortunately, the Leafs had another meet on the same day.  It was pretty cool to see Coach Atwell, Senior Malakai Schaad, and Sophomore Cooper Schaad attend the Pole Vault competition before hitting the road for a trip to Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs.

The field included vaulters from all three Illinois Classes (1A, 2A, and 3A.)  Cooper got things started for the Leafs when he entered the competition at 12′ 06″.  Illinois has gone metric in Track and Field as of last year but this meet was measured in English (I like that A LOT.)  Anyway, back to the action, Cooper made things interesting by missing his first two attempts.  He needed to clear his final attempt at 12′ 06″ or his competitive day was over.  Fear not, “Mr. Clutch” sailed over the bar and all was well.  He then cleared 13′ 00″ on his first attempt.  He needed two jumps at both 13′ 06″ and 14′ 00″ but nailed them both.  14′ 00″ ties Cooper’s lifetime best and earned him a tie for 7th place in the highly competitive field.  It also tied Malakai’s Sophomore School Record of 14′ 00″ set two years ago.  What a way to start his season.  Cooper just completed Wrestling season and is a bit rusty to put it mildly so his performance was extremely impressive.

Malakai’s came in at 13′ 06″ and sailed over it on his second attempt.  After that he was hoping for a big day but it wasn’t to be.  He achieved great height but had problems in regard to where his standards should be set and ended up going out of the competition at 14′ 00″.  Malakai ended up placing 10th overall.  The experience that gained was certainly a big plus.

The winning height in the Pole Vault back at Sterling’s Gold Medal Invitational was a English conversion of 10′ 09″.  The opportunity to go head-to-head with some of the State’s very best Pole Vaulters was simply too good of an opportunity to pass up.  Geneseo Track and Field fans are in for an exciting spring.  “da Flyin” Schaads” are going to be turning heads all season long.  All the best, Men.  Keep dreaming big and backing those dream up with the hard work that excellence demands.

Coach Atwell did a great job of driving them home through some pretty rough weather.  You know that spring is in the air.  Saturday’s daytime high was 70˚.  Monday we got 3 inches of snow.  Go figure.  Anyway.  Great job, Men!

RESULTS

.

LEAF THROWERS HAVE BIG DAY TO LEAD TEAM AT
THE STERLING GOLD MEDAL INV.

Pictured are most of the Leaf Throwers.  The guys had a great meet with most of them
throwing personal bests.  Way to go, Men!

LEAFS OPEN SEASON AT GOLD MEDAL INV.

On Saturday, Match 5th, the Leafs traveled to Sterling’s Westwood Sports Complex to participate in Sterling’s Gold Medal Invitational.  The field included teams from:  Dixon, Geneseo, Indian Creek, Oregon, Rock Falls, and Sterling.  It has been two years since the Leafs last competed in an indoor meet due to COVID-19.  The 2020 season ended after this meet that year.  The IHSA shut-down all extra-curricular events for the rest of the school year and most schools ended up going remote.  Last year was also greatly affected.  Track and Field had no indoor season and a shortened outdoor season.  Football was moved to early spring and wrestling was moved to the same time slot as Track and Field which started after Football ended.  Three sport athletes had their seasons stacked on top of each other with little time for physical and metal recovery.  Everyone did the best that they could do under the circumstances.  Every team is gong to be “Playing Catch-Up” following the last two years and COVID-19’s disruption in regards to development.  We are very excited about what this year’s team can do development-wise.  Great Job, Men.  It was sure nice to get back to some “Normality”.

The team was led by the following Top 3 finishers:  1st Place:  Gavin Allison, Justin Johnson, Dylan Gehl, Tyler Gehl  (3200 Meter Relay);  2nd Place Finishers:  Aiden Coppejans  (Triple Jump);  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put);  Jacob Rapps  (60 Meter High Hurdles); Zach Stoeger, Nate Ryerson, Ines Gonzalez, Will Taylor  (800 Meter Relay);  Eric States, Christian Haney, Max Johnson, Rylan Lambert  (3200 Meter Relay);  and Third Place Finishers:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump);  Karson Emry  (High Jump);  Will Taylor, Nate Ryerson, Zach Stoeger, Tyler Gehl  (1600 Meter Relay).

From a historical perspective, Cooper Schaad’s Pole Vault height of 14′ 00″ tied his older brother Malakai for the Geneseo High School Sophomore School Record.  Malakai’s leap of 13′ 06″ ties him for the 5th highest Senior Pole Vault height at the Senior Class Level in School History.  Luke Johnsen’s Shot Put toss was the 14th farthest by a Geneseo Sophomore in SCHOOL HISTORY!  Also, the Freshmen 3200 Meter Relay team of Eric States, Christian Haney, Max Johnson, and Rylan Lambert was the 18th fastest All-Freshmen time in SCHOOL HISTORY.  Way to Go, Men!!!

The meet was not scored but we awarded Varsity Points to our athletes anyway.  The traditional formula for Invitational Meet Scoring was utilized and is listed as follows:  Relays and Individual Events 10-8-6-4-2-1.  The following team members scored points for the team:

  • 1st Place:  Gavin Allison, Justin Johnson, Dylan Gehl, Tyler Gehl  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Aiden Coppejans  (Triple Jump)
  • 2nd Place:  Luke Johnsen  (Shot Put)
  • 2nd Place:  Jacob Rapps  (60 Meter High Hurdles)
  • 2nd Place:  Zach Stoeger, Nate Ryerson, Ines Gonzalez, Will Taylor  (800 Meter Relay)
  • 2nd Place:  Eric States, Christian Haney, Max Johnson, Rylan Lambert  (3200 Meter Relay)
  • 3rd Place:  Brayden Combs  (Triple Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Karson Emry  (High Jump)
  • 3rd Place:  Will Taylor, Nate Ryerson, Zach Stoeger, Tyler Gehl  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 4th Place:  Josiah King  (800 Meter Run)
  • 5th Place:  Jason Blick  (400 Meter Dash)
  • 5th Place:  Jack Snyder  (200 Meter Dash)
  • 5th Place:  Brayden Combs, Jeron Neal, Josiah King, Jacob Rapps  (1600 Meter Relay)
  • 6th Place:  Thomas Allen  (High Jump)
  • 6th Place:  Nathan McAvoy  (60 Meter Dash)

RESULTS

.
.