107 schools will take part in the 71st annual Chandler Rotary.  Here is a quick preview of a few of the most contested events.

By Dave Shapiro

 The 71^st Annual Chandler Rotary is shaping up to be, not only the biggest ever (107 high schools) but, one of the strongest fields.  Forty-six state champions (these are events champions—there were multiple state champs, ex:  Jasmine Todd accounts for three of those 46) from Arizona will compete as essentially every top track and field team will compete in the seeded event on Saturday.  There are also three state champions from Colorado;  Kelley Robinson of Nederland (3200), Malik McKinny of Mullin (100) and two event state champions Casey Young of Regis Jesuit (HH, 300H).  New Mexico will bring three state champions to the meet in Eric Fenton, Hope Christian (1600), Caleb Rubalcala of Rio Rancho (1600) and Julia Foster of Albuquerque Academy (1600).  There will also be athletes from Texas, Idaho and a sprinter from Mount Boucherie of British Columbia.

Fourteen individual champions from last year’s Rotary Track meet are back in action this year.  Returning Boys:  Elija Britton, Montwood TX, 110 Hurdles, Trae Armstrong, Deer Valley-100 & 200, Dylan Hambright, Arcadia-400, Billy Orman, Tuba City-3200, Danny Tarango, Burgess, TX—800.  Returning Girls:  Alexis Roberts, Chandler—400, Jaide Stepter, CDO, 300 Hurdles, Tess Berghoff, Arcadia—800.  Sarah Fakler, Xavier—3200, Jasmine Todd, Chandler, Triple and Long Jump, Tinisha Toussaint, Desert Vista, High Jump and Hannah Carson, Shot Put.

Events to watch:

Boys

Discus:  With three Arizona State Champions in this event; Jeremy Tuttle (Buena), Brendon Pineda (Tolleson) and Sabas Garcia (Florence), the discus will be one of the deepest in years.  Thrower, from El Paso Parkland, Lancer Howard who throws consistently in the 170’s and Brian Thompson (Mt Ridge) could take the competition to 175’ to place in the top five.

High Hurdles: Another event, with state champs and places contending, is the high hurdles. Cameron Taylor (Westwood) (photo left by Margot Kelly) with a 13.90 best will be challenged by State Champ Erwin Jones (Shadow Mtn), last year’s Rotary champ Elijiah Britton, and up and coming Lezo Urreiztieta of Canyon del Oro.  Casey Young, Colorado State Champ along with Caleb Fraley (Valley Christian) and Chandler’s Devin Centers’ makes this a truly deep and potentially record setting event.

200 Meter Dash:  Colorado State runner up Malik McKinney will challenge defending state and Rotary Champ—Trae Armstrong.  Devon Allen (Brophy) is a year older and stronger and could challenge the leaders.  Five sprinters come into the meet with qualifying marks of 22.00 or faster.

800 Meter Run:  Not all of the sub 2:00 800 runners could make the fast heat this year.  Dylan Souza, 1:53.85 lifetime best will challenge Danny Tarango of El Paso Burgess who won last year’s race.  Dylan is planning on doubling in the 400, which could take him down a step.  Still there are 12 other runners who have run 1:58.7 or faster in this race.  Tommy Williams (Brophy), Lindon Claridgge (Flowing Wells) and Ken O’Keefe (North Canyon) could push the tempo.

Mile Split Mile:  Billy Orman (Tuba City) would have to be the favorite, already running a 4:16 this season, but don’t count out the Tucson duo of Rex Woodbury (Catalina Foothills) and Alejando Montano (Catalina) who can force the pace.  There are several runners coming down from altitude who could run four-five seconds faster than their PR’s.  Eric Fenton (Hope Christian) ran a 4:21 last week and Jefferson Reider of (Albuquerque Academy) has run a 4:24.20.

Girls

300 Hurdles:  Jaide Stepter (Canyon del Oro) continues to chase the state record of Christy Nore.  The junior comes in with a lifetime best of 43.4.  However, within a second of her are Shea Grant, State Champ from Estrella Foothills, Victoria McArthur of Hamilton and Makailla Flannigan of Chandler. 

200 Meter Dash. Ana Holland of Regis comes in with a lifetime best of 24.92, set last year at the Colorado State Championships.  Holland will be chased by Arizona State Champions Jasmine Pratt (Estrella Foothills) and Rachel Johns (Notre Dame Prep).  Chandler has a duo of freshman sprinters in Ky Westbrook and Tope Williams who will be a step behind.

800 Meter Run:  Three Arizona State champions will compete in this race with Yasmine Yacut (Desert Vista, photo right by Margot Kelly), Tess Berghoff (Arcadia) and Chastine Virgin-Crus (Show Low), however, look for Katie Penney (Xavier), Marissa Opatz (Desert Mountain) and Ashley Kealamakia (Liberty) to push the pack so hard that Haley Paul’s 2006 record of 2:13.09 could be in jeopardy.

Note:  Bianca Lewis (Sr., Xavier) was injured last year but returns this year with great enthusiasm.  As a sophomore Bianca ran a 56.47 in the 400 and a 2:15.14 in the 800.   Look for Bianca to challenge in both events. 

Pole Vault:  Rotary will crown a new champion, as four time champion Shayla Simpson finally graduated.  Look to Kylie Harmon of Desert Vista, Lindsey Pew of Mt. View, Ashley Groves (state champion) of Cienega or Haley Bowser of Chandler to take the title.

Mile Split Mile—Dedicated to the memory of Sally Meyerhoff.

Last year this was the most memorable event as Emily LaValle of Classical Academy edged out Sarah Fakler of Xavier College Prep.  This years event looks just as deep with Nationally ranked Julia Foster coming to town to challenge Sarah Fakler.  Other top Arizona runners include Kristi Rush (Highland), Rolonda Jumbo (Chinle), Haley Stenquist (Sabino) and Marissa Opatz (Desert Mountain).