Willing athletes are a great asset to a successful program

By Ginna Young After taking a couple years off, coach Laurie Bowe is back to lead the Cornell-Lake Holcombe track team, with numbers of athletes already increasing.

“I am coming back this year, to build the program, and to teach all the athletes and coaches as much as possible,” said Bowe.

She also believes the boys and girls teams will be competitive, and with some hard work and dedication, it’s not unreasonable to expect some State appearances at the end of the season.

“My goal for each athlete, is to obtain their personal bests and to be competitive at every track meet,” said Bowe.

The 2025 Cornell-Lake Holcombe Knights Track team athletes and coaches, left to right, in front, are freshmen Kaitlyn Helland and Ann Pogodzinski; juniors Amber Knowlton and Jordan Ness; sophomore Bryce DeJongh; junior Mariah Meeler; sophomore Megan Paff; and freshman Lane Porter. In back, are head coach Laurie Bowe; assistant coach Grace Grunseth; sophomore Will Willmarth; juniors Carson Stipek and Grady Abbott; senior Hunter Anders; juniors Logan Jaedike and Tommy Kane; and assistant coach Grier Belter. Missing, are juniors Alex Dixon, Hannah Kinard and Emma Wright.

Photo by Ginna Young

A stellar track competitor in her own right, Bowe knows that coaching only gets you so far, so looking to leaders on the team is important. Looking to fill those roles, are Bryce DeJongh, Grady Abbott, Hunter Anders, Hannah Kinard and Mariah Meeler.

“I have great athletes that are willing to learn,” said Bowe.