Knights, Eagles Are Each Others’ Biggest Threat

When you’re around West Valley and East Valley girls track you’re in good company. The Eagles are working on a four-year Frontier League winning streak. Since 1985, EV has compiled a 47-13 record that included three unbeaten seasons between 1987-89. The last two years the Knights have been 4-1, losing only to the Eagles.

EV coach Glenn Gunderson worries that WV still has too much speed, even though several sprinters have graduated, but doesn’t concede them a fifth straight title.

“We can offset things if we progress,” he said.

West Valley has a new coach in Dori Robertson who brings with her impressive credentials in 10 years as boys and girls coach at Springdale.

Springdale’s boys most recently won the last three Panorama League championships, twice winning district. The girls finished second twice and first once in league.

“It’s quite a difference,” said Robertson, of her new position. “There was no program when I came to Springdale,” she said. “Now there’s all this tradition here.”

Robertson, who was the school’s English department as well as junior high and high school coach, has had to adjust to a team coaching style and must get the girls used to her before the two Valley schools meet April 25.

WV replacing key graduates

Seven graduated seniors will be difficult to replace, but the Eagles are not left wanting for talent.

The sprint burden now falls on district 200 meter placer Erika Frampton, 400 champion Cindy Simpson and fourth-placer Jill Nihoul and veteran Rhonda Barney. Freshman newcomer Staci Adams has starred early.

She also has already run a 48.5 300 hurdles, where she’s challenging district placing veteran Arin Craig.

Distances are solid behind state veterans Heather Harmon and Jessica Riehle as well as Marah Kjeldgaard, freshman Casey Lounder and sophomore newcomer Cameron Ouelette.

Two-time state placing shotputter Aimee Aldendorf is now the Eagle number one thrower with ample backing by juniors Stacey Roberts, Mary Schollenberger, Beth Seeley and freshman Melissa Dahlquist.

Craig is one of the league’s better long jumpers, and Nihoul is the team’s lone high jumper in WV’s thinnest events. Prospects include Danna Vermeers and Jamie Tracy.

Knights have stuff of contender

If East Valley sprinters can match the Eagles, the team could end WV’s title streak.

Last year the Knights gave up 33 points in the 100, 200 and three relays. Most of those WV point getters are gone.

Freshman Tammy Brining could provide an answer. She’s also an accomplished long jumper, events that provide EV’s biggest advantage.

State placer and school record holder Star Olson leads the way. She is joined by her junior sister Kellie and newcomer sophomore Jessica Conrad in the triple and junior Jocelyn Sly in the long jump.

Four of the league’s top six high jumpers are Knights. They are sophomore district champion Jennifer Kann, fifth and sixth placers Jessica Williams and Alisha Stickel and junior third placer Breanna Combs.

Other prospects are senior Desa Rae Hendren, sophomore Jill Fautch and freshman Leslie Knack.

Shotputter Michelle Griffin neared 39-feet last year. Other throwers include seniors Sara Cochran and Anjie Blindauer in the javelin, junior Christy Bindauer in the discus, sophomore Anita Heaton and freshmen Rachelle Schultz and Loretta Sorbell in the shot put.

Distance runners from EV’s two-time state cross country champions match anyone’s. Included are record-setting sophomore 800 runner Ann Marie Adams, district 400 runnerup and 800 placing junior Crystal Cook, Sally Wulf and freshman Stacy McCarty.

Angie Simmers heads the longer distances along with seniors Amber Sine, Lynn Gillett, juniors Holly Weiler, Heidi Williams, sophomores Carmen Cook, Cara Smith, Radene King and freshman Korinda Godwin.

State qualifying senior Christal Nicholson leads EV’s hurdlers, joined by returning sophomore Secrett Thompson and freshman hopefuls Kelly Daly and Alisha Smith.

Sprinters that hold the key to EV’s title chances are senior Sara Bartlett, junior Renee Volland, sophomores Becky Gahl, Connie Louis, Amanda McManus, Amber Lewis and freshmen Schultz, Sarah Davis, Raquel Trillo and Carmen Moss.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo