The Brahmans have excelled at javelin in track and field this year. [Photo courtesy Steffanie Immerfall]

OKEECHOBEE- The Okeechobee High School Brahman track and field program is a small team but they’re gaining recognition across the district for their success.

Track and field at the high school level in Florida includes both boys’ and girls’ programs, with events in sprinting, middle-distance, long-distance, hurdles, and relays. As well as field events like shot put, discus, high jump, long jump, and pole vault.

Both the boys’ and girls’ divisions at OHS have found their competitive edge through standout performances in shot put, discus, and javelin, where athletes have consistently placed in the top three at nearly every meet this season.

At the Bulldogs Field Invitational in Frostproof on Feb. 17 four Brahmans finished in the top four in the shot put for the boys’ division. Slate Shatzer, John Immerfall, Jacob Davis, and Donovan Aguirre finished in first, second, third, and fourth respectively. While Madison Maitland finished in first for Okeechobee for the girls.

Immerfall and Maitland each finished in first for Okeechobee in discus, with Maitland also earning first place in javelin while Shatzer earned first in javelin for the boys.

The Brahmans celebrate after a track and field event.[Photo courtesy Steffanie Immerfall]

These achievements have not only contributed significantly to the team’s overall points, but have also positioned Okeechobee as a serious contender among more established programs.

Head coach Garth Streibel is determined to bring back a strong track and field program to OHS. Coach Streibel has focused on developing technique, discipline, and confidence in the track athletes.

Their goal extends beyond short-term wins they are laying the foundation for a program that will compete at a high-level year after year.

A major milestone for the program comes with senior Slate Schatzer, who had committed to Southeastern University to compete at the collegiate level. Schatzer’s accomplishment is a testament not only to individual dedication, but also to the strength of a program that is beginning to produce athletes capable of excelling beyond high school competition.