Coach Shirley Baker will build her Bonney Lake High girls track team around a group of state participants from last season and some returning lettermen.
Baker welcomes back four girls – including three who finished in the top eight at state in 2008.
She believes Bonney Lake’s strength this season could be the distance events with two of last year’s state participants returning.
“Any running event between the 400 and 3,200 has been a strength for us in the past,” Baker said. “This season we have some of our distance runners returning.”
Junior Veronica Stinnett is looking to improve her fifth-place finish at state in the 1,600 meters. She was eight seconds behind the top three finishers.
Senior Teresa Edwards placed eighth at state in the 3,200 and 14th in the 1,600 and senior Shelby Rowland took eighth in the 100 hurdles a year ago.
Last season, the 1,600-meter relay team was first in district competition, but failed to place among the top eight at state. All of the team members – seniors Izzy Meyer, Rowland, Stinnett and Edwards – will defend their district championship.
In the hurdles, junior Haylie Cannon returns and will look to improve her times in the 100 and 300 hurdles. Her sister, Leslie, will also compete in the hurdle events.
Junior Natosha Lyonais finished 12th at state in the discus as a sophomore. Baker expects big things for her thrower this season.
Baker is looking for senior Katie Bernklau to provide leadership and guidance to the younger athletes in the field events.
“Katie is a hard worker and she has a great practice ethic,” Baker said. “We can help guide some of the younger throwers.”
Junior Kaitlin Mitton will throw the javelin this year after tossing the discus and shot put last season.
Meyer and Rowland will compete in the jumping events, with senior Rachel Brown and junior Kimber Kober.
Sophomore Katie Koens will compete in the discus and javelin, while junior Taylor Howick takes part in the sprints.
Baker added more than 50 girls turned out for track this season and expects a few more once the winter sports season ends.
Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-820-8209.
