Green Bay Preble Preseason Practice

Friday, March 7, 2008 at Green Bay Preble High School



Above left: Head Green Bay Preble girls coach Kevin Kirchman. Above right L-R:Senior Becca Gusmer, junior Stephanie Stock, and junior Katelyn Smith. Gusmer was a 2007 State qualifier in the 3200m run and was on the Preble school record 4x8 relay team along with teammate Katelyn Smith. Stock is a versatle runner who qualified for the 2007 State Meet in the 400m dash and 4x4 and 4x8 relays. She also set the school record in the 400m [59.53] and was a member of the school record 4x8 relay team [9:40.43].
Experienced and novice hurdlers all started the same in the Friday practice held in the Preble field house. Stretching and form fit drills were followed by walk throughs in which technique was stressed. Hurdles coach Jeff Kline explained drills and gave encouragment to rookies and veterans alike. Hurdlers new to the event used a special hurdle device [below left] meant to instill confidence

Below center: Coach Kline instructs his hurdlers in the techniques needed for success.

Below: Emily Wallenfang who holds the Preble 100m HH record [15.11] sets up for another drill.


"With it being this early in the season, my goal is to get my veterans to find their form again. A LOT of stretching, followed by simple lead leg/trial leg one-step drills. Then, our goal was to work starts to the 2nd or 3rd hurdle. Over the fall/winter, the vets seem to lose their ability to snap their lead leg down and drive their trail leg through. As a result, they float over the hurdles. In addition, the start itself needs work. We are doing

time trials tomorrow so I really wanted the veterans to find their steps, drive, arm motion, and hurdle patterns again.

For the rookies, my goal is to really focus on technique. We have a group of ninth graders that are very eager to hurdle. The trick is to get them to feel comfortable with the technique (since our first meet is Wednesday) and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the practice. With those ninth graders that have never hurdled before, the goal is to help them understand the skills associated with the lead leg and trail leg. If we can get over 1-2 hurdles by the end of practice with some success, it's a great start.

For the rookies who hurdled a bit in middle school, the immediate goal is to focus on eight steps to the first hurdle and try to focus on three steps between hurdles. To work on the three steps, I use a training hurdle with a velcro strap. This allows the students to really drive to the 2nd hurdle in three steps without fear of running into something that is hard plastic and metal." Coach Jeff Kline, Green Bay Preble hurdles coach.

Preble Hurdle Practice Outline - Friday, March 7:

  • Jog 2-3 laps Stretch Hurdle stretches (using hurdles)
  • Lead Leg/Trail Leg drills against wall using hurdle
  • One-step lead leg/trail leg drills with four hurdles set 3m apart
  • Final stretch Set blocks Starts to first hurdle (review technique)
  • Allow starts to 2nd/3rd hurdle per ability.
  • Use training hurdle (velcro strap) at mark for 2nd hurdle to teach 3-step technique to rookie hurdlers



Above left: Junior hurdlers Emily Wallenfang [L] and Gina Gigot. Both hurdlers qualified for the 2007 State meet. Wallenfang was 3rd in the 100m HH while Gigot placed 8th in the 100mm HH and 300m LH. Wallenfang is pictured in a variety of drills that simulate each part of the hurdle race. After working on starts the athletes progressed to one hurdle techniques gradually working up to four hurdles. To simulate the pressure and intensity of competion two hurdlers ran at the same time. Ninth grader Kim Drewiske is pictured with Wallenfang. After their workout Wallenfang and Druwiske ran one lap at top speed stressing their stride. Wallenfang who holds the school record in the 100m HH offered encouragement and advice to the new hurdlers who will carry on the fine tradition of the hurdles event at Preble.



The Preble field house has a four lane track with a 6 lane straightaway. The surface is forgiving to an athletes legs and provides a firm and non-slippery surface so runners can keep their speed up on the turns. Below right: Andy Fameree and Amy Fameree are a brother and sister who are former Preble track athletes who volunteer coach at Preble. Below left: Amy works with the jumpers.



In the 2007 season Preble thrower Brittany Frederick was the Green Bay Press Gazette Track & Field Athlete of the Year. She won the 2007 D1 State Championship in the discus. She is now at the University of Minnesota.


Head football coach Patrick Prochnow [far right] is also the head boys track coach and coaches the throwers. He is shown working with Katie Lindow.

Above: Throwers work on their technique.
Below: Volunteer throwing coach Kile Lindow and his daughter help one of the younger throwers.

Right [L-R] Ashlee Reed, Verenice Cervantes, and Megan Bartell.


The throwers worked in a separate gym. Preble has outstanding athletic facilities.


Far left: Long and triple jumpers.

Left: Vault coach Paul Donart. Graduated senior Meridith Duchaine was a 2007 state qualifier in the pole vault. Each season coaches introduce a new group of athletes to the skills needed for success.



Starting on Monday, March 3, at D1 Janesville Parker the Honor Roll traveled to D3 Darlington, D2 West Salem before ending up at D1 Green Bay Preble. A question I had before beginning this whirlwind tour was: What is the state of track and field in Wisconsin? Despite seeing a variety of facilities there was one constant. The teaching of the sport is in good hands. The enthusiasm, knowledge and care that coaches displayed toward Wisconsin's students who are the states most important product was most impressive. Track and field is a special sport and the Honor Roll looks forward to covering results during the 2008 season. D Figi, Saturday, March 8.


Memories from 2007

Above: Emily Wallenfang hands off to Gina Gigot in relay action at the Titan Invite held at UW- Oshkosh at the Kolf Sports Center.


Above left: Wallenfang is pictured at the 2007 State Track and Field Meet in the 100m HH finals.


Above right: Wallenfang at the Titan Invite held at UW-Oshkosh.


Left: Relay runner Junior Kaitlin Medenwald at the Titan Invite at UW-Oshkosh.


Green Bay Preble is in the Fox River Classic League along with Ashwaubenon, Bay Port, De Pere, Green Bay East, Green Bay Southwest, Green Bay West, Manitowoc Lincoln, Notre Dame de la Baie Academy of Green Bay, Pulaski, Sheboygan North and Sheboygan South.