Dayton Track Team Looks Strong for 2017

DAYTON – The Dayton Track team has many returning athletes to watch in 2017, says Coach Dan Nechodom. Twenty athletes will compete for Dayton this year, including just one freshman.

Senior Cal Martin, who placed seventh at state in the javelin last year, returns as a team leader, and will continue to be tough in the field events. Nechodom describes Martin as being a "quality guy who never backs down from anything."

Seniors joining Martin include Zech Bryan who is shooting for a state berth in the mile, and Emily McFarland and Jennifer Warren, who compete in both sprints and field events.

Other athletes to watch include Hayden Wooldridge in the 110 and 300 hurdles and the 400 meters. Neylan Bryan and Alexus Wanlarbkam, who participated last year, are both injured and will not be competing this year.

Coach Nechodom applauds Neylan Bryan, Shayla Fortier, and Rebecca Smith for their dedication to core and strength training, calling them all "tough as nails." This is Nechodom's 21st year coaching track, and he believes taking time to build strength benefits the team.

Dayton was to compete in their first meet Tuesday at Riverview High School in Kennewick. The Bulldogs will compete in the coming week at the MacDougall Invite in Colfax Saturday and the first of two Dayton home meets on March 28.