HANNAHVILLE - Varsity track is underway for the first time at Hannahville.
The Soaring Eagles made their debut Thursday, taking four boys and two girls to the Delta County Invitational in Escanaba.
"I think our kids were a little nervous at first," said coach Greg Duchany. "They were a little overwhelmed by the number of kids who were there. But overall, everybody enjoyed it. That was absolutely a big learning experience for them."
Junior Seth Williams became the first Hannahville athlete to place in a high school track meet, taking sixth in the 1600-meter run.
"We could probably enter Seth anywhere and he'd place," said Duchany. "But this is where he has his best chance for success. I think the 1600 is his niche."
Also getting their first taste of varsity track competition were junior Marty Thorbahn (weight events and sprints) and freshmen Tallen Boda (middle distance) and J.J. Larson (shot put, long jump and distance).
"We've been practicing our field events for just bascially a week," said Duchany. "Most of the things we need to work on, we can get done at the school. We occasionally practice at Bark River-Harris. Some of the kids have jobs, which makes it a little inconvenient for them."
Sophomore Mary Saldana (100 hurdles and field events) and freshman Alana Chenier (field events and sprints) are the girls team.
"Mary has a real good attitude and Alana tries her best," said Duchany.
Helping with the coaching duties is Dan Kleikamp.
"Dan and I work well together," said Duchany. "I help him with the soccer team. Now he's helping me with track."
The Soaring Eagles resume in Friday's Stephenson Invitational and finish May 15 at BR-H.
"We just want to build a team," said Duchany. "Hopefully, we'll get more numbers as we go. We hope to schedule more meets next year."