It’s safe to say things will be a little safer around the Lindbergh track this season.
Last season conditions got so bad on the track that a sprinter broke his ankle when stepping in a rut.
“Those days are over,” said Lindbergh coach Jef Rettmann. “There were days where we literally couldn’t do anything on the track because it was under water.”
After a renovation of the track and field, morale and numbers are up.
“It changed the attitude,” Rettmann said. “There’s more pride and the kids are more enthused… Plus we don’t have to drive down to Renton Stadium for practice anymore.”
Not to mention the kids are turning out in droves. At 90 total members, this year’s team is the biggest Rettmann has had.
Frank Cange, who was injured much of the 2009 season, will team with Adam Freed to lead the Eagle sprinters.
Cange made state in 2008 in the 100, plus districts in the 200, 4X100 and 400. Freed ran the 100 at state last season.
Other boys sprinters to watch are Devan Bickham and Derek Roseboro.
Trevor Thompson leads a standout distance group.
“We have a good pack of distance runners that will be great in dual meets,” Rettmann said. “Trevor is the guy who will score points in the big meets.”
Thompson finished in the top-12 at state in both the 1,600 and 3,200 last season. He placed 12th at the cross country state meet last fall.
Backing Thompson is Nate Reitz, James Cornell, Mark Garcia, Luke Garcia and Thanh Nguyen.
For the girls, Sarah Reiter leads the distance runners. Anna Patti, Jami Kouba and Jasmine Fallgreen round out the top of the group.
Girls coach Jeff Stuart said his group of freshman sprinters looks strong so far.
“I can’t tell you a whole lot about them yet,” he said. “But they look good and we’ll just have to see.”
After losing all-around talent Makala Williams (state in long and triple jump in 2009), Stuart said he’s “going to have to develop some jumpers.”
Ericka Galindo will stabilize the Eagles’ middle distance group. Lauren Hunter and Melissa Peltier will lead Lindbergh’s field events.
