Vikings’ indoor track season opens Saturday

Grand Island Dispatch, December 15, 2006

The Grand Island winter indoor track and field team has been training for the past month to get ready for the season opener this weekend at the Lancaster High School field house.

This year’s squad is the biggest in the school’s history, with 42 members on both boys and girls squads.

In only the fourth season of the programs, the team has had some outstanding individuals. In each of the past three seasons, the Vikings have had athletes qualify and compete at the state championships.

•In 2004, Mike Feathers was fifth in the state long jump competition and won the outdoor state pentathlon championship. He now attends Clemson University on a track and field scholarship.

•Also in 2004, Kara Black competed in the 55-meter sprints.

•In 2005, sprinter Glenn Bird and Cory Angelo competed at states in the 55 and pole vault, respectively.

•The 2006 season saw John Connors and junior Tim Fargino compete at states in a relay representing Section VI.

“We have had six athletes make the state championships in the past three seasons,” said coach Don Sauer. “Some of the better athletes in the school are recognizing the opportunities they have with competing in the winter indoor track program. With 16 events to compete (in), there is an event for practically everyone.”

This season should be just as exciting, with some top athletes representing Grand Island. Fargino is returning as a senior, vying for a spot in the 1000 or 600. Distance ace Evan Tsembelis, a sophomore, and juniors Chris Carter and Ryan Hagen should put together a pretty good 3200-meter relay team. Sophomore Jordon Gibson will also be in the mix, the coach said. Junior weight man Tim Boorady is much improved in the shot put, while senior Kyle Oursler will lead in the hurdles.

The girls team also will be exciting to watch; with Caitlyn Driscoll in the 600/1000 and with teammates Bridget George, Jackie Coe and Ellen Betterson, the team should be very competitive in the 1600-meter relay. Meagan Hayes, Kelsey Mash and Lindsey Boyle, along with Betterson or Coe, will run a formidable 800-meter relay. Coe will also compete in the high jump, while Hayes and Mash will do hurdles.

The team has 10 meets, including the Western New York relays, the RIT Invite, league championships and the sectionals in late February.