Titan Girls Hang Together For Run At State Competition
If University High runner Lindsay Daehlin can overcome asthma, the Titans have an excellent opportunity to qualify for state.
Even if she isn’t totally healthy, after Wednesday’s effort U-Hi’s chances aren’t bad.
Daehlin, the Titan No. 1 runner for the past two years until afflicted a month ago, finished fifth overall in the season dual finale with only nine seconds separating U-Hi’s five scorers.
Coach Steve Llewellyn was understandably impressed. So, too, was rival Central Valley coach Dale Poffenroth.
“If his girls run the way they did today,” Poffenroth said following the race, “they are legitimate.”
The Greater Spokane League runner-up Titans handily defeated the Bears, who only two years ago were fifth in state with most of the same runners, 20-35.
“Look at them one-to-one and they should not be better but they are,” said Poffenroth. “Our times weren’t bad. His were good.”
Llewellyn agreed. University’s five scorers bunched up behind CV winner Jenni Saling whose 19:33 time for five kilometers (3.1 miles) left her well in front.
Finishing second through sixth in times ranging from 19:57 to 20:06 were Kelly Kearsley, Taraka Campbell, Jaime Miller, Daehlin and Shanna Delong.
If Daehlin finds the right asthma medication and runs like she had early in the year, so much the better, said Llewellyn.
Even if not, he said, the times should speak for themselves when the Titans race five other teams with state aspirations for three berths.
Titan boys scrambling
Although ranked as the third-best AAA cross country team in Washington, University High coach Bob Barbero was not sure his Titans deserved such lofty consideration.
“But we have a chance to be, which is something we haven’t had for awhile,” he said. “At least it’s something to shoot for.”
Following two years near the bottom of league, the Titans were hoping for a 6-2 season in 1995.
Now they find themselves chasing Gonzaga Prep as well as the top two league finishers, Mead and Ferris, after losing to the Bullpups 23-32.
Gonzaga has been the league surprise, competing with three sophomores and three juniors in its seven-man lineup.
U-Hi ran without No. 2 runner junior T.J. Sulzle, who was resting an injured leg.
His presence would have made some difference, particularly in the light of strong finishes by sophomore Seth Mott and junior James Berry.
“Our top five run in a 33-second pack,” said Barbero. “We need to get someone up there. I think T.J. and James can do it.”
Even if U-Hi doesn’t crack the top three teams at regional next Saturday, the future is bright.
Five of the Titan varsity returns next year and during the junior varsity race 10 of the top 12 finishers were from University.
“They’ve come a long ways in a year,” said Barbero. “If we get that next year we’ll be in good shape.”
EV and WV are overland champs
West Valley’s boys never had a close Frontier League cross country race. East Valley’s girls had one.
Both completed unbeaten seasons to win their respective league championships but must win once more at next Saturday’s district meet at Hangman Valley Golf Course in order to prolong their seasons.
Only one boys and girls team qualifies for state and the Eagle boys still have a stern test facing them in once-beaten Riverside.
Although victors 17-40 when first they met, WV coach Jim McLachlan said the Rams beat them in Yakima when they raced again.
EV’s girls, the defending state champions, only beat WV by a point, indicative that their district race will be a dandy.
On Thursday against Cheney, the Eagle boys swept the first five places. Levi Lounder and Clayton Holmes went one-two, handing teammate Matt Wheeler is first loss of the league season.
In a re-match of state champions Cheney’s Jeanette Zimmer beat Jessica Riehle and her week-old Plante’s Ferry Park course record.
Host East Valley’s girls had seven of the first 10 places against Pullman and Clarkston to finish unbeaten.
Returning EV boys state qualifier Chris Henderson tuned up for district with victory.
Taut soccer race near end
The Frontier League soccer season ends on Tuesday with only a point currently separating three teams.
East Valley’s bid to clinch the title went awry during Thursday’s 4-0 loss to Riverside. The two teams share the lead, a point ahead of West Valley which throttled fourth-place Cheney 5-0.
Last year’s scoring leader, Cheryl Nelson who missed much of the year with illness, scored three goals. She also had two earlier against Colville.
EV plays at Cheney Tuesday. A tie would result in a Thursday playoff for seeding into next Saturday’s four-team league tournament.
, DataTimes