New Coach, 6 Athletes Carry Track Banner

The 2005 Mackinac Island Lakers track and field team includes (from left, back row) assistant coach Chad Idema, Sam Kamphuis, Richard Chaffee, Woody Beardsley, first-year head coach Sarah Dehring; (front row) Caleb Straight, Emma Chambers, and Robert Chambers.

Sarah Dehring will take over as the Mackinac Island track coach and six athletes will carry the banner for the Lakers during the 2005 season.

Seniors Emma Chambers, in the sprints and middle distance, and Richard Chaffee, in the middle distance, will compete for the final time for the Blue and White.

Joining the seniors are junior Sam Kamphuis in the discus throw and distant runs, freshmen Woody Beardsley in the discus and distant events and Caleb Straight in the sprints, and eighth grade runner Robert Chambers in the sprints and middle distance events.

"I am very pleased with the numbers," said Coach Dehring. "Emma and Richard return for their final season and we hope to have a couple of relay events for the boys."

Ms. Dehring, 1999 graduate of Mackinac Island Public Schools and 2004 graduate of Ferris State University, will finish the school year as the physical education teacher and aide for special education.

Chad Idema, former thrower and football player at Olivet College and Ferris State University, will help the Laker boys in the throwing events.

Mr. Idema, an employee at Mustang Lounge, spent his first full year on Mackinac Island this year. He had spent three summers on the Island, previously.