2020-04-22 14:27:43

CRESCO - While everyone was hoping school would reopen before the end of the year, that was dashed when Gov. Kim Reynolds cancelled the rest of the school year during a Friday, April 17 press conference. While this order kept schools closed, it also nixed the spring sports season. At Crestwood and Turkey Valley, this included boys and girls track & field, golf and trap shooting.
Girls Golf Coach Jason Sorenson said of the season, “I am deeply saddened for our seniors who will not be creating the memories that many of us as coaches hold so dear to our hearts. More than likely those memories are what may have guided most of us into coaching. 
“I know our kids will use their mental strength just like they do in their area of competition to help work through this situation. I want to give a direct shout out to my senior golfers...Isabella Lehmkuhl, Hailey Panos and Kryslynn Ruppert. I am proud of what you have done, who you are, and the bravery and courage you showed by playing a difficult game!”
In addition, girls track & field coach Karen Steffen stated, “It was heartbreaking to get the official word on Friday about the cancellation of the rest of the track season. I had been holding out hope that we might be going back to school in May and have at least a portion of the season. 
“I am sad for all the girls on the team not being able to compete this season. Many of them had put in hard work over the winter, and were excited to get the season underway when we started practices back on Feb. 24. Our roster of 40 girls had some tremendous potential for an outstanding season. 
“My heart especially goes out to the 14 seniors who will not get a chance to finish their senior year. This should be the pinnacle of their high school track career, but they won’t get the chance to compete one last time. 
“It is a very unfortunate situation we are in, facing this pandemic. However, we must stay strong, stay safe, and we will get through it together.”
Coach Christopher Sullivan agreed. “I feel awful for all our athletes, because they don’t get to compete and enjoy the time making memories with their teammates and classmates. This is especially hard for the seniors, as this was their last chance to make those memories and finish out their high school year stronger than ever. 
“This group of seniors has worked extremely hard over the years and for them not to get a chance to compete and have the chance to make it to state is gut-wrenching. 
“We had multiple kids who coming into the year we thought had a great chance of making it to state in one or more events. A few athletes were looking to make it to Des Moines for a second time or more. Logan Albert was looking to make it a third year in a row in the high jump. He also went in the shuttle hurdle last year. Walker Sobolik and Bryden Juelsgaard had a great offseason and we were expecting big things from both of them this year as well as the rest of our senior class. 
“We had 50 kids out for track with a strong junior class and some key pieces in the lower grades. Every senior that was out for track played multiple sports in high school, and they did everything I asked of them as a coach and for that I want to thank them for being a great role model for the younger generation. 
“Seniors (Sobolik,  Juelsgaard, Albert, Caleb Shea, Daniel Lares, David Meinecke, Colby Frazer, Matthew Slifka, Nik Knobloch, Tyrone Grant and Eduardo Jimenez),  keep demonstrating the great traits you have brought to the table on a regular basis. Good luck in your next adventure, whether that is going to college or going straight to the workforce. The best advice I can give you is to believe in yourself, show up on time, be a team player and work as hard as you can each day. I know you all have these attributes because I have seen them as a coach and teacher. If you continue to do those things, the sky’s the limit for all of you.”
Summer sports (boys’ baseball, girls’ softball) are suspended pending an assessment made in collaboration with state officials before June. Practice, competition, and postseason dates will be announced when they become available. 

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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