Mead Boys Soccer Team Advances To State Semifinals

Mead’s boys soccer team has advanced to the state semifinals for the first time since 1990 in what could be Dick Cullen’s last season as coach.

Cullen, who will become activities coordinator at Mead for the 1997-98 school year, is not sure he will have another season directing one of the school’s best success stories.

Following last weekend’s 3-0 win over Pasco, however, Cullen was delighted that this year’s team advanced.

“To be honest, I was not sure we expected to be there early in the season,” he said. “It’s fitting this group gets to go. I’ve had teams with more talent that have not molded together as well.”

The 18-1 Panthers have now had five goals in two playoff games by J.J. Klaus, who is nominally listed as a defender on the team roster. He also scored during Mead’s 2-0 seeding win over Gonzaga Prep.

Injuries dictated where the Panther junior has played.

“J.J.’s been at forward most of the season because Ken Moulaison was hurt,” said Cullen. “I thought he might play back (on defense) because Aaron Trainor was late coming out.”

With the team all together, Mead zoomed into the final four at Tacoma Friday and Saturday on the wings of three straight shutouts.

“A lot of these kids are on their final swing of their senior year,” said Cullen. “The kids are doing a good job of being focused and tuned in.”

Panthers on right track

Both the Mead boys and girls track teams won last weekend’s regional meet in Richland with Star Track up next in Tacoma Friday and Saturday.

The teams combined for entries in 20 events, with 11 boys and nine girls.

But no Panther had a more dramatic path to Tacoma than junior jumper Jamie Wakefield.

Wakefield finished fourth in the long jump when only three advanced.

She almost found herself in the same position on Saturday during the triple jump.

University freshman Julie Schroeder leaped a personal record 35-9-3/4 to drop Wakefield into fourth again. On her last jump, Wakefield soared a personal record 36-1.

“I did it on purpose,” she said with a relieved laugh, then added, “I think I was trying too hard. I needed to relax.”

She said adrenalin also helped on her final attempt.

“I started to get a little nervous,” she said. “It only takes one jump. I kept telling myself that. But I was in the same position (Friday) and I didn’t quite get the job done.”

Returning state javelin winner Allison Beatty and hurdles runner-up Autumn Wood along with 400 and 800 meter relay teams are key to Panthers trophy hopes.

Wood, battling a virus that sapped her strength when she lost 10 pounds, was upset in the 300 hurdles but still advanced. However, she didn’t make it in the 100 hurdles.

Senior Jen Dunford won the 100 and sophomore Abby Hornstein was second. Junior Emily Williams high-jumped 5-6.

The other qualifier is Katie Pollock in the 3,200. The junior was fourth by .21 in the 1,600.

The boys’ best chance for success comes from Jason Fayant in the distances and the javelin duo of Beau Chandler and Spencer Smith.

They are joined in the event by returning placer Oliver Cook of Shadle Park.

A repeat state title will hinge on contributions from horizontal jumper D.J. Miller, high jumper Merrill Alley, and sprinters Matt Sturm, John West and their 400 relay teammates.

Also qualifying for state were regional record-setting discus thrower Kelly Hughes of Rogers and Shadle javelin thrower Christina Withey and high jumper Vanessa Larkin.

Lakeside sends tracksters to state

Lakeside track athletes struck gold in qualifying for the State A-B track meet this weekend at Eastern Washington University.

Included are hurdler Eric Dean, 400 runner Trevor Smith and James McMahon.

Repeating as a girls state qualifier is 3,200 runner Lindsey McElroy, joined by freshman sprinter Corrie Nightengale, sophomore hurdler Katie Nuechterlein and long jumper Sonia Leach.

, DataTimes