WP Track & Field Team Has Eyes On State

WAITSBURG - WP's track and field team has a big reputation to live up to this year.

The men's team last year placed fifth in state, and was the second-highest placement in recent memory. The women's team placed 29th.

This year, with a roster full of valuable returners, head coach Jeff Bartlow said he is setting the bar higher and hopes to pull in even bigger wins than last year.

"We want to continue to improve on where we s tood a t state last year," Bartlow said. " We're pretty proud of our accomplish- ments."

One small obstacle is the fact that the track the team practices on is torn up because of a new electrical and lighting system being installed. Bartlow said he hopes to have his track back soon. But, he knows the improved lighting for football season games will be "more than worth it."

Bartlow has help with his large team of nearly 50 athletes. Assistant coach Joanna Lanning will be training the middle distance and distance runners, Darleen Dozier will be training the jumpers and sprinters and former coach Greg Fry will be around once a week to provide his wisdom. The middle school athletes will be led by Vickie Hamann and Jared Stamper.

With the team's first meet just around the corner, it is focused on getting into what Bartlow called "track shape" and preventing injuries. Luckily, despite having to be creative with workouts because of the state of the track, the weather has been on the team's side, providing sunny days for outdoor workouts.

The Cardinal track and field team has won districts the past four years in a row, Bartlow said, and with its roster this season, he has high hopes to continue that streak.

A star will again be junior James Thompkins who will compete in the 100-meter race, 200-meter race, 400-meter race and relays.

"He's going to be a joy," Bartlow said.

Seniors Ronnie Hulce and Kristin Potter are " tough veterans" in the hurdles and sprint races. Junior Seth Deal, already a cross country standout this school year, is also expected to take his skills to new heights in the distance races.

"Seth is a legit B-level athlete," Bartlow said. "He has got a great work ethic and he is a great role model for the younger kids."

Bartlow added junior Billy Brown, who competes in sprint races and relays, and senior Eshom Estes, a thrower, to his list of veterans with some serious potential to go far this year. He told us to keep our eyes on newcomers Donovan Brendon and Logan Wanous as well.

Lanning said for middle distance and distance, in addition to Deal she sees E.J. Meserve and Trent Hafen as her most promising athletes.

"I have a really strong distance group," she said.

Dozier highlighted her sprinters and hurdlers including Thompkins, Brown, Potter, Logan Dozier, Alex Dill, DJ Leroue and Hulce.

Lanning said the district tried to find a throwing coach, but was unable to do so. Bartlow will fill that role this year.

The WP team really has to hit the ground running because its first meet is March 15.