By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Things are moving a good direction for the Waterloo track and field programs.

Just one season removed from a roster of only 12, participation numbers and results are on the upswing once again for a Vikings program that historically has been viewed in high regard throughout Portage County under former head coaches Frank Rossi and Greg Drugan.

New head coach Jeff Sharkey took on the role just a few days before the start of the 2023 season, but he is committed to a resurgence.

“We are trying to bring the pride back,” Sharkey said.

This year’s roster includes 28, which features just two seniors, leaving Sharkey optimistic that the 2024 season will see another boost in numbers when the Vikings inherit approximately 20 middle-schoolers.

“I only took over the week before the season, and I mainly recruited from the hallways and classrooms that I was a sub in,” Sharkey said. “Bill Huber, the middle-school coach, did about the same.”

Throughout the season, Sharkey identified his top performers from the girls program to be Quinn Nestich, Tess Rodenbucher, Cheyanne Biltz, Chloe Williamson, Ally Miller and Isabella Senior. For the boys, Sharkey named Bobby Harouff, Kai Warren, Jeremiah Willis, Chance Moore, Dekota Finney and Nate Roberts.