Entiat Track team looks to dominate this season

ENTIAT - Boasting a roster of 35 talented kids, the Entiat Track team and their head coach Julie Cannon are poised to compete for the District 6 Championship trophy this season. 

This is evident in their practices according to Cannon. 

“Our practices have been very competitive and the kids are doing a great job of pushing and supporting each other,” Cannon pointed out. “Our larger turnout is also going to allow us to fill all the events on the boys side and most of them on the girls side.” 

Leading the boys team are seniors Kirston Tran, Cesar Ramos and Diego Santos. 

“Ceasar has spent a lot of time in the weight room this winter and should see some big improvements in his shot, discus and javelin throws,” Cannon insisted. “Kirston will be one of our top sprinters and jumpers and will serve as part of the 4x 100 relay team. He also has the chance to break the school long jump record.” 

Cannon remains confident in her underclassman as well though as she pointed out their vast improvements compared to last year. 

“Junior Ronnie Parks is returning after a year away bigger, faster and stronger and he will be running sprints, relays and jumping for us. Sophomore Blake Duncan also gained valuable experience running both the hurdle races at state last year and has picked up right where he left off. Drew Duncan - who is our top distance runner - has taken six seconds off his best 1600 meter time and should be one of the district’s fastest in the event.”  

In addition to the boys team, coach Cannon maintains that the girls team is just as strong and versatile. 

“The girls team has a strong group of throwers led by Allison Haynes and Yuki Sanford.  Grace Giacomazzi is returning with state experience in relays and both hurdle races. Natalya Paz and Faith Southard bring state experience to our sprints and relays and newcomer Ivette Mora will also sprint and run relays,” coach Cannon said. “Overall, both the boys and girls teams have a great group of athletic freshman who are improving quickly and will provide depth and team points as they gain experience.”

Aside from the weather, one of the challenges Entiat has to overcome is the lack of a practice facility to train on. 

“To overcome this challenge, we try to arrive at meets early and get in some extra practice time,” coach Cannon pointed out. “We also incorporate trails and hills around town in our workouts.” 

One meet Cannon and the team is looking forward to is the Brewster Relay meet on Tuesday, April 11 because it, “gives the kids a chance to compete in a more relaxed environment,” coach Cannon stated. 

Before then though, Entiat will compete against Chelan, Manson and Cascade at the Manson meet on Thursday, March 30. The first event is set to start at 4 p.m. 

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213