The Thunder Mountain High School track and field team has just completed its eighth season with much to be proud of and many to thank.
With 80 participants, this year’s team was the second largest team in program history, and the largest high school team in Juneau.
Our boys team won their sixth consecutive region title, and our girls won their fifth consecutive region title.
The coaching staff acknowledges that this success is due to the countless hours and efforts of our volunteers and supporters. First, we would like to thank the Juneau Community Foundation for supporting our preseason track time at the Dimond Park Field House. This provides time not only for our team, but others who wish to join us during the dark and cold months of January and February.
We also have several individuals who year after year give their time to help coach the 17 different events that make up track and field. Lorna Wilson, Myron Davis, Dr. Richard Welling and Dr. Annie Albrecht are all very talented and generous supporters and are very much appreciated.
We would also like to thank our parents for their support. In particular, Chris and Christy Wallace stand out. They are always there for us, and have provided us invaluable support over the years.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge the efforts of the TMHS administration: principal Dan Larson, athletic director Jake Jacoby, administrative assistants Kathy Messing and Laura Campos, counselors Gretchen Kriegmont and Phil Merrell and school nurse Maureen Hall. Their often “behind the scenes” support is invaluable.
In order to successfully implement a home track and field meet, about 30 volunteers are required to fill important — and often high pressure — jobs. These supporters are also rarely acknowledged and thanked. Some of these individuals have volunteered for many, many, years, and give up two weekends each spring: Guy Thibodeau, Tristan Knutson-Lombardo, Bob Marshall, Carol May, Bridget Weiss, Sandi Pahlke and Josh Smith.
The team returned 12 state qualifiers from the 2016 team, including the 1600 meter state runner-up Erin Wallace. We also welcomed back state top-three hopefuls Gabe Crawford (Long Jump), Aly Heaton (100 meter) and Aiden Hildebrand (100 meter). Other returning state qualifiers from last year were Audrey Welling, Mikayla May, Mary Landes and Ciara Kish for the girls and Justin Sleppy, Jonah Penrose, Masen Smith and Garth Tupou for the boys.
Thunder Mountain added some outstanding new talent this year with freshman James Burger in the distance events as well as freshmen sprinters Tzadi Hauck and Reece Bleakley. Also new to the team this year, Alvin Ailey, who finished fourth in the high jump at the state meet.
With such a large number of participants on the team this year, many returning athletes had significant contributions and provided us with considerable depth. Some of these included captains Masen Smith, Justin Sleppy, Ricardo Worl, Mary Landes, Mikayla May, Thomas Greinier as well as throwing standout Garth Tupou and hurdler Audrey Welling, who was second in the 100-meter hurdles at the state championships this year!
A past winner of the state team sportsmanship award, the TMHS Falcons Track &Field team not only focuses on personal achievement in their events, but also how they represent themselves, their families and their school while traveling as well as in competitions.
Again, thanks to all of our supporters and parents for the success we continue to have season after season.
Thunder Mountain High School Track and Field Coaching Staff:
Scott May, Dwayne Duskin Jr, Tina Lee and Brandi Adams
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Year-end-celebration award winners
Sportsmanship Award: Jonah Penrose, Gabe Crawford, Audrey Welling, Mary Landes
Hardest Worker: Ricardo Worl and Mary Landes
Spirit Award: Alvin Ailey and Erin Wallace
Most Improved: Finn Cole and Maddie Campos
MVP: Jonah Penrose and Audrey Welling
• Scott May is the head coach of the Thunder Mountain High School track and field team. “Coaches Corner” is submitted by a rotating staff of local high school coaches.
