With nearly 150 youngsters trying out for Juab's track and field team, it isn't hard to figure out why they're considered the favorites in Region 14.
Coach Ron Marrelli feels very fortunate to have such a large group turn out for the team. "We've been lucky," he says.
"Our numbers are up and I feel that we should be a contender for the region," Marrelli said. Both the girls and boys teams at Juab are strong although Marrelli is concerned with a couple of aspects.
The boys are balanced but young. Led by senior Kyle Callaway, they are strong in the field events. Russ Nielson and Jeremy Jesson are two of the region's best at the high jump. The inexperienced sprinters on the team are a big question mark for the boys team. Marrelli says this group is young and probably not ready to compete with the best sprinters in Class 2A. "We have decent speed but not exceptional speed like a Manti or somebody like that," he said. In the future, these sophomores will be dangerous to deal with if they stay together for seasons to come. Landon Maxwell, Ore Young, Landon Wickel and Jordan Jones make up the relay team in addition to running the sprints races.
Overall, the boys should be able to win this region, which has only four other schools competing. Look for North Summit to challenge in the region while South Summit and Waterford just aren't as deep this season.
The Juab girls will be looking to challenge North Summit for league supremacy. Region coaches feel that the North Summit girls are the darlings of the region.
The Juab girls should get better as the season goes along. Right now, their best athletes are freshmen and sophomores. Leading the way are sophomores Dana Allred and Jessica Lynn. Allred will run in the sprints and long jump and Lynn is the team's best javelin thrower. A pair of freshman have emerged as well. Sprinter Kayle Bussian has a lot of talent and could really shine this season. Another freshman, Amberlee Allred, will be a big point producer in the high jump.
Coach Marrelli says that while both freshmen are full of potential, they really need some seasoning. Look for the Juab girls to push North Summit but ultimately they might be a year away from serious contention.
Rowland Hall is part of the region but doesn't compete in track and field.
E-mail: tpetersen@desnews.com