Palmer, Nesbitt and Quiroz lead Wampus Cats

CLARK FORK — Slowly but surely, the facilities around Clark Fork’s brand new track are beginning to take shape, from a new pole vault pit to a shot and discus area, as the Wampus Cats hope to host a North Star League track meet down the road.

At the same time, the team’s 17 members are also taking shape, as coach Frank Hammersley goes about building the team into a formidable unit.

Leading the way is junior Zara Palmer, who will run the intermediate and high hurdles and compete in the pole vault, as the Cats revived the field event for the first time in years. Palmer returns with state experience in both the 100 and 300 hurdles, and is hoping to follow in the shoes of former track standout Bailey Hewitt, who won four state titles one year.

“Bailey kind of took Zara under her wing,” said Hammersley, calling Palmer a dedicated hurdler. “Last year she was shy at state and learned really quick how to compete. This year I think she has a good chance to medal.”

Mackenzie Quiroz also returns with state experience, looking to improve upon her sixth place finish at state in the high jump last season. Her best jump was 4-8, and Hammersley is expecting her to challenge five feet this year.

Ashley Olding (sprints and hurdles), Moranda Becker (jumps) and Dimi Kailang bring some depth to the girls team.

Leading the boys will be senior Chaunce Nesbitt, who will run the 100 and 300 hurdles, the 100 meters and will do the triple jump. Hurdles are his strongest event, and he hopes to make state in both races.

Sophomore Max Frazier returns with state experience in both the 3,200 and 1,600, and will team with Cory Belville (800 and 400) in the distance events.

James Kennerly (200, 400 and high jump), James Becker (shot and discus) and Zack Klein, Allen Blankenship and Axel Anderson will all be counted on to score points.

“We’ll improve each week,” said Hammersley of his team. “We’ll get them ready for the North Star League meet and get them to state.”

Clark Fork opens the season Saturday at the Bonners Ferry Invite.