Sports
Burnsville Boys Track and Field Aims to Surpass Last Year's Success
Senior Michael Bolland, who placed third in the 800-meter run at last year's state meet, is among those returning with lofty goals.
BURNSVILLE BLAZE BOYS TRACK AND FIELD
Last season: Third overall in conference. First at Section 3AA meet. Tied for ninth at Class AA meet.
The boys track and field team finished last season tied for ninth overall at the Class AA state meet with White Bear Lake and Park Cottage Grove. The Blaze will likely see top competition all season this year as three of their South Suburban Conference foes—Eastview, Rosemount and Bloomington Jefferson—finished in the top 15 last season.
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Key Returners
Junior Cole O'Brien will be leading the Blaze in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. O’Brien has been competing at state since his freshman year, finishing eighth in the 1600 meter and fifth in the 3200 meter last year. Senior Michael Bolland had a strong year in the 800 meter run, finishing third in state last year behind two graduating seniors in Winona’s Sam Miner and Park Center’s Mark Gilderson.
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Senior Dan Nguyen is a talented 200 meter sprinter, long jumper and relay athlete. Zach Severson is a shot put and discus athlete who will surprise some people this year, according to coach Jon Sheldon.
Juniors Jordan Huus and Andrew Herkenhoff have looked impressive so far in the hurdles, Sheldon said, adding that Antony Odera could have a breakout year in the triple jump and 400 meter dash.
Off-season preparation has been the key, Sheldon said.
“Aaron Wilson has worked his way into a very good 400 meter sprinter as well, and I look forward to his progress this year,” Sheldon said. “We had a nice core group of kids who put time in the weight room in the off season and it has really paid off.”
Conference Outlook
Burnsville is determined to compete with the best in the conference as it is usually a measure of the best talent in the state. It won’t be easy, however. Six of the 10 South Suburban Conference teams produced points at the state meet last year, including four top 15 team finishes.
Even though the Blaze was in the thick of the championship hunt last season, Sheldon said they can’t get caught up in last year’s success.
“That was last year,” Sheldon said. “And we have to prove it again in 2011.”
