SPSL NORTH BOYS TRACK: AT A GLANCE
FAVORITES: Kentwood, Federal Way.
CONTENDERS: Kent-Meridian.
SLEEPERS: Kentlake, Kentridge.
OUTLOOK: Keeping on par with the past, the North Division is once again loaded this spring. That said, there’s no clear-cut favorite to win the dual-meet crown, though Kentwood and Federal Way appear to have the early edge. KW likely gets the initial nod as it returns standouts Devin St. Clair, Steven Warner and Cody Fishel. St. Clair took second at state in the 100 meters, third in the 200 meters and has a lifetime best leap of 23-4 in the long jump, which would have garnered state gold had he done it at Star Track last spring. Fishel took third at state in the high jump and Warner added a third-place finish in the 110 hurdles. Add it up — and assuming those three advance to state in multiple events once again — the Conquerors should improve off last year’s sixth-place state finish and challenge for league supremacy. But Federal Way poses a challenge. The Eagles, always one of the more athletic teams in the league, won the North last year. And they return triple-jump standouts Ian Tevis and Andre Barrington, who finished sixth and seventh, respectively, at state. One thing to keep in mind, however, is the fact that the North has produced a different team champion in each of the last four years. The division isn’t empty of talent outside of Kentwood and Federal Way, either. Kentlake long jumper Zach Smith returned from injury last year to win state gold. One of the area’s premier athletes, he could do it again. Smith will be joined at KL by Taylor Angevine (long jump, 100, 200, 1,600 relay) and Dalin Grover (high jump), both of whom competed at state last spring. The three combined should help Kentlake remain among the top five teams in the division. Things are just as good at K-M, where sixth-year coach Ernie Ammons has reason to be excited, especially when the long jump begins. That’s where super sophomore Brandon Harris does his best work. As a freshmen, Harris took third at state, uncorking a leap of 22-5. As always, the Royals ooze athleticism, particularly with basketball standout Marlow Brim (throws) in the mix along, with cross country phenom Derrick Daigre on the rise in the 800 meters. At Kentridge, pole vaulter Luke Carpenter will look to move up the state ladder this spring. Carpenter, a sophomore, took 10th at Star Track last year, ripping off a flight of 13 feet, 6 inches. Eric Horton (800) adds to the Chargers’ state mix, while senior Jesse Baggenstos, who competed at state during the fall on the cross country trails, should give KR a lift in his first year with the program.
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
Saturday, April 18, Pasco Invitational: A good mid-season barometer for teams with state on the horizon. K-M, KL and KR all will be there.
Thursday, May 7, Federal Way at Kentwood (boys): What a way to end the SPSL North dual meet season, with the two teams pegged to finish atop the league. It would be a surprise if the title wasn’t on the line during this particular meet.
AROUND THE TRACK: A LOOK AT THE AREA’S TOP RETURNERS
NAME SCHOOL EVENTS YR.
Zach Smith Kentlake Long jump Senior
Notable: KL star is hoping to break state record in long jump this year.
Devin St. Clair Kentwood Jumps, sprints Senior
Notable: In a league loaded with athletes, he’s likely at the top of the heap.
Brandon Harris Kent-Meridian Long jump Sophomore
Notable: Youngster will challenge St. Clair and Smith in long jump this spring.
Luke Carpenter Kentridge Throws Sophomore
Notable: Has potential to finish among state’s top eight this spring.
Cody Fishel Kentwood Jumps Senior
Notable: Took second at state last spring, could win it all this year.
Derrick Daigre Kent-Meridian Sprints Sophomore
Notable: One of the SPSL North’s rising burners, look out.
Cody Arp Kentlake Sprints, relays Senior
Notable: Versatile athlete is currently ranked fifth in the SPSL in the 100.
Marlowe Brim Kent-Meridian Throws Senior
Notable: Multiple-sport athlete is one of area’s top throwers in discus and shot put.
Evan Schneider Tahoma Pole vault Senior
Notable: Currently is a foot higher (12.0) ahead of his next closest competition in the SPSL.
Steven Warner Kentwood Hurdles Senior
Notable: Took third at state last spring in the 110 and qualified in the 300.
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