Track & field preview GSL

Returning state placers

Boys: Tanner Anderson, North Central (3,200 meters, state champ); John Dressel, Mt. Spokane (3,200, 2nd; 1,600, 6th); Carlos Riojas, MS (javelin, 5th); Frankie Hoerner, Gonzaga Prep (800, 6th); Jalen Hicks, Ferris (triple jump, 5th); Luke Hilmes, Mead (javelin, 5th); Jack Bamis, G-Prep (long jump, 8th).

Girls: Ashlee Pedersen, MS (400, 4th); Tierra White, Rogers (high jump, 4th); Amanda Konynenbelt, Shadle Park (tj, 5th); Sabrina Keys, NC (shot put, state champ); Briegan Bester, Central Valley (800, 6th; 1,600, 7th); Mariah Cunningham, CV (hj, 4th; lj, 4th).

League outlook

The Mead boys have won six straight league titles and 57 consecutive duals. Those feats could be snapped. The Panthers are as young as ever under coach John Mires. “Winning hides your flaws sometimes,” Mires said. “About 75 percent of our team are sophomores and freshmen. Our depth is lean. We’re going to have great growing pains, but it’s going to be fun to be the hunter a little more than the hunted. You appreciate the success with the rebuilding process. Central Valley and Mt. Spokane figure to have the best shots at knocking off Mead. The Panthers’ last league setback came against CV in 2007. The girls race finished in a three-way tie between CV, Lewis and Clark and Mt. Spokane. The coaches have picked CV as the favorite but Mt. Spokane, Lewis and Clark and Mead will be in the mix.