Those who believe in strength in numbers can look to the Brandon girls track team for an example of a strong team.
Coach Greg Hyde said 78 girls have tried out for the team this year as the Blackhawks look to build upon a solid 2004 season, in which they went 6-1 in Flint Metro League dual meet action.
‘We should equal or improve upon that, and should place first or second in the league,? Hyde said. ‘We have virtually the entire squad returning from last year.?
The Blackhawks scrimmage April 6 against Davison, and open their season April 14 with a dual meet against Waterford Kettering.
In distance competition, Hyde said several returning Blackhawks should make an impact.
Among those runners are senior captain Mandy Noonan in the 400 meter run, Noressia Sockwell in the 100 meter hurdles, Jamila Richardson in the 200 meter and 400 meter run, Kayla Doan in the 800 meter run (where she qualified for the state meet last year), Kelly Craciun in the 3,200 meter run, Amy Boot in the 300 meter hurdles, and Kelly Wilson in the 800 meter run.
In addition, Hyde said he expects to receive solid contributions from freshmen Angie Brooks (who placed in the 100 meter dash in the Oakland County eighth grade meet last year) and Jamie Hendershott.
In field events, key Brandon competitors are Sarah Bond (discus, shot put); Savannah Stedman (high jump, discus); Noonan (high jump); Megan Ostrowski (pole vault); and Melissa McCarty (shot put, discus), whom Hyde described as a team leader.
The Blackhawks have added another coach to their staff this year. In addition to Hyde and assistant coach Mike Jordan, student teacher Todd Wisser will work with the pole vaulters on Brandon’s boys and girls track teams.
‘He should be an asset to both teams,? Hyde said.
Overall, Hyde is looking forward to this season, and expects the Blackhawks to be one of the top teams in the regional meet May 20 at Caro.
‘It’s looking real good for us this year,? he said. ‘I think we have a very strong team.?