“I am so excited to see this young talent develop and compliment the veterans we have,” said Head Coach Niki Welde, now in her 25th season.  “Young athletes back this year after competing with us in eighth grade are Rachel DeBrito (Sprints, Jumps), Savannah Lee (Distance), Estee Versteeg (Distance), Brook Zierden (Everything), Brynn Blondeau (Distance), Ali Bredenberg (Distance), Violet McConn (Distance) and Cassie Wellman (Distance).”

Welde continued, “Maddie Brimhall and Presley Warren are promising new sprinters on our team.  Ashtyn Lill and Evelyn Schulz will be competing in the throws, while Ruby Ellison, Aubree Nelson, Esther Covington, Layla Zosel and Bella Rude will provided depth in the jumps and sprints.”

Team captains are seniors Alyson Bygd, Ella Metcalf, Amelia Olson, Becca Schindler and Kezi Hartwell (Manager).

Returning letter winners include Schindler, juniors Naomi Dummer, Sarah Grotberg and Ella Starzl, sophomores Maya Fear, Izzy Neubauer, Sarah Nordlund, Hannah Scharnberg, Siiri Smestad and Olivia Swanson, freshman Rachel DeBrito and eighth-grader Cassie Wellman.

Rounding out the coaching staff are Angie Leitch, Denny Hystead, Ike Carlson, Jon Pontius, Kyle Owings and Derek Meyer (Boys Head Coach).

Welde says Alexandria is the Section 8AA favorite.  The Cardinals are joined by Brainerd as the teams to beat in the Central Lakes Conference.