While the Aberdeen Central boys’ and girls’ track and field squads may be a bit different in number, they share the same type of quality athletes heading into the upcoming season.

The Golden Eagles feature accomplished multi-sport athletes in both divisions, leading to excitement and enthusiasm this spring.

There are 75 boys out for track and field this year.

“I don’t walk the halls of Central and go that kid, and that kid, and that kid,” said Central boys’ coach Greg Murley. “I really think we have the kids that kind of make up the heart of our athletic department.”

There are many familiar names from other sports that comprise the roster of the Central boys’ team.

“It’s not a coincidence, that Brendan Phillips one of the best basketball players, the Foss brothers are good wrestlers,” Murley said. “They go out and make themselves good athletes, and have spent the time to make themselves a good multi-athlete, and that’s what we kind of encourage.”

Murley recalled what legendary Yankton football coach Max Hawk used to say when he talked about track and field squads.

“Max Hawk used to always say, I can tell you how the football team is going to be next year by looking at someone’s track team,” Murley said. “I think there’s some truth to that. They make themselves better athletes, and they’re the kids that aren’t afraid to compete and put themselves out there.”

One of the strengths of the Golden Eagles this year will be the throws, where Felipe Gonzalez leads a strong delegation of competitors, following a fifth-place finish in the shot put at the state meet last season..

“Feilipe is kind of a gentle giant. He’s one of those super nice kids,” Murley said. “Just works really hard in the weight room, had a really good football season.”

The junior will help set the tone for a crew that includes the likes of Joran Foss, Jaxon Henley, and Evan Heuer.

“We might have four of the top 12, 14-15 shot putters in the state in that group,” Murley said.

Of course, the 1,600-meter relay, long a staple of the squad will be front and center once again.

“Our 4X4 is just really solid this year again. They’ve kind of been the heart,” Murley said.

He also pointed out another running event.

“I’m excited about watching our hurdlers go,” Murley said.

As Murley watched his athletes go through practice earlier this week, he pointed out a key element: his top athletes were leading the pack during the workouts.

“A lot of years that’s not the case. You’re best kids are not working the hardest,” Murley said. “One of the things that I’ve seen this year is our best kids are working the hardest.”

The girls will be led by returning 100-meter state champion Gracie Rife, and Taryn Hermansen, who was runner-up in the shot put at the state meet.

“The key is we have a lot of kids who are working hard,” said Central girls’ coach Jim Appl. “We have a lot of talent coming back in the conference and state meet.”

Appl said even some of the kids who did not place last year are ready to earn a spot on the podium this spring, like Breckan Santjer, who finished ninth in the pole vault last year.

“This year she’s not getting ninth,” Appl said. “We have a lot kids that placed at the state meet, whether it be on a relay or whether it be in an individual event.”

Appl said it’s early in the year and what happens now is just a stepping stone toward bigger and better things in the future.

“As we say, March doesn’t matter; May matters,” Appl said.

He noted that because of the warm weather at the end of March, the Golden Eagles are ahead of their pace compared to past years.

“The kids are working hard and all we can ask for is that,” Appl said. “We’re ahead of schedule obviously with the weather this year. You can see the excitement the kids have.”

Central has its first outdoor meet on Tuesday in Pierre. Appl said that will help to provide a starting point for his athletes.

“We’re looking for our base; figure out where we’re at,” Appl said. “The first outdoor meet will really give us an indication of where we’re at.”

The goal of course is for weekly improvement and to peak at the right time of the season during the biggest meets.

“We have some really good athletes that are working to get where we need to go. I’m really excited to see where we’re going to be at the end of the year,” Appl said. “The beginning of the year, hey, we are what we are, but the end of the year we’ll find out where we’re at.”