Yaharim Satterwhite looks to get on the state podium in the hurdles this spring. Photo by Ronald Ceton.
The harriers from Tolleson high school have reason to be optimistic this spring. A new year brings several new faces to the Tolleson girls team. Additionally, the Lady Wolverines only graduated a couple of seniors. With lots of young talent, and returning most of their squad from last year, they look primed to fulfill their mission of a “tradition of excellence."
Some of the key newcomers are on the distance squad for the Lady Wolverines. Annie Hancock trades in her volleyball and basketball gym shoes for a set of trainers and spikes this spring. Look for her to make some noise in the west valley in the distance races. Danny Ruiz, a state cross country qualifier, should be right up there with her to push her in practice and races. Fellow state cross country qualifier Cassie Murphy has hurdled in the past, but is working on a transition to pole vault this spring. She will also have someone to compete with on her team, as newcomer Stephanie Cortes will also compete at the varsity level in pole vault.
New hurdle Coach Tevin Blaylark gets quite a bit of talent to work with as Yaharim Satterwhite returns after finishin 10th at state in both the hurdles races. Additionally, Ohemaa Barnes, who was 7th in the 100H will be back and eager to improve her place on the podium this spring. Coach Blaylark also coaches the jumps where Ohemaa (HJ) and returning state qualifier Alexia Marsh (LJ) should be his strongest athletes this season.
Yaharim, Alexia, and Lisette Hernandez should lead the way for the sprint crew this season according to Coach Pat Riley. While none of them have state experience Coach Riley hopes to get them there. In fact, the goal is to get at least one athletes from every event group to the state meet. The thrower with the best chance at advancing appears to be Kiki Newman.
The team goals do not stop at qualifying athletes for state in every event group. Coach Pat Riley wants his team to Win district championship, and contend for a high place at the Rattler Underclassmen meet. With the youth he brings to the table this goal seems achievable, it will be interesting to see how the season unfolds!