By Matt Browning
As the defending 5A state champion, the Kapaun Mount Carmel boys track understand the expectations they face this year.
But they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We expect to compete at the highest level that the school ever has,” said head coach Gage Garcia. “These expectations include winning a league, regional, and state title while also chasing various records and individual
accomplishments.”
The Crusaders have an elite schedule, with numerous meets that have state contenders. While winning those events would be great, there is only one way that this season is a success.
“A successful season would be nothing less than a championship in the league, regional, and state meets along with being the best overall team that the school has ever seen as well as possibly the state,” Garcia said.
Kapaun has a deep and talented roster, with potential individual state champions in multiple events.
Some of the Crusaders’ key returning pieces: Jack Guthridge, who is the returning 200/400 state champion and
also has the fastest 100 meter all-time in Kansas. Dawson Grabendike, returning all-state athlete in both hurdle events. Daniel Enriquez, who is a returning all-state in the 1600/3200. Jackson Daniel, who is returning all-state in the javelin, Micah Amphone, who is returning all-state in the pole vault. This along with a cast of many other great individuals, including Thomas Klosterman and Mason Collins in the throws, Will Fulghum and Thomas Kalima- Preciado in the jumps, Jude Porter in the sprints, Will Niederee, Cole Reintjes, Tim Rowell, Andrew
Guyer and Will Etheredge in the distance events.
“We have a well-rounded team this year with lots of returners,” Garcia said. “Along with all of these,
there is a large supporting cast of developing individuals who will have an impact.”
