New Rogers Coach Brings National Experience

GSL girls track

In the case of new Rogers High School girls track coach Sheralyn Redmon, names can be deceiving.

The former North Central High, Community Colleges of Spokane and Washington State University javelin thrower is really Shaney Coe.

Redmon is her married name. “I’ve always gone by Shaney,” she said.

Redmon placed third in state for the Indians, won conference and regional championships at CCS and finished fifth in the 1987 NCAA javelin with a throw of 171-10 to earn All-American status at WSU.

She assisted at NC for four years before being named Pirate head coach this season.

“I kind of got more into the private sector with fitness and stuff and decided I wanted to get back in school,” the Spokane substitute teacher said.

Rogers, 0-8 last year, obviously will be hard-pressed to challenge defending champion and favorite Mead, although Redmon is upbeat.

“I like it,” she said of coaching. “It’s a challenge. The kids are begging for help.”

Panther coach Annette Pedersen is typically cautious when asked about Mead’s repeat title chances.

“I get so nervous,” she said. “The girls want to. I hope so.”

Greater Spokane League competition begins today with Mead and NC at Lewis and Clark, and Shadle and Rogers at Ferris.

Panthers best bet again

Although any of three or four teams could challenge for a GSL title, Mead has been impressive in early season meets.

State champion Allison Beatty and hurdles placer Autumn Wood head a solid cast.

Jen Dunford is back in the sprints, joined by 5-foot-4 high jumper Emily Williams, horizontal jumper Jamie Wakefield, veteran Alicia Simchuk and sophomore newcomer Abby Hornstein.

Pedersen said she needs 400-meter runners, although the school 4x400 relay team has already run 4:12, and Megan Purdy ran 1:02.5 recently.

Senior Lynde Johnson is a state-seasoned distance runner who will be relied on heavily in the absence of currently injured Stephanie Goaslind.

Others are junior Katie Pollock, who is also a horizontal jumper, Carmen Compogno and sophomore Rachae Probst.

Backing Wood in the hurdles are Mandy Larson and sophomore Jaci Pelton.

Shot putter-discus throwers are Jennifer Bennett, Mandy Ala, Chelsea Clark, Leah Merrell and sophomore Angie Edmonds.

Beatty’s javelin teammates are Shannon Roberts and Heidi Gerke.

Other jumpers are Jesse Biggs and Sara Clements.

Distance runners Shadle strength

Four regional qualifying distance runners are the strength of the Highlander track team.

Sarah Hall, Ali Krogel and sophomore Christa Eide all competed in regionals in the 1,600-meter run. Amy Sawatzky made it in the 800.

In addition, Vanessa Larkin qualified in both the 200 and high jump. Christina Withey qualified in the javelin.

They and several returning sprinters are athletes around which Coach Ivan Corley must build.

“The girls team had a lot of seniors,” said Corley. “There are a lot of new faces again.”

Among them are freshman distance runner Julie Sawatzky, Amy’s sister.

Veteran sprinters are Emilee Steckler, Emily Christensen and Vanessa Hanks. Joining them are newcomers Jen Rudd and Rachel Hayes, a freshman.

Junior hurdler Rachel Holje and sophomore Jamie Pfister will come around, said Corley.

In the throws are April Gallagher, Mary Johnson and Angela Tate.

Withey and Jen Bond long-jump.

Like boys, NC girls lack depth

Lack of numbers is always a problem for North Central.

Matters compounded when three distance runners, including a regional qualifying 800 runner, did not come out.

The two who did return are Lori Kostelecky, who just missed state in the 3,200, and Krys Allen.

Veteran sprinters are Heather Brotherton, Rnee Emery-Cloy and Megan DeLauder.

Junior Rache Stotts-Johnson is a 400 runner and possibly a high and long jumper. Amber Johnson also runs the 400 and high-jumps.

Coach Joe Schauble said the team is still trying to find hurdlers.

“We have some freshmen who may come up later,” he said.

In the field, Carrie Payne and Darcy O’Neil are shot putters and discus throwers. Kady Thompson, Sarah Michelbook, Kieley Fox and Heather McCauley throw the javelin.

Coach likes Rogers tradition

Last year’s record notwithstanding, Redmond said the Pirates can build on their past.

“Rogers owns nine district records,” she said. “It’s not like they don’t have tradition.”

Rogers has a turnout of 26, only three of them seniors.

Included is regional qualifier Kelly Hughes, who just missed state in the discus. She also puts the shot.

Sophomore Carrie Curtis opened the season with a 1:00 400, which has state implications.

Other sprinters are juniors Latoya Bennett and Anecia Grigsby and freshmen Sandra Cannon and Paula Zammit, who also runs the 300 hurdles.

Distance runners from 800 through 3,200 meters are Curtis, senior Katie Dahl and sophomore Cora Gaines.

Running the hurdles and longjumping are Amber Conrath and Kary’l Sands.

Lemandy Tannehill is a 30-foot shot putter and triple jumper. She also will throw the discus and javelin.

Senior Carol Reno puts the shot.

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