Track team gets jump on competition </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 7:13 PM on Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Track team gets jump on competition

By Ben Stuart
Staff Writer

The Mariner track and field team is experienced, deep and, unlike its Kenai Peninsula foes, will get to practice on a snow-free track in preparation for the season’s first meet in Homer on Friday.

Erik Rasmussen throws the shotput during competition last year in Homer. He is returning to the team this year

Recent warm weather had cleared more than 90 percent of the field by Monday allowing the largest Homer track team in recent memory to practice outside this week.

“I’m just ecstatic,” said Head Track Coach Harry Rasmussen. “I’ve coached for 20 something years and this is the best three weeks I’ve had. It’s been real magical so far.”

Forty-one kids came out for the track team this season, including nine seniors and three of last year’s state qualifiers in Erik Rasmussen, Erika Klaar and Lars Matkin.

The Mariners also have attracted the help of coaches Perm Chavious, Mark Casseri and Ida Martin.

“I would say we’re experienced, talented and pretty deep,” Rasmussen said.

The Mariners should be extremely strong in the throwing events, Rasmussen said, good in the relays again this year and improved in the distance events.

And the team’s depth should help the team score, he said.

Last season, the Homer meet was canceled because of the weather, making one of the shortest high school sports seasons even shorter.

"I've coached for 20 something years and this is the best three weeks i've had. It's been real magical so far"

Homer track coach Harry Rasmussen

The season is still short this year, with state just six weeks away. But the Tri Meet against Kenai and Soldotna on Friday will give the retiring coach his first look at his last team. From what he’s seen so far, this last team may be one of his best.

“It’s a nice way to go out.” Rasmussen said.

Ben Stuart can be reached at ben.stuart@homernews.com.