Recent years have attest that Utah track and field produces many memorable and historic moments. Last year was highlighted by the farewell of the Stewart sisters from Spanish Fork and their historic 08' state meet final. The historic Luke Puskedra breaking the 9 minute barrier. To the breath-taking triple of Mountain View's Travis Fuller who reigned supreme. Time will tell what 2009 will bring.
Revisit the 2008 State Track & Field Meet
In the sprints Brayden Brunson, Jeff Daw and Tyrell Yardley ran into the record books with the fastest indoor 200m tandem in state history. With Daw also posting top-ten national 400m. Throw in 100m standout Ryan Avery and the state record books may need to be rewritten. On the girls side Dominique Thompson, Aubrie Haymore looks to be the states supreme prep sprinter. States greatest indoor hurdler, Brooke Jensen has competed very well in all sprinting events. Look for Jensen to be a state contendar.
In the middle distances Mountain View's Kelsey Brown, the indoor
state meet MVP, should dominate from 400m to 800m. On the boys side Erik Peterson of Bingham is ranked #9 nationally in the 800 meters. Continued improvement is to be expected from Peterson who looks for a outdoor state championship to add to his indoor crown. In the distance events Timpview's Johnathon Nelson will try to step into the wake of the historic performances of Luke Puskedra in 2008. Nelson has proven a national competitor and should produce some dominant Utah performances. Davis Dart Seth Gutzwiller, Snow Canyon's Hayden Hawks will compete with Nelson for top honors.
In girls distances national phenom Candace Eddy has returned for her final season. However, national frosh phenom Danielle Menlove from Jordan high steps out of youth national championships and onto the track after a highly successful all-american cross season. The state 1600m record could be in jeopardy as Menlove has definite sub 4:50 speed with Eddy looking healthy and strong. Should be a race with national implications.
Throwing champion Tony Hill is approaching the 60 foot barrier. Hill should run away with the weight throw and shot. Look for the indoor MVP to step to the forefront as the next king of the mountains in the weight throw events. Milesplit Utah will be monitoring Hill's approach to the the 60 foot barrier outdoors.
Hurdles standout Brooke Jensen is nationally ranked and already etched her name in the state record books. The states first sub 9 60m hurdler is also a standout sprinter. As she controls her speed look for continued dominance. Angie Kaplar of Lone Peak, #2 all-time indoors and the 08 outdoor runner-up, will be a continued force to press Jensen.