GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

Along with some proven veterans, coach Kristin Chapman has welcomed a healthy flock of freshmen to her Spartan program.

“We have A LOT of ninth graders this year (nearly half our roster) and it’s a little too early to tell where we will see their impact – but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a great number of ninth-grade contributors,” Chapman wrote in an email.

The youth movement is part of a rebuilding program and Chapman’s roster is slightly larger than last season.

As for the battle-tested veterans in the program, the list is headed by distance runner Emma Sjolund. Now a senior, she qualified for the Class 4A state meet a season ago, placing eighth in the 800 meters and 10th in the 1,600. As a reward for her accomplishments all season, Sjolund was named the South Puget Sound League 4A Distance Runner of the Year.

Among other key returnees, Chapman is looking to senior Lou Richardson – who stays plenty busy with the sprints, hurdles and shot put – and junior pole vaulter Adelaide Konwent.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

Coach Maurice Dudley happily reports he has a group of athletes that are both talented and battle tested. That, combined with a promising group of freshmen, means the Spartan boys should be taken seriously. Dudley compares his squad to “a quiet storm this league can’t take for granted.” During meet, points should come from all parts of the program.

Leading the way are sprinters Tre Weed and Derek Lee. Aside from running both the 100 and 200 meters, last year they made up half of a relay team that set a school record and placed second at the state Class 4A meet. Other standouts, Dudley said, are distance runner Adam Sjolund, who is free of injuries that plagued him a season ago; triple jumper David Davydenko, a statewide Top 10 performer; high jumpers Dane Elwell (seventh at state in 2017) and Ethan Talley; and pole vaulter Steven Konwent.

BOYS SOCCER

The Spartans return to the spring pitch with memories of a successful run a season ago. Now, the challenge is to put together another stellar campaign.

Last year’s squad went 11-3-2 in league play, advanced to the state’s Sweet 16 and finished 12-5-2.

Returning players include three who picked up league honors of their own: senior Ryan Griffith and junior Jared Butler were first-team defenders and junior Alec LaBarge was an honorable mention midfielder.

GIRLS TENNIS

A pair of accomplished juniors will be leading the Spartan tennis squad this spring. Heading any list of court standouts is Jade Lancaster. All she has done in her two-year prep career is capture a pair of state singles championships, first in the Class 3A ranks and then a year ago when Sumner has jumped to the 4A ranks.

Spartan teammate Tayva Jacobsen also had qualified for state a season ago, playing singles. A change could be in the works this time around, as coaches are looking at pairing her in doubles competition with her sister Cabri.