Some events at the Tolleson Invitational have a clear superstar or two who can expect to be the class of the field. Shot put however, is not one of them. Instead there is a large group who could potentially win if they manage to PR on Saturday. Michael Valenzuela of Tolleson has the best entry at 43'7" but at least 4 other throwers lurk in the low 40s including teammate Braxton Hooks (42'11.5"), and Westwood's Owen Layton (42'9.5").
The Discus on the other hand has a clear favorite in Jordan Larson. The Millennium sophomore won his section at Chandler in 139'8". Felipe Jimenez's (125'6") throw at Chandler marked an 11 foot improvement, but the Tolleson junior will need a similar PR to challenge for Saturday's title. Jake Segura (120'0") from Arizona Lutheran is another quickly improving thrower.
The pole vault promises to be among the most exciting events as Valley Vista's Cole Riddle (14'0") and Coconino's Trey Perkins (13'6") square off in a battle to be the meets highest flyer. Riddle won his first gold of the year at Buckeye Lions Invitational while Perkins did the same at the NPA Skydome. Not to be left behind, Westview's Dawson Parker won a title of his own at Gaucho Relays with a 12'6" clearance.
The high Jump should be among the most tightly contested events. While Elijah Crockett of Cesar Chavez and Samir Fierro of Millennium lead the way with jumps of 6'2" a large group lurks with 6'0" entries including Sedona Red Rock's Dawson Stevenson, a Division III state qualifier in 2014 who was runner up at the Rattler Booster Invitational.
The long jump features Tolleson's Trey Johnson (21'3"w) a finalist in the Chandler Rotary's elite section attempting to win his first long jump gold of the year. Sure to challenge with 20 foot entries are Guy Mickens of Valley Vista and Pearson Weaver of Betty Fairfax. Sierra Linda's Ramoan Davis could be the sleeper here.
In the triple jump Weaver (42'8") is among the cream of the standout crop. His victory in the Friday section of Chandler Rotary should bring great confidence. Chai Voccola may be just getting back in to the triple, but his third place finish in division III last year and 43'0" PR prove he has the talent win. Brandon Garcia of Millennium and Monte Albert of Flagstaff have both soared 41'3" and will look to build on that success.