Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz Menominee Indian High School sophomore Ania Smith practices the shot put Wednesday at the school.
Ania Smith is already having a track and field season to remember, even if she has yet to get outside on an actual field.
The Menominee Indian High School sophomore thrower set her sights on taking down Tasha Cleveland’s shot put record of 36 feet, 7 inches set in 1992.
It seemed like a realistic goal. Last season, Smith broke Cleveland’s discus record of 112-3 with a throw of 120-10.
The shot put record fell in the Eagles’ first indoor meet this season when Smith threw 38-4. Smith then launched a shot 41-6 1/2 Monday at the Antigo Indoor Invitational.
“Her goal was to hit 40 feet by the end of the year and she hit 41 Monday night,” coach Chris Clache said. “She works hard. She’s not resting on her laurels.”
She’s now looking to take down her own records.
“Last year, she was all power and not a lot of form,” Clache said. “She’s really worked on her technique, especially these last few weeks. She’s only a sophomore. Sky’s the limit for her.”
The way Smith is throwing, Clache thinks she could very well end up in La Crosse for the WIAA state meet.
It would be welcomed a year after the program did not send anyone to the sectionals. Clache expects that to change this season.
“We don’t have the numbers that a lot of teams do, but I think we’ve got quality,” Clache said. “We have a really good team.”
There are 14 boys and six girls out for track.
The boys will likely be led by senior Brandon Reiter, who opened the season with a pair of second-place finishes in the 3,200-meter run.
Junior Gordon James won the 45 dash Monday and will be a force in the sprints.
“He had kind of an off year last year,” Clache said. “He’s kind of coming back with a vengeance this year. He’s really been working hard. I’ve been impressed with him in practice.”
Junior Alphonso Smith, Ania’s brother, could help the Eagles in both the throwing and jumping events.
“He set a personal record in the shot put on Monday,” Clache said. “He threw over 40 feet. He’s more of a total athlete. He’s going to do hurdles, high jump, triple jump. We’re going to try to figure out where we’re going to put him.”
Also back for the boys team are seniors Troy Penass (middle distance), Deonte Crowe (distance), Nigel Waupkenay (throws) and sophomore Anthony Moses (distance).
The addition of freshmen Charles Lasley (sprints, discus), Kyle Komanekin (throws, long jump) and Antonio Mahkimetas (sprints) is expected to help as well.
Clache expects junior sprinter Mylia Olson be much improved after a down year her sophomore season.
“She’s another one that kind of took a step back last year,” Clache said. “She did pretty well in the 45, but her event is the 200. We’re hoping that we can get outside and work on that a little more.”
Also back are senior Carol Zhuckkahosee (hurdles, high jump, discus) and sophomore Loretta Mechaca (middle distance, relays, discus).