Hopes high for Clark Fork track team

CLARK FORK - The 2008 Clark Fork track team boasts quantity and quality, as 25 athletes turned out, an unusually high number for a 1A team, including returning state hurdles champion Bailey Hewitt.

Hewitt, a junior, won both the high and low hurdles at state last year, and her time of 15.4 in the 100 hurdles was tops in the region. Ever the competitor, Hewitt is not content to rest on her laurels, heading into the season hungry for more.

“I'm worried there's going to be some hot shot freshman to blow me out of the water,” says the humble Hewitt, one of the top all-around athletes in the state, regardless of classification. “I'm going to work really hard.”

Frank Hammersley, a former Clark Fork head football coach and most recently the junior high track coach, takes over the Cats this year for Richard Hanna. He likes Hewitt's chances of repeating in both hurdle races at state, and also thinks she can surprise in the 200 meters.

“She's very dedicated and loves track,” says Hammersley. “She puts a lot into it and is so coachable.”

Brittany Drayton will throw the shot and discus, and will also do some relays. Moranda Becker will do the long jump and triple jump, and the 200 meters. The rest of the girls team is mostly inexperienced behind those three.

Leading the boys team are seniors Matt Belville and Austin Martin, both of whom will do hurdles, sprints and relays. Junior Cody Bowers will do the odd combination of throwing the discus and shot, while running the mile, and senior Kalani Boward will throw the shot and discus.

Junior Adam Denham also returns with state experience in the distance races. In the state meet last season he set a PR by posting a 10:43 in the 3,200. He'll also run the mile and 800 meters. Junior Zach Anderson will do sprints and relays, where he'll look to improve upon the 11.8 100 meter best he posted last season. Hammersley says the 15 boys out this season have shown remarkable dedication, as they continue to practice indoors in mid-April.

“Overall the kids work well together,” says Hammersley. “They have a great attitude and help one another when they need it.”

Clark Fork opens the season Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.”