Herriman High School has built a strong tradition of producing talented, accomplished track and field athletes. 

This season is shaping up to be another banner year for the team. 

The Mustangs have a good group of athletes on both the boys’ and girls’ side. In fact, head coach Doug Soles is confident that his squad will be in the mix for top honors at the upcoming Class 6A state tournament. 

“Both the boys and girls teams for Herriman will be looking to compete against the top teams at state this year,” he said. “We have solid balanced teams with many who can make a state final. Our distance team should score quite a few points again this year.”

The success of the distance runners shouldn’t be surprising considering Herriman’s cross country team this past fall won Nike Cross Nationals. Some athletes on the team have already set personal records. 

“We are developing a more balanced team this year with solid kids in most areas,” Soles said.

Herriman faces some stiff competition in Region 2, including Bingham, Riverton, Copper Hills and Corner Canyon. In April, the Mustangs will take part in the Oregon Relays where they’ll get a good measuring stick of where they stand. 

Soles thinks his group has a good shot of finishing high in the 6A standings at the state tournament in May. 

“I think getting both teams in the top three at state is a realistic goal and gives us something to work hard for,” he said. “We travel to the Oregon Relays in April and will look to show we can run with many of the top teams in the country. We are shooting for consistency in our team performance.”

One thing that has helped develop the program and improve runners’ times and other athletes’ performance is the knowledge and experience of the coaching staff. Herriman’s senior class has taken on the role of leadership.

“We have really good coaches in all areas, and that has helped us develop good athletes in many event areas,” Soles said. “I think the seniors this year have been a special group and are a strength for the team. They are ready to compete. Distance and vault should be areas we really stand out.”

Individually, several athletes are among the best in the 6A in their events. Keep an eye out for senior Addie Freeland, who is a state contender in throwing. Fellow senior Kate Garner is a strong hurdler, while sophomore Halle Willardson is a great sprinter. Senior Alayna Wardle and junior Maci Woolf should be in the mix in distance events at state. 

“[Freeland] is a great legacy with her family being a bunch of amazing throwers and her brother so dominant over the years,” Soles said. 

The boys have some talented athletes, too. 

Zeke Kearney, a junior, should be a state contender in throws, and senior Devante Stieb is the leader for the Mustangs in the long jump. Senior Nigel Feese is an excellent high jumper. A trio of distance runners—seniors William Steadman, Max Hofheins and Jack Beckstrom—highlight that group for the boys team. 

“[Hofheins] and [Beckstrom] have been friends since they were babies and have now led Herriman to a cross country national championship and a lot of success on the track,” Soles said 

There are a few areas of concern for the Mustangs as well as areas where Soles would like to see some improvement. 

“The biggest issue is keeping up in the sprints,” he said. “We have improved, but there are some really strong sprint squads in our region, and we are still developing there. We will attempt to close the gap in other areas, while sprints continue to develop. We are making good strides, but it takes time.”

Continual improvement is essential in all events, especially considering the competition Herriman faces is so stiff. 

“We did a good job competing on the big stage last year, and I think just continually working to get comfortable competing against the top teams in big meets is what I would like to see,” Soles said. “Also, seeing other groups on the team really focus on the little things to improve.”

The 6A state meet will be May 16–18 at Brigham Young University. The week before, Herriman and its fellow league opponents will take part in the Region 2 tournament to determine which athletes qualify for state. Expect to see a bunch of Herriman track and field athletes on that big stage. Whoever makes it for Herriman to state will run, jump and throw alongside the best track and field athletes in the state. Last season, Herriman was runner up on the boys’ side, coming up just behind Corner Canyon, which is now a Region 2 opponent. In 2023, the girls placed 13th overall. Combined, the boys and girls were fifth in state with 98 points, six points ahead of Bingham and 13 points behind fourth-place Skyridge. 

Soles said he couldn’t do this job without a supportive school administration and without dedicated, caring parents. And, of course, working with the kids is gratifying and fulfilling. 

“What I enjoy most about coaching this team is the great kids,” he said. “We have really great families at Herriman with a real sense of pride for the community. I love that they really like where they are from and will work hard to make their community proud. We have lots of admin and community support here.” λ