By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Of the five boys and eight girls who are out for track this year at Centre High School, four participated in the state track meet last spring.

Senior Kate Basore placed third in javelin in state 1A as a junior. She also was Wheat State league and regional champion in javelin.

Junior Xavier Espinoza qualified for state as a sophomore in the 100 meters, 400 meters, and 4x100 relay. He was league champion in long jump and was a finalist at state.

Sophomore Aidan Svoboda participated as a freshman in the 4x100 relay and 1,600 meter run at state.

Sophomore Braxton Smith qualified as a freshman for the state javelin and shot put throws.

Senior Cody Svoboda, the other letterwinner, is returning as a javelin and shot put thrower.

Newcomers include senior Jayden Hallowell; sophomores Emma David, Kelsey Hett, and Gracie Luna; and freshmen Cailey Barney, Alyssa Espinoza, and Samantha Espinoza.

With a small squad and limited event participation, team scoring will be minimal, but coach Alan Stahlecker expects experienced returners and good athletes among the newcomers to be competitive on the local level.

“I expect Kate Basore and Xavier Espinoza to compete on a larger scale,” he said. “Some of the younger athletes will step up and be competitive on the state level, too.”

Stahlecker is in his ninth year as head coach. Kelly Steiner, his assistant, coaches throwers.

The first track meet is April 3 at Burrton. Centre will be at Marion on April 6.