Buchanan Aims For Historic 100 Sprinter, U-Hi Teammates Hunt For Titles
Anthony Buchanan and his University High track team have a chance to join an elite group this weekend.
Buchanan can become just the second Spokane runner to be crowned fastest high schooler in the state twice.
That title goes to the 100-meter champion, usually in the state’s highest classification.
Tom Bradley of Rogers won the 100-yard dash in 1944 and ‘45. Buchanan, a senior, won the 100 meters as a sophomore. Had he not been upset by J.K. Haines last spring, Buchanan would be going for his third sprint title, something that was only done once in the largest classification. Bob Barnard of Pullman won three from 1926-28.
Haines, of Redmond, is injured and will not compete.
The Titans are trying to become one of the few to win three straight team titles when Star Track XVIII begins Friday at Lincoln Bowl in Tacoma. Star Track includes 4A and 3A schools.
The 2A, 1A and B meets are at Eastern Washington University’s Woodward Stadium. Valley Christian is a heavy favorite in the B boys, but a number of teams should be in contention across the board.
“We’re in good position,” University boys coach Keven Frandsen said. “We have potential for No. 3, and the kids want it.”
No matter who wins, expect teams from the East to play a big part in deciding team titles.
Last year, University, Davis and Shadle Park went 1-2-3 on the boys side. Two years ago, it was University-Davis-Mead. Mead also won three straight titles and four overall in the ‘90s.
Lake Washington is the best bet to break up an East Side sweep.
East teams won every running event last year except the 100, 200 and 110-meter hurdles.
A similar or better effort this year wouldn’t be surprising. The Greater Spokane League’s distance corps of U-Hi’s Max Schmidt, Shadle’s Michael Kiter, Andrew Ice of Ferris and Mt. Spokane’s Cameron Schwehr is formidable.
Hurdlers John McKinnon of Lewis and Clark and Kevin Safran of Rogers are contenders, as is Gonzaga Prep’s Matt Blaine in the 800 with Larrin Hatch of Rogers and Tyler Hartanov of Mt. Spokane.
Top field-event qualifiers are Central Valley’s Tye Scott in the javelin, East Valley’s Blake Horgan in the shot put and Mt. Spokane’s Cameron Stewart in the discus.
On the girls side, Eisenhower and Pasco are favored with Sehome and Lake Washington.
Heading the GSL qualifiers are state-best pole vaulter Emily Roberts of Central Valley with teammate Heather Harding in the throws, Prep’s Carly Barnes in the 1,600 and Shadle’s Katie Schurra in the triple jump.