Spring Preview Track

Greater Spokane League

Returning state placers

Boys: Kai Wilmot, North Central (3,200 meters, 3rd); Eddie Gonzalez, University (high jump, state champ); Cole Jensen, Shadle Park (hj, 3rd); Andrew Gardner, Mead (1,600, state champ; 3,200, state champ); Blasé Neumann, Mead (pole vault, 4th); Brennan Schon, Lewis and Clark (long jump, 4th); Damon Unland, Ferris (discus, state champ; shot put, 7th). Girls: Katie Knight, NC (1,600, state champ; 3,200, state champ); Courtney Bray, Mt. Spokane (pv, 2nd); Megan Murphy, NC (triple jump, 4th); Kayla Leland, Gonzaga Prep (400, 5th); Mariah Cunningham, Central Valley (high jump, 4th; lj, 5th); Savannah Hoeckstra, CV (lj, 8th); Courtney Hutchinson, Mead (shot put, state champ); Mariah Knowles, U-Hi (pv, 4th); Ashlee Pedersen, MS (400, 3rd).

League outlook

Nothing says dominance more in GSL track than the Mead boys. Since the league was established, the Panthers have won 28 titles in 36 years, including the last five. Mead may not possess the depth it’s had in recent years but it is still the favorite until knocked off. Lewis and Clark, second last year, could challenge. In the girls, Central Valley is heavily favored to repeat. Geoff Arte takes over as head coach. Mt. Spokane is expected to push CV.

Great Northern League

Returning state placers

Boys: Daniel Amann, Deer Park (1,600, 3rd; 3,200, 5th); Jade Wilson, DP (110 hurdles, 7th; 300 hurdles, 7th); Willie Stoutzenberger, East Valley (pv, 3rd); Roger Benegar, EV (lj, 6th). Girls: Janessa Day, Cheney (400, 3rd); Sanne Holland, Cheney (1,600, 5th; 3,200, state champ); Lauren McCluskey, Pullman (100 hurdles, 2nd; hj, state champ); Kendall Dunn, Cheney (300h, 3rd); Anna Guo, Pullman (lj, 3rd; tj, 2nd); Darbi Dobson, East Valley (discus, 2nd); Elisha Allred, EV (discus, 3rd).

League outlook

The Deer Park boys are picked to repeat. The Stags are loaded with big-point scorers. The Cheney girls also should repeat, but keep an eye on Pullman. Cheney has big-point capabilities and will shine in big meets.

Inland Empire 5A

Returning state placers

Boys: Addison Johnson, Coeur d’Alene (100, 7th); Andy Scuderi, Post Falls (200, 8th); Jace Whitney, Lewiston (400, 8th); Mike Dunton, CdA (800, 4th); Jake Finney, Lake City (3,200, 8th); Zion Stuffle, Lewiston (110h, 4th; 300h, 4th); Keenan Marianno, Post Falls (110h, 8th; hj, 4th); Chandler Smith, Post Falls (hj, 3rd); Samuel Lee, CdA (hj, 8th), Steven Beck, Post Falls (pv, 8th). Girls: Leanne Asper, LC (200, 3rd; 800, 1st); Emilee Schlader, Lewiston (400, 3rd); Brittany Tackett, CdA (400, 7th); Krista Story, CdA (800, 8th); Kara Story, CdA (1,600, 8th; 3,200, 7th); Wednesday Walton, Post Falls (100h, 6th; 300, 4th); Kaitlyn Gunnerson, CdA (100h, 7th; 300h, 6th); Brittany Pope, LC (hj, 2nd); Megan Ralstin, Lewiston (lj, 5th; tj, 4th); Ryann Carlson, LC (discus, 8th).

Regional outlook

It’s wide open among the boys, while it could be a photo finish among the girls. The Lake City and Coeur d’Alene girls will battle for regional supremacy. The top three in each event along with the winning relays advance to state. Some at-large state berths for fourth-place finishers are available.

Inland Empire 4A

Returning state placers

Boys: Sam Levora, Sandpoint (1,600, 3rd; 3,200, 3rd); Todd Pays, Sandpoint (discus, 8th). Girls: Lily DaAragon, Sandpoint (400, 7th); Jordan Ward, Lakeland (100h, 5th; hj, state champ); Maddie Suppigger, Sandpoint (hj, 7th); Nikole Alamillo, Sandpoint (discus, state champ).

Regional outlook

Depth is always key in a three-team region and that will be the case again this year. The top two in each event along with winning relays advance to state. The Moscow boys and Lakeland girls get the early nod.