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| Meet Preview
Dave Shapiro knows how to pick 'em. The annual Rotary Invite meet director and long-time Chandler coach has been spot on for his last two previews, highlighting the Girls 1600 in 2007 (five girls raced to a sub-five minute time) and the Boys 800 last year (James Eichberger - 1:51.55 - edged out John Kline - 1:52.33 - for the win). This season, however, the top story may come from up to three events. The 400 and 1600 pack the most punch for the boys and the High Jump should steal the show for the girls.
Defending Their Track
Of the 28 individual events listed, 13 champions return, with 12 of the winners ready for their title defense. Only Dobson Sophomore Hannah Carson will be unable to compete due to a season-ending injury. The past champions looking to repeat are Seniors Samantha Collins, Long Jump; Bryce Lamb, Long Jump and Triple Jump; Larissa Mathews, High Hurdles; Sierra Myer, High Jump; Markus Wheaton, 400; Kelsey Williamson, 400; and Juniors Shaylah Simpson, Pole Vault; Jessica Tonn, 800 and 1600; and Serena Williams, 100 and 200.
Elite Company
Times are ready to fly for the boys in the 400 and 1600. Led by defending champ Markus Wheaton, the 400 is shaping up to produce some of the fastest times in the country. Wheaton's 48.73 at NSIC ranks him 24th overall on the Dyestat Elite List for Indoors. The chase pack, led by ultra multi Curtis Beach, Spencer Chase, Jamal Hines, and Chris Muncie, will challenge Wheaton until the very end. The class of Arizona distance is showcased in the 1600 with the likes of Brian Shrader and Sherod Hardt leading the Junior top-heavy heat. Shrader, runner-up in last year's 1600, has posted a 4:18 already this season, while rival Hardt is a mere second behind with a 4:19. Add in Kevin Rayes' and Larry Hermance's 4:24s at Arcadia and 3A State Championships, respectively, and 5A State Champ DJ Johnson (4:19) and you have a shootout that could end up with a sub-4:15.
High Heat
With four of the entries already clearing 5'6", the girls High Jump could be the premiere event. Defending Champ Sierra Myer will have her hands full for a repeat, with Cadija Harris, Samantha Collins and Taylor Stapley all marked at 5'6". By comparison, all four jumpers would be ranked in the top 25 on the Elite 100 Indoor List with a mark of 5'6" or higher. Jessica Tonn will be back again to defend her 1600 title, but will be pushed by Xavier-Prep teammate Sarah Penny, Sara Beth MiVille and Jessica Rydberg. |
