Track team ready to roll

Success in track and field is all about the numbers. If the team has some depth and can cover all 17 events at the high school level, good results tend to follow.

That may be why Sisters High's Head Coach Jeff Larson is smiling most of the time these days.

"We have a great turnout," said Larson, who is in his fourth year as head coach of the Outlaws and sixth overall with the team. "In fact, it might be our biggest team of all time."

The girls team, which has won three consecutive Sky-Em District titles, is poised once again to dominate the league and hopefully make some noise at state as well.

Led by an experienced crew of sprinters, runners, and jumpers, the girls team should rack up plenty of points in those areas, while hoping to find some throwers to also strengthen the team, according to Larson.

"It's still so early but I like what I've seen so far," he said. "We have a real nice balance of veterans and newcomers. The coaching staff is doing its best to help the kids on the team to find the events where they'll experience the most success.

"The girls are three-time defending district champions. My hope is that this class of seniors can make it a clean sweep and win four in a row," he continued. "We have some great athletes who can score big points. Time will tell if we have the depth to defeat Cottage Grove. Last year's district meet came down to the final event between CG and Sisters - the winner of the race won the meet. Fortunately we came out on top! I hope to avoid a pressure situation like that again this year."

Returnees who qualified for state last year include Anna Bartlett (1,500 and 3,000 meters), Erynn Ricker (100, pole vault, and 4x100 relay), Mandi Calavan (200, 4x100, 4x400), Tate Ricker (4x400), Brooke Robillard (4x400), Amy Hills (300 hurdles) and Ryliereece Morgan (long jump and 4x100 relay).

Also included on the 30-member roster is distance runner Kate Bowen, a transfer from California who is a strong addition to the Outlaws' distance crew. A sophomore, Bowen placed 10th in the California Interscholastic Federation Championships in cross-country in November and last year ran 4:59.7 for 1,600 meters, which converts to about 4:39 for 1,500 meters.

When it comes to the boys' outlook, there are more questions than answers, but Larson is quite excited about the prospects for the year, as well as the future, since the freshman class is making quite an impression on him already and a total of 39 boys overall on are the roster.

Larson explained, "The boys team is a bit of a mystery. We have very solid upper-class athletes who are relatively untried. Their development will determine the team's success. At the same time we have the best freshmen class I've ever had in my 24 years of coaching track. These guys are special. I expect many will be making a mark at the district level this year."

Jordan Pollard is the top returning runner for the Outlaws after placing sixth in the 1,500 and fifth in the 3,000 meters last year at State, and then completed a stellar senior season of cross-country by finishing second at the state championships in November. He will be among the favorites in both distances this season among 4A runners.

Another returning state qualifier is Keaton Green in the 800 meters, who has a best of 2:04.79. He is joined by a crew of freshman runners that, in addition to Pollard, helped the cross-country team win the Sky-Em District meet and place sixth at State.

"You'll hear more about these freshman once we get the season underway," said Larson.

Fellow junior Korbin Sharp will contribute in the sprints, including the 4 x 400-meter relay in which he played a part in last year's seventh-place finish at state, along with Green.

Larson - who will focus on sprints and hurdles - is aided by a band of assistants, including Jim Anderson (pole vault), Dennis Dempsey (high jump and distances), Eden Miller (throws), Josh Nordell (distances), Sarah Thorsett (distances) and Mark Stewart (horizontal jumps and sprints).

Larson says his approach is simple: "Work hard, give it your best, and have fun every day," he said. "Sisters kids are amazing to work with. The entire coaching staff feels fortunate to work with these great kids."

Competition kicks off Wednesday, March 14 with a non-scored three-way meet at Bend High School against the Lava Bears and the La Pine Hawks.

"A meet like that allows the kids, and coaches, to get into the routine of live competition without worrying about the score," said Larson.

Sisters will be hosting three high school meets this season including a league meet on April 12, the Rotary Invitational on April 28, and the Sky-Em District Championships on May 10 and May 12.