Courtesy Photo Members of the Alpena High School girls’ track and field team pose together on Thursday for their 2024 season team photo.

ALPENA — Ever since Alpena High girls’ track coach Trevor Roznowski took over the program, the Wildcats’ track and field team has skyrocketed in popularity and potential.

Going into his third season as head coach, Roznowski and the team are looking to make a substantial effort in the Big North Conference and hope to make huge strides this year.

“There are a lot of outstanding teams in the BNC, but we’re slowly making an effort to have a lot of individuals who compete well at the conference level as well as the regional level,” Roznowski said. “We’re really trying to get those who are trying track for the first time up to the level where they can compete and help our team win a lot of meets.”

While this year’s talent is still stronger than in past years, losing many players to graduation is always a massive blow in high school sports.

Getting the younger generation of players into the program is critical, especially in developing them into the best athletes they can be over those four years.

With a plethora of skills from Alpena’s upperclassmen, leading the way and teaching the underclassmen how to practice and compete will be necessary for the continued success shown by the Wildcats.

“We have an exceptional group of juniors and seniors who know what to expect and know how to lead the team all year long,” Roznowski said. “Melody Kauffman, Emma Dickens, Samantha Zolnierek, Keslee Jex, and many others lead the team on and off the track, which sets a great example for the younger athletes.”

Balancing the success between new athletes and those who are very experienced could be a challenge for the 2024 track team.

Coach Roznowski expressed his excitement about coaching both sides of athletes and stressed that the upperclassmen must lead the way in sending the right message to the newer track members.

Some athletes expected to be top performers and take on a large leadership role are Kiera Prue, Kauffman, Dickens, Zolnierek, and Jex.

Prue and Kauffman will be throwing down in the pits for the Wildcats. These two juniors have put in an immense amount of time and effort, which should result in two great seasons.

As for distance running, Dickens and Zolnierek could be the top performers throughout the season. Both are as experienced as ever and expected to carry the distance runners to a fantastic finish of their high school careers.

Finally, for sprints, senior Keslee Jex will lead the way as she returns for his final year on the varsity squad.

“It’s going to be fun, and although we have a wide range of athletes, but this is the best track team we’ve had in my three years of coaching here,” Roznowski said.

Alpena’s first track meet started on Friday at LSSU.