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Clements, Williams take top marks to state meets
Anything can happen.
That's the point of view San Pasqual and Yuma Catholic track and field athletes are taking to their respective Class 1A and 2A State Championships this weekend.
San Pasqual will travel to Mesa High School for today and Saturday's meet, while Yuma Catholic will be at Mesa Community College. Fields events are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. both days at both meets, and track events will start at 5 p.m.
For favorites like Katelyn Williams, who qualified for twice the number of events she is allowed to compete in, avoiding anything other than winning a group of 2A medals from happening could come down to rest between races. Yuma Catholic coach Ralph Farr said Friday's schedule shouldn't be a problem, but Saturday's trio of races will test her strength.
"We've been thinking about it and going back and forth discussing these things for some time," he said. "The final decision was based up on the format of the meet and the order of the events and the time between events for her. It's won't be easy for her, but she's capable of handling it."
Williams has the top seeding time in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs, but will be chasing three others in the 400, her only event that requires a preliminary race Friday. Yuma Catholic girls also likely to take home top-eight individual finishes are Sarah Wentling (100 hurdles) and Alexandra Rosado (discus).
The Shamrock boys' best shot for a state champ could be Eddie Harris in the triple jump, his seed mark of 41 feet just two inches shy of frontrunner Tyree Larkin. Ernie Samaniego will also be one to watch in the 300 hurdles, while Keith Miranda-Smith will be in the mix in the 110 hurdles. In the 200 dash, Roderick Ford, Austin Rodriguez and Cody Alexander could all pick up points.
"There's more parity in the boys (team competition)," Farr said. "Nobody is going to run away with it. I wouldn't be surprised if the point total that wins it is the lowest its been in a while."
In the 1A meet, the Warriors will have their eyes on Mike Clements in the triple jump. Clements enters state with the top mark of 41 feet, seven inches, though its less than two inches better than Rocky Brittain of Tempe Prep.
"Those two went head to head in region competition, so they both know each other pretty well," San Pasqual coach Don Klostreich said.
San Pasqual's Victoria Ontiveros and Virginia Montague will both have busy Saturdays. Both are each competing in three events, and Montague should contend for a top-three finish in both throwing events.
"State track is fun. It always has been," Klostreich said.
