Axe track and field runs, jumps and throws its way to a successful post-season.

South Eugene High School’s track and field team is on the rise once again, with some great performances this season in what was predicted to be a transition season. With many D1-caliber athletes having finished off their careers at South Eugene last season, the expectations weren’t as high for The Axe. 

The team has shown out this season, showing no major drop off from last year. In the boys’ 4×800 relay, the quartet of Jan Bremer, Yosuke Shibata, Ricard Verges, and Raul Verges were impressive securing second place at the Oregon Relays with a time of 7:58.89. Seniors Jan Bremer and Raul Verges showed out, both achieving PB’s in the 800 with times of 1:56.08 and 1:56.48 respectively. 

Freshman Capri Betenson and Yosuke Shibata have improved the the team’s lineup despite this being their first year on the team. Their performances so far are a good sign for the future of the Axe’s track and field team. Despite the loss of key athletes, the Axe have continued to make progress throughout the season in a competitive conference. With the strong freshman class, and the new head coach, South Eugene’s track and field team is poised for success. With each meet giving chances for them to improve, the Axe are focused on the success of their already top level athletes and the future success of their incoming talent. 

This year South track has 10 of their varsity athletes going to the OSAA state meet taking place at Hayward Field. The girls team has six 2024 state qualifiers: Capri Betenson in the 100 and 100 hurdles, Maya , Elizabeth McCart in the 1500 and 3k, Sydney Mills in the 400, Lyla Smith in the 100 hurdle and 300 hurdle, and Madi Zemper-Prill in the 800. For the boys they have four 2024 state qualifiers: Jan Bremer in the 800, Jacob Knight in the high jump, Donovan Locklyn in the 100, and Raul Verges in the 1500. 

By Logan Williamson