GIRLS TRACK PREVIEW ’09: SPSL NORTH AT A GLANCE

SPSL NORTH GIRLS TRACK: AT A GLANCE

∙ FAVORITE: Tahoma.

∙ CONTENDERS: Kentwood, Thomas Jefferson.

∙ SLEEPERS: Kentridge, Federal Way.

∙ OUTLOOK: Tahoma has had its way in the SPSL North the last three years, using its depth to rip off three straight unbeaten seasons. The run, however, could change this spring. That’s not to say the Bears don’t have plenty of talent — after all, they return Savannah Johnson, one of the league’s premier athletes. But Kentwood could and certainly should give the Bears a run for their money. The Conquerors are loaded more than ever this season with the return of hoop star Lindsey Moore (jumps, throws), Dana Wareham (400, relays), Holly DeHart (jumps, relays), Kyra Gaines (100, relays) and Jamie Larsen (pole vault). All five did some damage as Star Track last spring. But Kentwood also is enjoying a rapid influx of athletic freshmen, a group coach Steve Roche feels could have a “tremendous impact.” Kent-Meridian might not have the depth of Kentwood, but coach Ernie Ammons has this program going in the right direction and has some of the school’s best athletes to do it. Leading the way for the Royals will be Melanie Vertrees, who can do just about anything around the oval, on the field — or practically anywhere athletically, as she also has been a swimmer, volleyball player and basketball player at K-M. Meanwhile, teammate Kelsey Bueno (throws) is one of the North’s elite and has the talent to move up a notch this spring. Depth won’t be an issue at Kentlake, but inexperience might be. The Falcons advanced just two girls to last year’s district meet and both graduated. That being the case, Kentlake is hoping for big things from sophomore Sara Robbins (distance) and junior Erin Collins (high jump). At Kentridge, experience is on the plus side as seniors KaraLea Follmer (throws), Kaitlin Hendricks (hurdles), Laura Tesch (jumps) and Katie Tolonen (throws) should help the Chargers remain in the upper half of the North. Hendricks and Tesch both competed at Star Track last spring.

∙ BOOKMARK ON THE WEB: For prep track fans, there isn’t a better Web site to follow than www.athletic.net. The site provides results from every league in the state.

∙ CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR

Thursday, April 2, Tahoma at Kentwood: The depth-laden Bears have won the last three SPSL North titles. If anyone is going to give them a challenge this season, it’s the Conquerors.

Saturday, May 2, Shoreline Invitational: This meet has been drawing better and better talent each year and won’t be any different this time around. KW, K-M and KR all will be competing.

Saturday, May 2, Lake Washington Invitational: Like the Shoreline Invitational is to the boys, this is for the girls. Plenty of talent and teams in competition here, including Kentridge and Kentwood.