TCA goes for 3 in a row

   The Classical Academy girls will attempt to win their third straight title this weekend at the Class 3A state track and field championships at Dutch Clark Stadium in Pueblo.

    Not that you will hear any of them talking about it.

    "I think they know enough about me to know not to talk about team titles," coach Tim Daggett said. "Obviously, we want to be successful as a team. But if we stress what type of runner you want to be, the rest will take care of itself."

    With 20 athletes competing in 13 events, the Titans appear to be among the front-runners, along with Eaton, Valley and Roosevelt. Leading The Classical Academy is sophomore Kaitlin Hanenburg, who should contend in the 800-, 1,600-and 3,200-meter runs as well as the 3,200 relay. Kelsey Brown will run the 800 and 1,600 for the Titans, who also qualified in the 800 and 1,600 relays and the 800 sprint medley relay.

    "We're strong in a lot of events," Daggett said. "I'd say we're in a good position."

    Colorado Springs Christian School will compete in six events, led by Tiffany Kenney (100 hurdles, long jump), Stephanie Kenney (100, 200) and Becca Bultje (100 hurdles). Kara Slavoski (800, 1,600 and 3,200), Marcia Speights (100) and Sydney Harris (1,600 and 3,200) lead St. Mary's.

    In the boys meet, the Titans compete in 10 events and have a good chance of cracking the top 10.

    Senior Trevor Waliszewski leads the way, running the 1,600 and 3,200. He is the defending state champion in the 3,200. Sam Feldotto (800 and 1,600), Kobi Rex (high jump), Kevin Schwindt (pole vault), Trevor Miller (400) and Luke Northam (100) are possible placers.

    Daggett said he has been impressed with Erie, Platte Canyon and Gunnison.

    Rick Rimbert (long jump and triple jump), Cole Mc-Queeney (triple jump) and Daniel Gieck (100 hurdles) will represent Manitou Springs. David Bush (100, 200) and Mark Kiemel (100 hurdles) qualified for CSCS.

    Stephen Van Gampleare (1,600, 3,200) and Ryan Cantu (both hurdles) qualified for St. Mary's. Florence qualified for three events, led by Krys McDonald (100, 200).

    Class 2A

    Fountain Valley's Steven Stoot will run the 1,600 and 3,200 at the 2A meet, which will run concurrently with the 3A. He will compete against Cripple Creek-Victor's Shawn Dubbs. Both finished in the top 10 last spring.

    Simla's Jake Toney has the best 2A time in the 200 this season.

    In the girls meet, Fountain Valley junior Emily Hanna looks to make it three straight titles in the 100 hurdles. She also will compete in the 100 dash and the high jump, which she won as a freshman in 2006.

    Christine Tompkins (shot put, discus) and RaeLynn Snyder (long and triple jump) lead Simla. Elise Mann (200 dash, 300 hurdles) qualified for the Evangelical Christian Academy. Autumn Winters (200) and Alina Rata (400) qualified for Calhan. Janae Johnson (1,600, 3,200) will represent Discovery Canyon.