Jeff, Tri-County in the running to extend streaks

Since February, area boys track athletes have dreamt of stepping into Indiana University's Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex as a competitor in the state finals.

The next stage of that quest begins tonight, as sectional competition kicks off the 108th annual state tournament. Area teams will compete at four sites in hopes of qualifying as many athlete as possible for next week's regionals.

TEAM DYNASTIES

Lafayette Jeff has won six straight sectional titles and is favored to extend that streak at Scheumann Stadium. The Bronchos won the City/County meet by 18 points on May 3, with West Lafayette as runner-up. However, a year ago, four teams were still in contention until the final event.

Tri-County also seeks its seventh consecutive sectional championship. The Cavaliers won last year's meet by 35 points over host Benton Central.

Both Jeff and Tri-County are well short of Jeffersonville's current 28-year championship streak. Marion (11) and Bloomington South (6) are the only programs with current streaks of six or longer.

100 SHOWDOWN

Lafayette Jeff's Lucas Wallace broke the City/County record while winning the 100-meter dash against some of the area's best. Tonight's competition should be even tougher.

Wallace is the top seed, followed closely by Broncho teammates Matthew Johnson and Carl McQuay. The impressive field also includes West Lafayette's Aaron Woodard, Central Catholic's Danny Anthrop and Clinton Prairie cousins Slayd and Chase Schimmel.

Only four can qualify, unless the fifth-place finisher beats the qualifying standard of 10.97.

DUAL THREATS

West Lafayette senior Zane Cooperider is the top seed in both the 1,600 and the 3,200. In the 1,600, he's up against defending champion Javier Vazquez of Frankfort, who is the top seed in the 800. Both could also run in the meet-opening 3,200 relay.

Harrison senior Taylor Caldwell is heavily favored to repeat as high jump champion and is seeded second in the long jump to West Lafayette junior Amen Galley.

Lafayette Jeff freshman Tim Wilson is seeded first in the 300 hurdles and second in the 110 hurdles to teammate Lincoln Ford. Broncho seniors Joel Ripke and Kody Martin are among the top three seeds in both the discus and the shot put.