Diboll Track & Field hosts Early Bid Invitational Track Meet
By Russell Payne Sports Editor

Last Thursday evening Diboll's Lumberjack Stadium was the site of the Diboll Early Bird Invitational Track Meet.

Schools from all around came out to compete in the track events and put on a spectacular showing.

For the Lumberjack and Lady Jack Track teams it was a first chance to get out there and see how they stack up against the competition.

Now with the season underway the Diboll Track and Field unit brings to the table some strong talent from last year.

For the boys look for J.J. Hayes, who was a Regional qualifier in the 800 meters last year, to make a huge splash in the 400 meters.

One big area of contention could come in the 200 meter, with last years District 20 3-A Champion Jacolby Spencer looking to retain his crown. On his heels could be Alex Castillo.

"Castillo should a strong competitor in the 200 meters this year, just as he was a year ago," Head Boys Track Coach Bruce Bolden stated.

In the long distance category the Lumberjacks can look to Juan Robles in the 1600 and 3200 meters. Robles has been a State Cross Country competitor and is sure to make his presence felt.

Left: Ketarus Stanton barrels to the finishline. At Right: Meredith Ruby hands off the bautonto Amanda Drake in the 800 Meter Medley. At top

Diboll will look to Trey Loche in the 300 meter hurdles. Returning for his junior year and last season 4th place finish.

In the field events there should be great things Christian Lovelady in the Long Jump and Josh Odom is expected to fight it out in the Pole Vault.

"Overall we are young, but we have the athletes on the team to put together a very productive and successful track and field season," Bolden concluded.

On the ladies side of the spectrum will be Head Girls Coach Laura Knight and company.

The ladies will return eight Regional Qualifiers from a year ago and they will certainly be counted on to carry Diboll. Returning are Amanda Drake, Pashun Tappin, Vanessa Jones, Nikki Greene, Ternisha Jackson, JaFrina Jackson, Jasmine Lewis and Kayla Martel.

Drake, Tappin, Jones and Greene were Diboll's relay squad in last year's Regional in Humble.

right: Kayla Martel runs her leg of the relay.

Jones also competed in the hurdles on the individual level.

Drake and Martel both competed in the pole vault and according to Knight should both be district contenders this season.

Drake is also being watched heavily in the 800 meters, while J. Jackson and Lewis will be Diboll's best bet in the shot put.

Diboll can also look for Crystal Spencer, Frankie Bogany, CC Bray, Chasity Burns, Chelsea Burns, Tiffany Mott, Brittnee Howell, and Gabby Saucedo. Knoght calls them all runners to watch.

It is back to the track this Thursday, as Diboll competes in the Jasper Cockrell Relays in Corrigan.