U-Hi Strong Out Of The Blocks

GSL boys track

Last year University and Central Valley were the second- and third-place Greater Spokane League boys track teams.

They will attempt to at least duplicate those performances when the season begins April 17.

The two schools are part of a meet at University that includes Ferris, last year’s fourth-place league finisher.

Obviously the winner will have a leg up in posing a challenge to perennial GSL champion Mead.

And if early performances are an indication, the Titans are off to a flying start.

Last weekend they scored 120 points at the Big Red Invitational, outdistancing East Valley and the two schools it opens the GSL season against.

Titans have speed to burn

There’s no substitute for speed in track and field and University has plenty to burn.

“The kids have the ability to set the track on fire,” said coach Keven Frandsen.

The Titans have added a freshman to a host of veterans who last weekend established a school 4x100 meter relay record.

Anthony Buchanan, a Bowdish Junior High ninth-grader had never run track before, yet already has twice run under 11.0 hand-timed.

“He literally doesn’t know how good he is,” said Frandsen.

He joins seniors Jason Berger, Mike Pugh, Tim Buchanan and Mike Turner who eclipsed the school relay record with a brilliant early-season 42.4 time.

Add in senior Paul Salcido, junior Damon Foreman sophomores Jake Roberts, Mike Lukes, Kyle Cossette, Matt Miller and freshman Craig Weaver and U-Hi has more than adequately filled three sprint, two hurdles and two relay races as well as long and triple jump.

Pugh is regional high hurdler and triple jumper. Regional vets Tim Buchanan and Salcido, plus Roberts provide hurdles depth and relay help.

Add in distances runners from last year’s second-place state finishing team and small wonder Frandsen says, “Any event on the track we’re strong.”

He can count on seniors T.J. Sulzle, who ran in regional 800 meters last year, James Berry, juniors Seth Mott, Pat Maguire, sophomores Kris Martin, Mike Barbero and Mike Visintainer to name a few.

U-Hi also has school record holder Cody Hirschi in the pole vault, backed by senior Jesse Larson, sophomores Jeff Wineinger, Ryan Conrad and Brad Walker.

High jump is strong, including senior Erik Carlson, juniors Jared Garner, John Olson, freshmen Carson Neal, Chris Carvo and Matt Meyer.

Only the throws are a question mark because of inexperience. Among prospects are seniors Zaq Flanary, Steve McDaniel, juniors Ryan Metcalf, Ryan McWilliams, Kendrick Chane, Brandon Spackman, sophomores Reggie Lee and Mike Alessio.

Throwers hold key at CV

Numbers are down a bit in coach Chuck Bowden’s program, but quality, he said, is excellent.

The Bears are led by state-placing 800 runner Robby Warnock and a group of experienced weights throwers.

“It depends upon how the kids come through in the throws,” he said. “If they tap their potential, we’ll be pretty tough.”

Among them is senior 180-foot javelin thrower Keith Carpenter, who missed state by less than three feet.

Also back are district discus champion Will Beck and Brandon Bouge, both junior regional qualifiers.

Others are juniors Preston Crossman and Garrett Graham.

The addition of West Valley transfer Gavin Tucker has helped shore up a sprint area hurt by graduation.

“Gavin will be a big help, obviously,” said Bowden. “But we have proven sprinters who for so many years were behind Andy Whipple and Ryan Strickland and can now do their own thing.”

Included are juniors Zac Scott, Josh Hemenway, Josh Kettenton, Graham and senior hurdler Hoa Duong.

Bowden also likes the look of his distance crew, particularly its depth.

“We’ve finally got numbers,” he said.

Seniors Dallin Carter and Brien McGuire. junior Richie Lentz, sophomore Brandon Bonewell and freshman Brian Burrow are others besides Warnock in the runs between 800 and 3,200 meters.

Pole vaulters include regional qualifier Chris Folsom and fellow senior Josh Kruse who both have exceeded 13-feet. Others are senior Ty Dempsey, juniors Norm Tollefson and Ty Pottratz.

Regional high jumper Marc Hinckley leads a jump corps that includes fellow junior Jake Hilderbrand, sophomores Tyree Clowe, Joel Gordon, freshmen Cameron Summers and Bill Michael.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo