Girls Track & Field Preview

Perhaps the biggest change in girls track this season is that Wes Newton, the Times' 2006 all-county coach of the year, has retired as Wharton's coach. It doesn't appear, however, that the Wildcats have missed a beat, placing second to Orlando Oak Ridge at Saturday's prestigious Steak 'n Shake Invitational under new coach Dan Mathis. By season's end, Wharton's Teona Rodgers possibly could be a state champion as a hurdler and sprinter.

By SCOTT PURKS
Published February 28, 2007

Sprinters

Marissa Manning Riverview, Senior State finalist in 100 and 200-meter races

Sarita McBride Armwood, Junior Among state's best at 400 meters

Jasmine Pope Plant City, Sophomore Contender for Class 4A state medal in 200 and 400 meters

Teona Rodgers Wharton, Senior Has chance to win 100 and 200-meter state titles

Hurdlers/Jumpers/Vaulters

Andrea Bridges Tampa Bay Tech, Junior State finalist in long jump

Jennifer Chamblee Plant, Senior 50 seconds in 300 hurdles

Arielle Cusmano Freedom, Senior Placed 11th in Class 3A state 330 hurdles as junior

Jaymie Jennings Leto, Senior One of the top triple jumpers in the state

Marissa McElveen Blake, Sophomore Could win state title in Class 3A long jump

Chalisse Morse Freedom, Junior Region qualifier in long and triple jumps

Teona Rodgers Wharton, Senior Among top hurdlers in nation; defending Class 3A 100-meter hurdles champion

Devon Sweeney East Bay, Senior Sixth in Class 4A state finals

Lacy West East Bay, Senior Part of Indians' one-two vaulting punch

Distance runners

Erin Bailey Wharton, Freshman Up-and-coming talent placed high in cross country

Madison Clark Plant, Junior Helped lead 4x800 team to state finals

Angie Hegge Sickles, Senior A steady force in the 800 meters

Katie Quick Gaither, Senior Fourth in 2006 Class 4A cross country finals

Brigithe Moreno Plant, Junior Class 3A state champion in cross country

Page Price Berkeley Prep, Junior Leader among strong Bucs running contingent

Kathia Skinner Wharton, Junior Strong at 800 and 1,600 meters

Katrina Skinner Wharton, Junior Won Saturday's Steak 'n Shake 1,600 in 5:23.23

Throwers

Seidah Asin Wharton, Senior Improved after placing at districts and regionals

Ashley Wright Hillsborough, Sophomore Won Steak 'n Shake discus with 115-10

Top five teams

From a poll of county coaches

1. Wharton 2. Sickles 3. Plant 4. Armwood 5. Hillsborough

[Last modified February 28, 2007, 00:32:54]