TCA looks best in area

For a strong 3A boys track and field program like The Classical Academy, this year is about reloading, not rebuilding.

Coach Timothy Daggett has a good balance on the track with senior sprinter Luke Northam complemented by distance runners Trevor Waliszewski and Sam Feldotto.

Daggett is excited to see how the freshmen fill out the team’s roster in its bid for a state title.

“We’ve got three or four really strong kids,” he said. “But we’re as excited about the guys team as we’ve ever been. I would be disappointed if we finished worse than fourth this year.”

Waliszewski, who won state titles in the 3,200-meter run and as part of the 3,200 relay, will also run the 1,600. Junior Sam Feldotto is also back to help win another title in the 3,200 relay.

Daggett also believes this could be a breakthrough year for senior Luke Northam in the 100- and 200-meter dash.

Manitou Springs hopes to improve on its Tri-Peaks and regional titles with junior hurdler Dan Gieck back along with senior Rick Rimbert in the long and triple jumps.

After finishing fifth at state, Peyton returns a good nucleus to help make up for the team’s lack of depth this year. The team is strong in the shot put and discus events, led by 2007 state qualifier Ryan Borchardt and seniors Andrew Greene and Dave Geiger.

St. Mary’s coach Ed Latimer believes Steven Van Gampleare will be one of the state’s best in the 3,200.

“I’m expecting big things from him this year,” Latimer said.

Sprinter Tony Aldape and hurdler Ryan Cantu both should qualify for state.

Class 2A

Simla coach Shane Zimmerman knows his small team could have a big impact at state this spring.

Senior sprinter Jake Toney looks ready to contend this spring and bring in points in multiple events. Michael Hamacher will also do his part.

Limon looks to improve on its 12thplace finish at state with a strong showing in the field events.

Senior Zach Scherrer finished third at state in the high jump. David Kelly and Sean Monks will be competitive in the pole vault, while senior Weston Purdy will have a chance to win the discus title.

Limon also returns sprinters Kyle Hayes, Marcelis Tatum and Jerome King.

Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind returns Joshua Griffin, Nicholas Elstad, Chandon Finstad and James Hanson for its relays.

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