Cv’S Harding Nemesis For Panther Shotputter

Sat., May 9, 1998

By Mike Vlahovich mikev@spokesman.com (509) 927-2180

Central Valley shotputter Heather Harding has Leah Merrill’s number.

For the second time this year, the Bear sophomore defeated Mead’s Greater Spokane League-leading thrower, this time on her last throw.

The 37-3 put came during Wednesday’s four-team GSL girls championship meet at Ferris. Mead completed an unbeaten season with victories over the Bears, Shadle Park and Ferris.

But CV, on late victories by Harding, long-jumper Amy Nickerson and a makeshift 1,600 relay team slipped past Shadle and the Saxons to claim second place.

Merrill had already thrown a league-best 38-10-1/2 shot put when the two athletes met earlier. Harding put a career best 38-0 to defeat her. Merrill led Wednesday until the final round of competition when Harding unleashed her winner.

“I don’t think I have an advantage. She’s awesome,” said Harding. “I just needed to concentrate. I needed to get the win.”

CV was locked in a battle with Shadle and Ferris heading into the day’s final events. The Bears were competing for the league title without two athletes, Leslie Meredith and Annie Peterson. Meredith, a vital sprints and relays cog, had an ankle sprain. Distance runner Peterson recently left the team.

“After Leslie was gone, I didn’t know if we could win anything,” admitted coach Dennis McGuire. “Annie quit just the other day. It was a surprise.”

Without her, CV was swept in the 3,200 and got just a smattering of points in the 1,600 and 800 races.

Losing Meredith cost CV sprint points, a 1,600 relay runner and likely 400 relay win. It also meant that Stephanie Crace would take her place in the dashes and miss the long relay.

But the Bears, with additions of Amy Wilson and Adrienne Nowaski, outlegged Shadle in a stirring 4:05.8. Wendy Wagar, who earlier nipped Crace in the open 400, pulled away on the final leg.

Meanwhile, Nickerson popped a league and career best 17-3 long jump and Harding won the shot during CV’s fast finish.

The young Bears had their second place finish.

“If we finish second without Leslie it’s a great day,” said McGuire. “To win two is nice.”

Championship scores These are the final team results from Wednesday’s Greater Spokane League girls track and field championship meet, which was scored as dual meets involving the four participating schools: Mead 81, Central Valley 60. Central Valley 79, Shadle Park 62. Central Valley 82, Ferris 59. Mead 91, Ferris 50. Mead 101, Shadle Park 43. Shadle Park 74, Ferris 67.

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