Returning state qualifiers in track

By JAMAL THALJI

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 27, 2000

BARBARA CARR, Sr., Gulf: The Bucs' top returner is the lone veteran from last season's 4x800-meter relay. This season, she will compete in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200.

SHAMARA "SHORTY" CRAIG, Jr., Pasco: An important piece of the Pirates' 4x100 and 4x400 teams, but Pasco needs replacement parts to make it back. She'll also excel at the 100 and 200.

ERIC DIETERS, Sr., Ridgewood: Running for Gulf last season, he was sixth in the 800. This season, he'll add the 400 and 1,600 and possibly the distance relays.

SCOTT HABERSHAW, Jr., Land O'Lakes: Last season, the flu knocked him out of contention in the 3,200. This season, he's determined to place in the 1,600 and 3,200 on a healed broken ankle.

KATIE HALKITIS, Sr., Ridgewood: A three-time state qualifier in the pole vault, she took fifth last year. Battling Pasco's Sarah James should propel her higher. SARAH JAMES, Sr., Pasco: She took fourth at state her first year in the pole vault. She already has hit a school-record 11-7 this season and should be a lock for a state title if hype doesn't undermine her game.

LIZZY LEIGH, Jr., Ridgewood: She was seventh in the 1,600. She returns as one of the state's top runners, so look for her to star in the 400 and 800 as well.

PAM MOSES, Sr., Zephyrhills: She made it in the 800. Look for her to compete in the 400, 4x4800 and high jump and again be a force in the 800. JESSICA PENOKIE, Jr., Ridgewood: She made it in the 100 high hurdles. She should again star in that and the 300 hurdles. MONICA PETRINI, Jr., River Ridge: The lone returner from a 4x100 team that set a school record, she will add the 100 and 200.

SARAH SHIELDS, Sr., Ridgewood: She qualified in the pole vault and also will run the 800 and 4x800.

AMBER STINYARD, Sr., Pasco: Another leg of the 4x100 and 4x400 teams, she should be one of the county's most versatile talents in the 100, 200, long and triple jump.

AMBER SWAIM, Sr., Hudson: She qualified in the pole vault and also will compete the discus and shot put.

MELISSA VERGA, Sr., River Ridge: The talented Verga sisters have a knack for track, and this state qualifier in the pole vault is no exception. She also will bolster the 4x400 and 4x800 teams.

JAMES VITALE, Jr., Ridgewood: A key cog on the Rams' cross country state title team, he was fifth in the 1,600 and eighth in the 3,200. Expect another great season.

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