Scheidt takes over Hornets’ helm

New coach Jerry Scheidt has plenty of returning faces as he takes the helm of the White River High track and field program.

An assistant last year, Scheidt swapped positions with Terry Veltkamp, who led the program a year ago and has returned to helping out with pole vaulters and high jumpers.

Scheidt will get a first competitive look at his Hornets Saturday when they head to Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner for a jamboree that will include most of the South Puget Sound League 3A schools. Each athlete will be allowed to participate in two events.

On paper, the Hornets appear deep on both the boys and girls sides of the squad.

The boys are headed by senior Grant Peckham, who placed ninth in the discus at last year’s Class 3A state meet. Also expected to contribute are Kramer Green in the hurdles, Colin Green in the 400 meters and relays, Sterling Frye in the 3,200 meters and Hunter Chadwick and Blake Tidwell in the jumps.

The girls also have some talented returnees.

Carly McCutchen will be back to improve upon her 14th-place state meet finish in the 300 hurdles, but won’t be available until she completes her duties with the highly-regarded Hornet basketball team. Also missing until the conclusion of the hoop season is Hailey Menzel, who should earn points in the pole vault and long jump.

The Hornet girls should be strong in the distance races with Ashley Llapitan and Lauryn Waite setting the pace. Llapitan holds the school record in the 3,200 meters and Waite looked strong during the fall cross country season.

Jessica Lindner is expected to shine in the sprints and relays and both Antoinette Scholes and Sierra Gulla are back to participate in throwing events.

Contact Enumclaw Courier Herald Senior Writer, Editor Kevin Hanson at editor@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.

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