Mount Si’s track and field program looks to continue its history of success in the regular season and postseason.
The Wildcat girls had a strong showing at state last year and look to improve for 2010.
Returning as head coach for his 28th season is Dave Clifford, who is excited about what lies ahead.
“This year, the girls team is going to be real competitive,” Clifford said.
The Wildcats won both the Kingco and SeaKing titles last year, and a large number of athletes return from the 2009 team. Those include seniors Helen and Hannah Hasbun, veteran sprinters who both made state last season; senior Corinna Linder, who will look to win state in several throwing events; and fellow senior throwers Kelly Besmer and Molly Meyers.
For Linder, preparation is key: “I get myself into the weight room and lift,” she said.
College hopes
Linder told the Valley Record she plans on walking on at Texas next season and competing in the discus. If she makes the team she will be the latest Wildcat to find success at the college level; currently there are several Mount Si graduates competing in college. Junior boys’ thrower Zach Storm thinks there are a couple of reasons why.
“It’s because of our little league programs for a long time have been doing it, and the coaches around here are just really, really good,” Storm said.
New coach
As for the boys, there’s a new man at the top, as Gregg Meyers takes over the head reins this season from Chris Jackson, who remains an assistant coach. Meyers’ goal is to expand the reach of the boys program.
“My expectation of being a head coach is to try to turn the track program into the flagship for the track community in the Valley,” Meyers said.
The opportunity is exciting, he added.
“I think I’m going to really like it,” Meyer said. “It’s going to be a challenge going to head coach, but I think I can handle it.”
Top boys athletes to watch include senior pole vaulter Josh Murphy and sophomore distance runner Richard Carmichael.
Regional foes
Both teams will face top league competition; Mercer Island appears to be the toughest for both, but watch Skyline, Issaquah, Newport, Liberty and Bellevue as well, as those teams have athletes in various events which could give Mount Si competitors a run for their money. But Clifford keeps the expectations low.
“I don’t emphasize league championships, or those types of things,” he said. “It’s personal bests. If you get better week by week in your event, then all of the championships and state will take care of itself.”
Storm sees benefits in competing.
“Just like anything with wrestling and football, it’s just keeping you in shape,” the three-sport athlete said.
