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Double state team champions.
That has a good ring to it if you are on the Whittell High boys' and girls' track and field teams this season.
A sweep of the Nevada Class 2A team titles is a distinct possibility as the Warriors' teams made final preparations for their first meet Saturday in Newark, Calif.
“We are returning the majority of our team, and our key players are now a year older and more experienced,” said Whittell coach Martin Crawford. “This year's combination of boys' and girls' team could be the most talent Whittell has seen in many years.”
After Incline ended a string of four state championships by the Whittell girls last spring, the Warriors welcome back Shannon Marshall, who won three individual state championships a year ago. Joining her as veteran point producers at state Isabel Concha Foley, third in shot and discus last year; Darby Reeder, runner-up in 300 hurdles and third in long jump; and Sammy Brumbach, sixth or better in four state events.
“They are eager to take the title back from Incline,” said Crawford, noting only a mere seven points separated the teams in 2009.
“The girls' team loses a couple of key distance runners but gain excellent talent from freshmen Sierra Forvilly and Lauren Marshall and other freshman that should help in many other events. Our juniors and sophomores (Casey Simon, Sammy Rupp, Cara Palomino) will be more experienced this year and will also provide points.”
Crawford said Incline took a hit with the loss of distance runner Briana Drago, who moved out of the area. Drago was a state champion in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters.
The Whittell boys, who haven't won a state title since 1988, may have the talent to end the championship drought. After placing fourth in the state last year, the Warriors possess one of the state's top talents in Kyler Felton. Felton won the state 110 hurdles title as a junior and was a state runner-up in long jump, triple jump and the 300 hurdles.
Junior John Robinson is also a threat to win multiple events, and senior Chris Crawford and junior Blake Heldt-Werle are previous state medalists.
“With a healthy John Robinson and with a very talented freshman group, our goal this year is to complete for the state title,” Crawford said. “We add (freshman) Austin Buyak which should compete for a state championship in shot put, discus and sprints, and (there is) other talent like Garrett Bronken and Kody Dantongdee.”
Crawford believes Rite of Passage is Whittell's main obstacle in trying to win state.
“It should come down to a couple of events on who will win,” he said.
Whittell High 2010 Track and Field Schedule
Date Meet Time
Saturday Newark, Calif. 9 a.m.
March 20 Grant High, Sacramento 9 a.m.
March 27 Fallon Elko Invite, Fallon 8 a.m.
April 2 Reed Invitational Sparks 4 p.m.
April 3 Reed Invitational Sparks 7:30 a.m.
April 10 Bella Vista, Calif. 9 a.m.
April 17 Carson Invitational 9 a.m.
April 24 Big George Inv., Minden 7:30 a.m.
May 1 Yerington Relays 9 a.m.
May 8 Fernley Invitational 9 a.m.
May 14-15 Regionals, Winnemucca TBA
May 21-22 State, Damonte, Reno TBA
That has a good ring to it if you are on the Whittell High boys' and girls' track and field teams this season.
A sweep of the Nevada Class 2A team titles is a distinct possibility as the Warriors' teams made final preparations for their first meet Saturday in Newark, Calif.
“We are returning the majority of our team, and our key players are now a year older and more experienced,” said Whittell coach Martin Crawford. “This year's combination of boys' and girls' team could be the most talent Whittell has seen in many years.”
After Incline ended a string of four state championships by the Whittell girls last spring, the Warriors welcome back Shannon Marshall, who won three individual state championships a year ago. Joining her as veteran point producers at state Isabel Concha Foley, third in shot and discus last year; Darby Reeder, runner-up in 300 hurdles and third in long jump; and Sammy Brumbach, sixth or better in four state events.
“They are eager to take the title back from Incline,” said Crawford, noting only a mere seven points separated the teams in 2009.
“The girls' team loses a couple of key distance runners but gain excellent talent from freshmen Sierra Forvilly and Lauren Marshall and other freshman that should help in many other events. Our juniors and sophomores (Casey Simon, Sammy Rupp, Cara Palomino) will be more experienced this year and will also provide points.”
Crawford said Incline took a hit with the loss of distance runner Briana Drago, who moved out of the area. Drago was a state champion in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters.
The Whittell boys, who haven't won a state title since 1988, may have the talent to end the championship drought. After placing fourth in the state last year, the Warriors possess one of the state's top talents in Kyler Felton. Felton won the state 110 hurdles title as a junior and was a state runner-up in long jump, triple jump and the 300 hurdles.
Junior John Robinson is also a threat to win multiple events, and senior Chris Crawford and junior Blake Heldt-Werle are previous state medalists.
“With a healthy John Robinson and with a very talented freshman group, our goal this year is to complete for the state title,” Crawford said. “We add (freshman) Austin Buyak which should compete for a state championship in shot put, discus and sprints, and (there is) other talent like Garrett Bronken and Kody Dantongdee.”
Crawford believes Rite of Passage is Whittell's main obstacle in trying to win state.
“It should come down to a couple of events on who will win,” he said.
Whittell High 2010 Track and Field Schedule
Date Meet Time
Saturday Newark, Calif. 9 a.m.
March 20 Grant High, Sacramento 9 a.m.
March 27 Fallon Elko Invite, Fallon 8 a.m.
April 2 Reed Invitational Sparks 4 p.m.
April 3 Reed Invitational Sparks 7:30 a.m.
April 10 Bella Vista, Calif. 9 a.m.
April 17 Carson Invitational 9 a.m.
April 24 Big George Inv., Minden 7:30 a.m.
May 1 Yerington Relays 9 a.m.
May 8 Fernley Invitational 9 a.m.
May 14-15 Regionals, Winnemucca TBA
May 21-22 State, Damonte, Reno TBA
