Even in a down season, when the Saddleites have lost key players to graduation, Laffey manages to field a competitive team. It was quite a sight last year at the Class A track and field championship. Athletes from Pontiac Central and Pontiac Northern were milling around after the trophy presentations, shaking hands, laughing, joking. The more things you can do in track and field, the more valuable you are. Marc Parker has coached Mumford's girls track and field team since 1993.
Coaches look around, see girls stretching for practice, and wonder where the rest of the team is.
Right after the school season ends in June, the Amateur Athletic Union season begins. And the indoor winter season beckons to athletes who can't get enough sprinting, jumping and throwing. In a perfect world, yes, the Ypsilanti Braves could win the Class A girls track and field title. But Braves Coach Tom Micallef knows better. Injuries are one thing.