Staff writer
Of the 18 athletes out for track at Centre, 11 will be competing in throwing events.
Coach Alan Stahlecker said that would limit Centre’s ability to compete in running and jumping events.
Senior Whitney Gutsch was Wheat State League shot put champion last year. She also competes in discus. Junior Summer Espinoza was runner-up in shot put. Senior Barrett Smith and sophomore Kate Basore will compete in javelin, and Basore will compete in shot put and discus.
Other returners are junior Amanda Salamone in high jump and long jump and sophomore Max Svoboda in the 100 meters, 200, and 4x100 relay.
Freshman Xavier Espinoza was junior high school league champion in the 400 and long jump. He will compete in those events as well as the 100 and 4x100 relay.
Freshman Grace Knepp will compete in the 200 and 400, and sophomore Zach Barney will compete in triple jump and 4x100 relay.
Other members include seniors James Mercer and Carissa Shields, juniors Brendon Bina and Katie Marler; sophomores Jacob Bittle and Cody Svoboda; and freshmen Kyle Naerebout, Athena Salamone, and Tanner Wiggans.
“Our depth is not real strong to be competitive in team scoring, but I do expect a lot of competitiveness in individual events,” Stahlecker said.
He is in his seventh year as head coach and is assisted by Kelly Steiner.
Competition begins Tuesday in Marion.