Will CV Sprint To Gsl Lead?

GSL girls

Sprint strength will once again make Central Valley a contender in Greater Spokane League girls track.

The extent of University’s challenge will in part be determined by its ability to find sprinters.

CV and U-Hi are in a league that was six teams strong last year and will be no less competitive this season.

“We don’t have many holes,” said CV coach Dennis McGuire of his team’s chances of finishing among the league’s top three teams again this year. “And we have the biggest freshman class I’ve ever had.”

Making the round of four for the end-of-season championship meet in the new divisional format could be more difficult for the Titans.

But new coach, boys cross country mentor Bob Barbero, is confident his team is up to the task.

“We have a pretty good chance in our division,” said Barbero, who was the girls coach 13 years ago before Steve Llewellyn took it on.

Both schools have turnouts approaching 100 athletes.

Bears dominant in Lewiston

The extent of CV’s ability to compete was evident in its 50-point victory during last weekend’s Lewiston Invitational.

Despite the graduation of star Whitney Schmaljohn, sprinters Leslie Meredith, Stephanie Crace and Adrienne Nowaski were top two-finishers in the 100 through 400. They’ll be joined by veteran Corinne Gannon.

Hurdler-sprinters include senior Amy Wilson, sophomore Amy Nickerson and junior Jaren Tichy.

“I don’t think we’ll be down in the relays at all,” said McGuire. “It’s the first time in 15 years we’ve had this sprint depth.”

Distances also are solid with Lewiston 800 winner Wendy Wagar, a sophomore, 1,600 placer Annie Peterson, senior Beth Williams, Ali Shatto and freshmen Aubrey Debenham and Audra Frederickson holding the fort.

“It’s so nice I don’t have to double Annie all the time,” said McGuire. “It’s better for the kids.”

Shot putters Mary Caruso, a senior, and Heather Harding, a sophomore, are both already at 36 feet this year.

Other throwers include Jennifer Anderson, Nicole Southwick, Peggy Coyle and freshman newcomer Raeanna Jewell.

In the javelin are district runnerup Anne Moseanko, junior Darah Poffenroth and sophomore Jenny Gossett.

District champion high jumper Marie Cox returns for her senior season, joined by junior Kasey Schmidt and freshman multi-events performer Melissa Loss.

Loss is one of several horizontal jump candidates, including Nickerson, Michelle Keeble, Nicole White, Tasha Opsal and Angie Foedisch.

Titans hoping to rebound

Sprint depth helped U-Hi contend annually for a GSL championship. Without it the Titans slipped back into fourth place in league last year.

The Titans are distance and jumps strong, but need to find the speed that carried the team in past years.

Junior state javelin champion Casey Lektorich and long and triple jump placer Julie Schroeder solidify those events and senior Jaime Miller is one of the league’s best distance runners.

Finding depth from a host of returnees and freshmen will be key to the team’s success.

Schroeder and fellow junior Megan Black will do heavy duty in the sprints, joined by sophomores Dorothy Buchanan, Kacie Walter, Kelly Roberts and freshmen Lacey Spunich and Ali Russell.

Returning hurdlers Coleen Pierce and Breanne Spunich are joined by freshmen Gina Reilly, a 100-foot javelin thrower, and Sara Steblaj.

Joining Miller in the distance events are a host of cross country types, including senior Melissa Hawkins and juniors Michelle Cesal and Jenni Hanna. Other hopefuls are sophomore Kristin Thornton and freshman Michelle Pierce.

Regional high jump veterans are senior Courtney Red, junior Becca Adams and sophomore Katie Blaine, joined by Steblaj.

Senior Kaely McDonald offers backing in the horizontal jumps.

Junior Kami Fox, senior Kim Claridge, sophomores Elly Johnson and Theresa Valkenaar head the Titan shot put and discus throwers.

“We’re pretty young and still sorting kids out,” said Barbero, “but it should be a fun year.”

Distances, throws carry Prep

Gonzaga Prep’s distance runners and weights throwers will be the strength of the girls track team this year.

Beyond them, newcomers will be asked to replace a crew of graduated four-year sprint and hurdles stars.

“We’ll take our lumps early in the season,” said coach Terry Kelly, “but I think we’ll be OK.”

State cross country veteran Jill Larson heads a distance crew that includes Sara McLaughlin and newcomer Karly Barnes. Katie Mayer moves from sprints to middle distances.

New to the team are Robin Bell, Candace Olmsted, Lisa Struss and Cynthia Bouge.

Among the veteran throwers are Melissa Conrad, currently recovering from knee surgery, Rose Weiber, Kathleen Davey, Elisabeth Schumacher, Roz Kitt and Cassandra Hill. New is Stephanie Heuston.

Freshman prospects include Keva Sonderen, Janelle Hood, Laura Oliva and Lucinda Mack.

They join Haley Cooper, who has jump experience, first-timer Michelle Caputo in the long and triple. Liz Pitts high jumps.

Jo Rusca is the lone veteran hurdler. Shaynie Leonard and newcomer Sarah O’Brien are sprinters.

, DataTimes