With new coaches at the helm, the Montague track teams hope to have big years in 2026, especially with a very large boys' roster of nearly 60 athletes.
Montague football coaches Phil Koops and Dan French are teaming to lead the Wildcat track teams this year, and with the depth available on the boys' side, it could be a solid year for them.
"I think kids like the practice structure we have set up, they enjoy their coaches, and the attitude of the group as a whole has been very positive, and I think that really helps make track an inviting place for Montague athletes in the spring," Koops said. "It wasn't hard to get them to act like track athletes. They show up every day, they warm up and cool down like they should, they complete the workouts to the best of their ability, and they are good examples to the younger athletes."
Montague brings back several top athletes for the boys' team. Isaac French is back to anchor the throws, and Dylan Bailey, who is dual-sporting with baseball, will jump and run the middle distances. Devlin Dean and Isaiah King should boost the Wildcat long jumpers.
If there is an area where the Wildcat boys and girls will both need to improve, Koops said, it's in the sprints, as the team does not have many athletes with "blazing speed," but Koops added, "We are working on it."
The girls' team does not have the luxury of as much depth as the boys, with 19 athletes, but there are some good ones among them. Addi Smith got off to a strong start at the Grand Valley State indoor meet, and Koops said from having her in his fitness class this year, "it's obvious why she is so good at things. She is a very strong young lady." Also for the girls, Annelyse Schneider will be a major factor in the jumps, as will Gabby Dietz.
While team success is clearly something the 'Cats will strive for, the best chances at hardware will likely come from some of the top individuals, and Koops said the coaches are ready to help them pursue that goal.
"We certainly have individuals with some goals of making or placing at the MHSAA (finals)," Koops said. "Our job as coaches is to support them in those goals and help them chart a course to get there."
