GSL Preview Boys track
Distance
A handful of runners from state cross country champion Ferris, headlined by Robert Cosby, should have some epic battles with runner-up Mead, led by Taylor Nepon. Those two individuals finished fifth and sixth in cross country, 1 second apart. Add to the mix Central Valley junior Sean Coyle, the surprise district 3,200 champion and regional runner-up. On the 3A side, North Central was second in state cross country behind Jake Sanders and James Clark, but East Valley’s Tyler Thatcher was the highest placer at fourth and teammate Nick Atwood led the GSL last fall.
Sprints/hurdles
Andre Jennings of Lewis and Clark, who set state records as a freshman, is a multiple medal winner and he’s just a junior. Ferris Anthony Zachery was right behind last year. EV’s Anthony Laborin is also a contender in the short sprints. WV’s Marc Smith was third in the state 400 last year. All the best hurdlers graduated, except for Cheney’s Tyreil Poosri, who was third in the 300s.
Throws
Cameron Elisara is the headliner but Shadle Park’s Mitch Kamstra placed in the shot put and Mead’s Tony Moser medaled in the discus. Tim Naylor of Mt. Spokane is a contender in both. EV always has standout throwers and Tyler Jolley should be the leader with Austin Wardsworth. Cheney’s Bob Wilske is a state placer in the shot.
Jumps/pole vault
Arton Toussaint of WV is a threat in all three jumps. Nick Harter of Mead developed into one of the top high jumpers. Triple jump contenders are Mt. Spokane’s Brandon Jared and Sean Adelbeyo of Rogers. Mt. Spokane’s Tyler Sutherland is the only returning state-placing vaulter, but the GSL always develops contenders.
Team
WV won the State 3A title last year and Ferris was third in 4A with Mead and Shadle tied for fifth. Ferris won the 4A regional, and EV and NC went 1-2 in the 3A. In the GSL finals, Mead, Mt. Spokane, EV and CV comprised the top four.
Key dates
The championship and league-placing meets are May 4. Major invitational meets include Pasco and Freeman (at Central Valley) on April 15, Mooberry at Rogers and Ritzville-Reardan at Medical Lake on April 22, Strandberg at CV on May 6.