State Track

Who can deny the greatness of the Kansas state track meet. Every corner of Kansas is represented: city people, rurals, small towners, 'tweeners, farmers, suburbanites. Kansans from all walks congregate at Cessna Stadium each Memorial Day weekend to watch the state's best athletes compete. In the upcoming issue of the magazine, senior contributing editor Ted Hayes will offer some of his best memories from the state track meet over the years. Also, we'll have photo galleries of the meet in the June issue, and I'm considering using the photo gallery Picture This in July and August for state track, as well. There are just so many athletes from so many schools we need to cover. What do you think? Good idea?

Performances not to be missed this weekend will be those of the two athletes who appeared on the cover of the March issue of the magazine. Audacia Moore of Wichita Heights, signed to sprint at WSU next year, will challenge the state meet record in the 100 meter, and is heavily favored to repeat as champ in both the 100 and 200. She's also a state qualifier in the long jump and triple jump. Mike Flores, the defending champ in the 400 meter, returns to state as a junior, having qualified in 200, 400 and triple jump. He has the best 400 time in the state this year.

After not appearing on any honor roll lists all spring, Ark City's Darrell Freeman is on the map for state once again. The defending 5A 100 champ placed second in the 200 last spring by .01 seconds. He'll have plenty of local challengers - Grant Leoscher and Nathaniel Martens of Newton and Aaron Babbidge of Valley Center.

Andover Central's Tiffany Bias has the state's top 4A time in the 100, 200 and 400. Placing third in the 100 last year, Bias wont he 200 and 400. She could sweep the sprints this year.

El Dorado's Laura Nightengale ran the fastest 800 last spring and should repeat as champ in 4A. Also in 4A, Tanya Friesen could win state in the triple jump and long jump.

Let's talk baseball, softball and soccer tomorrow.