Q&A with head coach Nicole Hanson

By Erik Buchinger

Number of years as head coach: First.

Returning varsity athletes: Ben Tessmer (12), Ben Papendorf (10), Brady Ferg (10), Daniel Rohrer (10), Isaac Pyatskowit (10), Joseph Shelton (10), Jason Bilek (12), Riley Hauser (12), Jordan Tellock (12), Taylor Young (12), Emma Zwirschitz (10), Jennifer Peeters (10), Laurel Pingel (10), Allysin Booth (11), Emma Weatherwax (12), Lizzy Weatherwax (10).

Athletes to watch: Allysin Booth (11), Lizzy Weatherwax (10).

Team goals/expectations: Hard work every practice and competition, communication with coaches and team mates. Our goal as a team is to get PR’s every meet we attend, for some of our top athletes to get to state and place in the top six.

Team’s strengths: A great group of hardworking athletes.

Team’s weaknesses: We are a young team that does not have the large numbers as some of our conference competitors do.

Biggest events on the schedule: Early in the season, the Little Chute Invite (April 14) is always a great opportunity to compete against a number of conference opponents. Also, the Waupaca County Invite (April 21), Seymour Invite (May 3), Conference Meet in Wrightstown (May 12) and Regionals in Clintonville (May 21).

What you want your athletes to get out of this season: I want them to discover the strength that comes from facing challenges and overcoming them. Along with this, that although practice is hard, it is worth it when you PR and do something you thought your body couldn’t do physically.

Why fans should be excited for this year’s team: We have great potential in many of these young athletes. As a coach, I’m excited to see who steps up and reaches that potential this season.