Spartans' season was 'one for the ages'

Looking back, veteran Brookfield East boys track and field coach Mike Steiner was more than pleased with his squad's 2010 season.

"Our season was one for the ages," he said. "Going into the season we knew we had a number of really good seniors and an exceptionally strong junior class. The kids were very focused from day one and the team set the triple crown as our main team goal."

Steiner felt that a tremendous amount of work went into this season from both the athletes and coaches.

"I am very pleased with how our team competed and the tremendous pride they continue to show in our program," he said. "Our success was clearly a team effort. I think what made this a special year was the valuable contributions so many kids made. We had such good depth, and it really showed in our conference meets."

After winning two of three legs of the triple crown two straight seasons, the Spartans came through with all three (indoor, outdoor and relay) this year.

"Winning the triple crown is so hard to do," Steiner said. "You have to have talented kids and you have to stay healthy. And every now and then a little luck doesn't hurt either. The GMC (Greater Metro Conference) might be the best league in Wisconsin, so this was no small feat. I hope all the kids remember this for a long time. It was a great ride."

Steiner has put together an excellent staff with Brad Mohns (hurdles), Jason Kasmarick and Mike Griep (sprints), Matt Harris (vault), Randy Bucheger (distance) and Jim Jacobsen (throws).

"We have a lot of committed kids and we have an excellent staff that puts a tremendous amount of time and energy into making this thing work. I couldn't have a better bunch of coaches to work with."

The Spartans not only won the triple crown, but the Wangerin Invite, Rebel Northstar, Falls Invitational and the WIAA regional.

They broke five school records - three individual and two relays.

Aaron Thompson in the 300-meter hurdles, Kyle Rohde in the triple jump and Tony Chretien in the pole vault all set records.

The 800-meter relay of Thompson, Travis Heil, Aaron Dillon and Alex Howland and the 1600 relay of Thompson, Heil, Howland and Dan Osgood set the relay marks.

Osgood, Dillon and Thompson shared the MVP honors; Osgood was named captain; Trenton Daniels and Brad Johnson shared the Rising Star award; and Jonathan Lehman earned the Unsung Hero award.

"We wish our seniors the best," Steiner said. "They have been just awesome this year. Great kids and they really helped solidify this program for the past four years. They will be awfully hard to replace."