Wampus Cat track team to lean on seniors

CLARK FORK — As senior leaders go, the Clark Fork track team could do a whole lot worse than Zara Palmer, Howard Katzenberg and James Becker, each of whom brings a hunger and work ethic to the team in 2011.

Despite the ground still being covered with snow, Becker has been putting in work with the shot and discus, refining his technique and pushing hard to improve in tough conditions.

Katzenberg will run the 100, 200, medley relay and do the long jump, eager to make up for last season, which he missed with a knee injury as a junior.

“He’s one of our captains. A hard worker and really dedicated to the program,” said Wampus Cats head coach Frank Hammersley. “He’s always telling the younger guys ‘you can do it.’”

Junior distance specialist Max Frazier will run the 3,200, 1,600, 800 and medley relay, junior Corey Belville will run the 800 and 400, Kale White will run the 300 hurdles and Axel Anderson will run the 100 and throw the shot and discus. White and Belville will join Katzenberg and Frazier on the medley team for the Wampus Cat boys team.

The girls will be led by Palmer, who made it to state as a sophomore and junior and has hopes of winning a medal this year in either the 300 hurdles or the 400.

“She wants to win the North Star League and would like to get a medal at state this year,” said Hammersley of his lone senior. “I think she can reach that.”

Freshman Samantha McDonald has shown some promise in the 100, 200 and high jump, and sophomore Mariah Miller and junior Cassidy Smith will each do the 100, 200 and long jump. Junior Ashley Olding will run the 100 and 300 hurdles, and team with Miller, Smith and Gloria Mueller in a medley relay.

“The team has a great attitude; real team and goal oriented and they like one another,” described Hammersley. “We’ll improve, get better, have a lot of fun and get them ready for North Star League and Regionals.”

Clark Fork is at the Bonners Ferry Invite today.