A-J girls’ track team aims to build on success in 2010

The Anna-Jonesboro High School girls’ track team narrowly missed winning the sectional tournament last season and a lot of quality athletes return from that squad for the 2010 season.

“We’ve got a lot coming back,” A-J track coach Michael Eudy said. “I think we can be really competitive.”

A big loss to the team before the season is senior Kaylee Little, who was a returning state qualifier before ending her prep career with a knee injury during basketball.

Senior state qualifiers returning are middle-distance/relay runner Leslie Donna and middle distance runner Elizabeth Bell. Both advanced to state last season in the 800-meter run.

A junior state qualifier returning from  the Wildcats’ state qualifying 4x800 meter relay event is Whitney Beanland. She will also  compete in middle distance events.

Sophomore Emma Basler is a returning state qualifier in the long jump. She will also compete in sprints.

Another senior expected to contribute is pole vaulter Sydney Miller.

Junior depth comes from sprinter Destiny Dillow, distance runner Kelsie Bonner and sprinter/relay runner Chelsea Cobb.

Sophomores in the mix are middle distance/relay runner Makaenne Fox, distance runner Lauren Goins, shot putter/discus throwers Jessi Stone and Gabrielle Harris and distance runner Jocelyn Frey.

Another sophomore expected to contribute is a foreign exchange student from Croatia, Nika Vukelic, who will compete in middle distance and sprints.

Freshmen expected to compete are distance runner Jessica Scott, shot putter/discus thrower Kailey Denny, high jumper/pole vaulter Cheyenne Lingle, sprinter Rebecca Mitchell and sprinter/hurdler Nina Mattingly.

“We’ve got a real nice freshman class,”  Eudy said.

With the Wildcats’ depth they should be able to accumlate their share of points in meets.

“I’m really proud of our numbers,” Eudy said. “We’ve got girls who know how to compete in big meets.

“The girls surprised us last year. We know we’ve got potential and we’re excited about them.”

The Lady Wildcats open their season in the Benton Spring Fling Saturday, April 3.