2007 Track and Field Preview
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After graduating only eight seniors (two girls and six boys) from the 2006 squad, The Blake School Track and Field team heads into the 2007 season with good numbers and high expectations. This group of Bears will be lead by senior captains Kyndal Hargrow, Laura Komarek, Claire Richardson, and Max Fritz.
On the boys team Jerimiah Elllison and Sean Burns to be strong contender in the sprints from the 100m to 400m ranges. Max Fritz, Stewart Richardson and Paul Koullick will be the Bear's top distance runners, while Nuru Baith and Greg Gorshtyn will provide the support in the shot and discus events. Richie Perkins has qualified for the Section meet in the pole vault for three straight years and will be part of Blake's shorter relay teams. One freshman to look for in the future is Kasey Boyd. He is a multi-event athlete and merely needs to be groomed into his best events.
The girls' team is lead by a strong senior class; Alisha Reynolds (all-state) and Kydnal Hargrow (all-state) will compete in the sprints and shorter relays, while Mary Angela Curran (all-state) and Rachel Neil (all-state) will participate in multiple events possibly the hurdles, relays and triple jump. The Bear's distance crew will be lead by Claire Richardson (all-state) and an array of underclassmen with strong potential. Senior thrower, Laura Komarek (all-state) will provide support in the shot and discs. Other thrower's who will compete are Theresa Ford (all-state) and Shelby Viehweg along with newcomers Sarah Hoops and Andre Foss.
Head coach Jason Shantz contends that, "The key to this season is what I have stated for the past 12 years, we must develop our younger athletes on the team and keep our kids healthy, happy and focused. We as a coaching staff believe that a balance must be established in the kid's lives for them to be successful and to reach their goals."
Returning assistant coaches are Bob Smith (shot and discus), Gary Lee (distance), Keith Clark (sprints), Paula Saddler (high jump) and new to the staff is Charles Cracraft who will be coaching the hurdles and pole vault.
When asked to prognosticate Coach Shantz quipped, "As far as a prediction goes, ask me on June 9th, and I will give you an answer."
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