Rotary Invitational track meet set

The fourth annual Sisters Rotary Track and Field Invitational is set for Saturday, April 12. The meet is not only the inaugural event on the Outlaws' new track, it is the biggest and most talent-laden track meet scheduled in Central Oregon this season, according to head coach Bob Johnson.

"This meet features nationally ranked athletes along with some of the best track and field competitors in Oregon," said Johnson. "With 16 teams, every event should produce high quality marks."

Central Oregon's own Dominique Easterling, a junior at Madras High School, is ranked fifth in the nation based on his performance at last year's state meet when he leaped 49-feet-4-1/2 inches in the triple jump.

The meet also features a slew of top-notch javelin throwers, including Casey Kaufmann of West Linn who threw 218 feet two years ago as a sophomore, but sat out last year after having shoulder surgery. He has thrown over 200 feet this season and is ranked among the top 10 in the nation.

Kaufmann will be pressed by two of his own teammates who have thrown in the 190 range, as well as Tyler Richardson, the returning 3A state champion from Estacada who threw 196-feet-6-inches last season.

Sisters' Drew Herberger, a state qualifier last year, hopes to get pulled along to a good mark after opening the season with a best throw of 171 feet at Sherwood.

The girls' 800 meters could set up a showdown between last year's 4A and 3A state champions. Emily McMahon of Mountain View and Brianna Anderson-Gregg of Philomath are both entered in the meet, along with some other top middle distance runners from Sherwood, Wilsonville, Estacada and Sisters.

Sisters' Amy Cretsinger, the top scorer at last year's 3A meet, hopes to lead her team to a great showing and will face strong competition in the triple jump from returning state champ Amy Jones of Grant Union. Cretsinger placed second to Jones in last year's state meet, but prevailed in winning the long jump.

Johnson appreciates the support his teams have received from the Sisters Rotary Club over the past four years.

"Without the Rotary Club we wouldn't have a lot of the things we have for the track team, and there is no way we could put on this big of a meet without all their volunteers," said Johnson.

Johnson can't wait to show off the new track, which was resurfaced over the summer.

"The track facility looks fantastic and the kids say it feels fast, so we think everyone will appreciate it come April 12," he said.

Teams included in the meet are Wilsonville (last year's 3A boys' champions), Estacada, Philomath, Sherwood, Madras, West Linn, Mountain View, Lakeview, Culver, La Pine, Grant Union, Gilchrist, Bonanza, Burns, and Hosanna Christian. Field events begin at 10 a.m. and running events commence at 1 p.m.

The Rotary Club will provide many of the volunteers to help conduct the meet and will also be operating a full scale concession stand for spectators and athletes. There is no charge for admission.

The Outlaws are scheduled to compete Saturday, April 5, at the Junction City Invitational.