Track and field has become a constant powerhouse in the Holland area and this season should be no different.
Hamilton's Ben Boehm was the Holland Sentinel Track Athlete of the Year last year and returns for a senior season.
The area has plenty of runners, jumpers and throwers returning as well. Here is a look at the returners to watch:
Ben Boehm
SCHOOL: Hamilton
GRADE: Senior
LAST YEAR: Was all-state in the sprints, breaking the school record in the 100 and 200.
COACH'S VIEW: "Ben is a gifted athlete. He is one of the top golfers in the school and has been putting down times that are ranking him in the state (in track). What I appreciate is that when he golfs, he is here for an extra practice every day. It has been a pleasure working with him." - Kevin Spotts
Bryce Buckner
SCHOOL: West Ottawa
GRADE: Senior
LAST YEAR: Qualified for D1 state meet in 4x100 and 4x200.
COACH'S VIEW: "Bryce is incredibly reliable and consistent in his role within the relays. He runs the curve incredibly well. He's also a great teammate and does what is necessary to help us be competitive." - Daniel Blake
Will Engbers
SCHOOL: Holland Christian
GRADE: Junior
LAST YEAR: An injury kept him from qualfying for state in 3,200. Was one of top distance runners.
COACH'S VIEW: "Will never seems to have a bad race. Whether it is the 800, 1600, 3200, his first event, second event, or third event, Will is going to run well. He was approaching our sophomore school record when he got sidelined by an injury." - Michael Mulder
Ruben Esparza
SCHOOL: West Ottawa
GRADE: Junior
LAST YEAR: Key relay member for Panthers state relays in 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400.
COACH'S VIEW: "Ruben is a special athlete. He has a true 'dawg' mentality and drive that sets him apart. He is top sprinter in WO history and looking forward to what he continues to do in the coming years." - Daniel Blake
Keaton Hendricks
SCHOOL: Zeeland West
GRADE: Junior
LAST YEAR: One of the area's top hurdlers and key state Dux relay member.
COACH'S VIEW: "Keaton proved himself to be one of the best young hurdlers in the state. His strong focus and determination to improve will lead him to continued success at the state level in future seasons." - Phil Hoover
Andrew Kraft
SCHOOL: Zeeland West
GRADE: Senior
LAST YEAR: Broke school record in high jump with top leap in area. Also on Dux state relays.
COACH'S VIEW: "Andrew is a very good all around athlete. He has the ability to contribute in almost every event in track and field. This season he made a strong leap forward as he developed himself into a premier high jumper. His jump of 6-6 broke our school record and was one of the highest performances in the state." - Phil Hoover
Andrew Spilotro
SCHOOL: West Ottawa
GRADE: Senior
LAST YEAR: One of area's top sprinters. Was key to West Ottawa's state 4x100 and 4x200.
COACH'S VIEW: "Andrew had an outstanding debut track season. It's been incredible to see his growth as a sprinter in his first season. He has been huge in adding the depth we needed to take our relays to the next level from last year." - Daniel Blake
Jake VanderHenst
SCHOOL: Black River
GRADE: Senior
LAST YEAR: Scored at D3 state meet in long jump. Broke school records in long jump, 100 and 200 meters.
COACH'S VIEW: "He is the first boys state qualifier in the long jump and 200. That is very important for developing a program. We have had a strong distance program and we need that, but you need sprints, throws, jumps and hurdles to be successful at the team level." - Wes Diener
Garrett Weeden
SCHOOL: Zeeland East
GRADE: Senior
LAST YEAR: Qualified for D1 state meet in shot put and discus. Was all-state in discus
COACH'S VIEW: "Garrett's approach to throwing and training has been un matched in our group. He has a huge upside and I look forward to being a part of his journey." - Ralph Neal
Parker Williams
SCHOOL: Zeeland East
GRADE: Senior
LAST YEAR: Qualified for D1 state meet in shot put and discus. Was all-state in shot put.
COACH'S VIEW: "Parker is a strong, gifted athlete that will have many options at the next level if he chooses. He is a great kid and a joy to be around." - Ralph Neal
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
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