Published: July 02, 2009 04:09 pm      

Mach I athletes prepare for Houston

Staff Report

The Mach I track team is having one of its best years so far. With 10 junior athletes attempting to qualify for the National Junior Olympics with a meet in Houston this week, coach Lupe Torres is pleased with the potential.

“This is one of our most successful years, and we’ve got a couple of kids that have the talent to go far,” Torres said.

All 10 athletes will compete in the Region 12 Junior Olympics Track and Field Championship at Herman A. Barnett Stadium July 7-11.

Maddis Gaston is competing in the triple jump after winning first at the previous meet, and also the long jump, where she placed second to advance to the state meet. Andrew Hughes will also represent the long jump, after taking fifth place. Brian Collard placed third in the 3000-meter run and 1500-meter run to advance, two events he has placed in the top three all season. Tommy Ulissi took sixth in the 3000m and 1500m runs. He made it to the Junior Olympics last season, and has a chance to repeat if he finishes within the top three at the Houston meet. Britney Torres has placed consistently throughout the year in both the 3000m and 1500m runs, taking first in the 3000m to advance to Houston. Kandace Canaday placed first in the 3000m and 1500m runs, winning both events numerous times throughout the season. Riley Ownby took fifth in the long jump to advance, while Chandler Lacefield took third in the 1500m and Draven Pointer took fifth in the long jump. Alex Ingebritson took third in both the discus throw and shot put in order to advance.