Track teams have big expectations for state meet

The Manitou Springs track team will be taking a large contingent to Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood this week. The Mustangs have put together a solid boys roster that could put them in the mix for a top-four finish, something the program hasn’t done since 2014.

When the qualifying lists came out this week, coach Anna Mack couldn’t help but smile as she gazed up and down the list and the number of Mustangs who will compete this week.

“I was very happy,” Mack said. “Jackson (Dunlap) was kind of a surprise sliding into the 18 spot in the 100 so that was excellent, and (preliminary race lineups) came out and lane assignments are pretty solid.”

The Mustangs have big expectations for success in some events.

Lairden Rogge is definitely a threat in the 400-meter dash and has the third-best time in the event. Henry Ilyasova is ranked second in both the 1,600 and 3,200 runs and Kian O’Boyle took one shot to qualify for the 800 and made the cut.

They’ll also have their throwers; Anthony Snow (discus) and Parker Salladay (shot put) also will compete at Jeffco Stadium.

It’s a good squad that can potentially score very well and lead the Mustangs to a top-notch finish as a team.

“It helps a lot,” Rogge said. “Especially with Parker and Anthony in the throws. If they can score some points, it helps to have them in there and Jackson has been a bit of a surprise.”

The end result really speaks to how the team has pushed itself and progressed as the year has gone on.

“It shows we’re dedicated,” Snow said. “We’re all really dedicated and excited to work our butts off.”

There was little question that the Bella Coscetti would get to state to represent the girls, but the big surprise was the 800-sprint medley relay team making the cut. The team’s qualifying time of 1:57.00 came at the most opportune time.

“They pulled it out and managed to do it,” Mack said. “That was the shocker of the night on Friday (at the Pueblo West Twilight).”

Coscetti will compete in the 300 hurdles, pole vault, long jump and triple jump this week and has every intention of putting together a solid performance.

“I have written down some cues and goals for the event and trying to make sure I’m disciplined and focused for what I need to do in all of them,” she said.

The state track and field championships begin the morning of Thursday, May 19, at Jeffco Stadium and will run through Saturday, May 21.