One last striding chance

Posted 5/13/10

“Regional competition is always fun because someone comes from out of nowhere and really surprises you,” notes Panther track coach Scott Smith.

Smith's Panther boys head to Jackson as the likely favorite. The Powell boys have captured …

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One last striding chance

Posted

PHS track teams head to 3A West regionalsThe Powell High School track teams head to Jackson this Friday and Saturday for 3A West regional track competition. For the Panthers' automatic qualifiers, the meet represents a tune-up for the state meet in Casper.For the rest of the squad, the regional meet is one last chance to earn a spot on the Kelly Walsh track when 3A state competition begins on May 20.

“Regional competition is always fun because someone comes from out of nowhere and really surprises you,” notes Panther track coach Scott Smith.

Smith's Panther boys head to Jackson as the likely favorite. The Powell boys have captured the title at almost every meet attended this season and already have plenty of firepower qualified for the state tournament.

Kyle Sullivan is the favorite for a regional title in both hurdle races, as well as the high jump. Fellow junior Drew MaGill enjoys a similar status in the long and triple jumps and should contend for the top podium spot in the short distance sprints as well.

In the relays, both the Panthers' 4x400 and 4x800 teams boast the fastest reported 3A times in the state this season. In the throwing events, Andrew Young, Jacob Beuster and Vince Sleep hope to pile up the points and advance to Casper.

On the girls' side, the Panthers look to be in the thick of what should eventually evolve into a four-team race for the title. All eyes will be on defending state champion Cody, which should have no shortage of pursuers.

Powell's top opportunity for big points should lie with Desiree Murray and Kassey MacDonald in the middle distance races, Kendra Ostrom and Hannah Pollart in the high jump, where both are already automatic qualifiers, and Marquette McArthur in the discus. Freshman Brooke Nisley should also contribute for the Panthers, especially in the 1600, where she'll line up against a pair of the state's top runners.

Another interesting battle could be developing in the 4x800 relay. After chasing each other throughout cross country season last fall, the Panthers and Jackson own the two fastest relay times in Class 3A this spring. Expect both schools to be jockeying for position at the head of the field throughout the race.

The top eight finishers in all individual events automatically advance to the 3A state championship meet in Casper. Competitors surpassing the state qualifying standard in any event at the regional meet will also earn a spot in the state field, regardless of whether they finish in the top eight or not.

The Wyoming State Track and Field Championships take place May 20-22 at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper.

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