GSL Preview Girls track

Distances

Mary Graesser, a senior at North Central, is a state-placing veteran and Shadle Park freshman Andrea Nelson is the future on the strength of finishing second in cross country. Central Valley was the regional cross country champion and Mt. Spokane was third in the State 3A meet.

Sprints/hurdles

The headliner is Mead senior Nikki Codd, who was one of the top 400 runners in the state, but focused on the 800 in the postseason and finished second. Lewis and Clark junior Eleanor Siler placed at state in the 400 and Shadle junior Jordan Carlson placed in the 200. Some young hurdlers made it to state and others picked up experience on relays.

Throws

University junior Dana McClendon finished second and Mead senior Ashley Hutchinson placed third behind record-breaking Whitney Hooks of Cascade (Everett) in the shot put. McClendon, who had a sensational finish to her season, was second to Hooks in the discus. Mt. Spokane senior Anna Banks was third in the javelin, but dropping down to 3A puts her in competition with state placers Pam Eatock of East Valley and Andrea DePaolo of NC.

Jumps/pole vault

EV’s Schuerch is also a contender in the triple jump. In the high jump, junior Kelly McNamee of Ferris was third at state and is a threat to break the league record. Even though no placers return in the pole vault, history indicates several contenders should emerge.

Team outlook

NC easily won the 3A title and EV was only four points shy of a trophy. With Mt. Spokane dropping down to 3A, the postseason should be a great battle. Mead, Shadle, LC and CV have the depth to contend for the league title.

Notes

There are no divisions or championship meets. Every team meets during the regular season. … League meets resume after taking next week off for spring break with competitions beginning at 4 p.m. … Stephanie Pfeifer is coaching the LC girls while her father, Pat, recovers from an illness. Eric Anderson takes over at Rogers, while Jamie Reese takes the reins at Shadle Park.

Dave Trimmer