Track Classic field should include several from Powell

There are still almost two weeks to go before organizers lock in the field for the 2012 Wyoming Track Classic in Casper. Still, if early indications account for anything, the Powell Panthers should be well-represented once the starter’s pistol sounds at that elite meet.

The Track Classic is an annual late-April showcase of the state’s top runners and field event performers. The eight fastest times in all lane races and the 10 best times, heights and distances across all of Wyoming’s classifications are invited to participate. All qualifying performances have to have taken place during the 2012 season.

Based on their early performances, the Panthers have a number of competitors positioned to be part of the Wyoming Track Classic field, including several who currently would have the opportunity to compete in multiple events.

On the boys’ side, sophomore Garrett Lynch currently tops the list among shot put distances reported. Lynch’s winning heave of 53 feet, 1 inch from the Worland meet is the best reported to the Track Classic thus far.

Lynch is also the No. 2 discus thrower on the charts currently. His throw of 154-8 trails only Upton’s Kevin Allen. Allen is flirting with 200 feet in the event, having already recorded a toss of 197-7 this season.

Also sitting well in the throws right now for the Panther boys is junior Vince Sleep, who sits third in the shot and fifth in the discus to date.

Senior Josh Cragoe leads the field of reported times after clocking a run of 15.38 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles. Cragoe also sits in a multi-way tie for seventh place in the high jump and would have the option to compete in that event as well in Casper should things remain as they are.

Two more Panther boys are also in line to qualify multiple events to the Wyoming Track Classic. Distance runner Zander Andreasen holds the fifth-best time reported in the 1600 and the seventh-fastest time in the 3200. Sprinter Blaise Gann currently sits in sixth position in both the 200 and 400.

Also currently in line to participate in Casper are Cameron Bennett in the 300-meter hurdles, Zach Thiel in the 800 meters and Hayden Cragoe in the pole vault.

On the girls’ side of the equation, sophomore Shawnea Harrington leads the early field of reports in the shot put with her Worland-winning toss of 39-7. Harrington also sits fourth overall in the discus rankings for the Track Classic.

Also in position to attend in each of those events is sophomore classmate Tori Sleep, currently sixth and eighth overall in the shot and discus, respectively.

On the track, senior hurdler Desiree Murray will likely have the opportunity to step into the blocks in both the 100 and 300-meter hurdles. Murray’s early times place her third among the times recorded at the shorter distance and fourth in the longer race.

Also in line to attend at the moment are Gretchen Moretti, currrently third at 3200 meters, Sierra Morrow, presently seventh at 800 meters, and Kadi Cooley, currently 10th in the pole vault.

No relay events are held at the Wyoming Track Classic.

Athletes from across the state have until April 22 to record and report results for consideration in this year’s Wyoming Track Classic. That means Panther athletes will have two additional opportunities to improve their positions or qualify for further events.

The Panthers host their own track invitational meet this Saturday. The event will be the first meet held at the new Panther Stadium, meaning every winning time will set a facility record for others to chase after in future years. The Panthers are also scheduled to compete in Lovell on Saturday, April 21.

The Wyoming Track Classic takes place Friday, April 27, in Casper.