Paul Lucas looks to leave his mark on Arizona track and field this season. Arizona Milesplit file photo.
Mountain Pointe high school has both the advantage and disadvantage of sitting just a few miles from one of the strongest programs in the state. However, like most things in life a situation is what you make of it. Coach Tom O'Neil has great respect from for the Thunder but, he doesn't worry about them. “I honestly don't think about their program, or any other program for that matter, throughout the season," explained O'Neil, “ My only concern is for our athletes and how I can help them have the best track and field experience possible"
Coach O'Neil has certainly developed some athletes of his own. He challenges each of his athletes to “squeeze every drop of a great experience" from track that they possibly can. For some this will be making life long friends and learning how to work hard. For others this will mean chasing state records, national leader boards, and top spots on the podium at big meets.
One of the athletes that fits into the latter category for the Pride is Paul Lucas. Paul spent much of the season as the top ranked 200m runner in the nation and part of the season ranked as the top 400m in the nation. Look for him to compete with the best of them this year. His goals will certainly be geared toward the top of podium and chasing history. He already holds the 4th and the 5th fastest times in the 100m and 200m dashes in state history. Bar injury or a lot of windy meets look for him to climb up those lists and get on the top 5 all-time list in the 400m as well.
The Pride of the Lions also have a strong support crew for Paul in the spring in the shorter distances. Despite graduating seniors Trey Lauer, AJ Davalos and Devonte Roach, the Coach O'Neil's harriers will look to be better as a whole than they were last year. Nicolas Sibley, and Anthony Stevens look to qualify for the state meet this year. Isaiah Banks has been working hard throughout the winter and competed the USATF Zone West Championships in the 55m and long jump. Look for him to have a strong senior season this year. He should be joined in the jumps by Brandon Spadoni. Brandon also wants to qualify for the state meet this season.
The distance squad is young but developing for Mountain Pointe squad look for Itzamma Hinojos and Jace Jenkins to lead the way. Distance Coach Grant Sinclair has built a reputation in other states developing distance athletes, look for him to do more of the same here as Coach O'Neils assistant. With the team being young there is lots of room for the team to develop this year. As talent develops, tradition builds. Look for Mountain Pointe to continue striving to be just a little bit better than they were last year.