Gilroy
– The track and field experience might be thin. But there’s no
shortage of athletic talent for Gilroy’s track and field squad.
Gilroy – The track and field experience might be thin.
But there’s no shortage of athletic talent for Gilroy’s track and field squad.
Second-year coach Jeff Myers welcomed more than 90 candidates, an impressive number for a high school sport that often flies under the radar. The Mustangs open today at home, hosting Live Oak and Sacred Heart Prep.
“I can’t wait to see what they can do,” said Myers, who coached his team to a Central Coast Section title in 2004 and was third in 2005 while at Archbishop Mitty. “It’s going to be an interesting year. We have a lot of new athletes. There’s a little more talent than last year’s group.”
The only two Central Coast Section placers – Bobby Best (third in discus) and Miles Amodeo (sixth in 300 hurdles) – have graduated. And yet, there’s enough talent to make this year’s team perhaps a little deeper.
Among the boys, three sophomores figure to be big scorers. Peter Guenther won the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles and 100 meters at the Tri-County Athletic League frosh-soph meet that Gilroy dominated. Tyler Hill was second in both hurdles. Also, Sean Hale looks strong in the sprints and long jump.
Derek Pesta will be the top distance runner. The junior was first in the mile and 2-mile, and second in the 800 at the TCAL frosh-soph meet. Ismael Gutierrez is strong in the discus. Gabriel Gutierrez is a promising pole vaulter.
“Our balance is much improved among the boys,” Myers said. “We have key athletes across the board.”
He was expecting to get basketball players Javin Charlot (sprints) and Marshad Johnson (jumps) to add depth to his squad.
Among the girls, there is plenty of young talent as well as seniors Megan McAvoy, who qualified for CCS in long jump, and Carly Kennedy, who is strong in the weights and promising in the pole vault.
Kathleen Miller, who qualified for CCS in the 2-mile as well as for the state meet in cross country this past fall, is a talented distance runner.
Other top hopefuls include Samantha Doo, long and triple jump; Amanda Krueger, sprints and hurdles; Ariana Vera, sprints; Sara Unadia, sprints, hurdles and high jump; and Elise Ogle, sprints and middle distance.
“The girls are 100 percent better than last year,” Myers said. “We have far better athletes and should be much more competitive.”
The Mustangs finished last season with several individuals having to do three, four events. Myers doesn’t anticipate that happening this year.
“We have almost 100 kids,” Myers said. “I’m excited because most of the kids who could have returned. The frosh-soph boys are all back. We’re excited to be able to teach them the sport.”
