GSL Preview Boys track

Distances

Ferris, Mead and Central Valley swept the State 4A cross country team trophies and produced seven of the top 10 individuals and North Central won the 3A title … enough said. Ferris’ Cameron Quackenbush won the 4A individual title with teammate Stephen Olson, Mead’s Kelly Lynch and Kelvin Daratha and CV’s Tylor Thatcher and Sean Coyle all in the top 10. NC had Andy Kimpel, Steve Hicks, Leon Dean and Adam Tyler in the top 15.

Sprints/hurdles

Andre Jennings, who had an injury-shortened junior season at Lewis and Clark, has transferred to Ferris for his senior year. Without question, he is the premier sprinter in the city. Tim Hight of NC is a state placer in the 400.

Throws

The strongman events took a huge hit with graduation last spring, but quality coaching always seems to bring a new crop of throwers. Nolan and Mead senior Mike McGee, fourth in the shot, are the only returning placers.

Jumps/pole vault

Scott Bunkelman of East Valley is a state placer in the long jump. Also, expect a few pole vaulters to emerge.

Team outlook

EV lost a lot of its across-the-board strength so the 3A battle should be intense with NC, which won its first invite in memory last week at the Ram Relays in Yakima, and Mt. Spokane. Depth will determine the league champ which should put Mead, Ferris, Lewis and Clark and CV in the chase.

Notes

Key dates include April 14 for the Pasco Invitational and April 21 for the Mooberry Relays at Rogers. … New coaches are Joe Groves at Shadle Park and Abby Jo Hornstein now doing double duty at University. Thanks to Runner’s Soul, the district (May 10-11) and regional (May 18-19) meets will be at Spokane Falls CC. … State remains at Pasco May 25-26.

Dave Trimmer