Q&A with Coach Nick Schaefer
By Erik Buchinger
Number of years as head coach: Seventh.
Returning varsity athletes: Noah Schiedermayer (12), Riley Titterton (11), Kaden Reybrock (11), Max Krause (11), Logan Heimbruch (11), Matt Dobija (12), Bryar Tuchscherer (12), Jeff Smolinski (11), Sydney Stroschein (12), Taya Fecteau (12), Fynn Corcoran (11), Paige Faucher (12), Morgan Iverson (12).
Team goals/expectations: The girls are hoping to improve on our fifth place finish at conference. We believe we can have three of our five scoring girls to earn all-conference honors. The boys are expected to win conference for the second year in a row. We are shooting for qualifying for state as a team and should be in the running for a state team title.
Team’s strengths: The girls have solid leadership with some veteran runners up front. The boys’ team is deep with talent. We could possibly have an all-conference runner who does not make our sectional team.
Team’s weaknesses: The girls do not have a ton of depth. If we struggle with injuries, we could be in trouble. The boys’ team is down in numbers overall. We only have two freshmen boys out.
Biggest events on the schedule: Bulldog Invite, Bay Conference Championship, sectionals, state.
What would make for a successful season: On the girls’ side, we would like to see three girls earn all-conference honors and continue to progress with our younger runners. On the boys’ side, we would really like to win conference and go to state as a team. Winning the state title would be icing on the cake.
Why fans should be excited for this year’s team: We will have two home meets this year. We have our Bulldog Invite on Sept. 15 in Hatten Park, and then we host the Bay Conference Championships on Oct. 13 at Shamrock Heights Golf Course. The boys’ team should be one of the best teams in the state for Division 2 and possibly could be the best team New London has ever fielded.