Baker track preview

That group will lead a young group of Baker thinclads this season.

“Young and fun,” said Baker coach Suzy Cole, describing this year’s Bulldogs. “We’ll probably end up with about 50 kids this season.”

Baker won the Greater Oregon League girls championship last year, and the Baker boys placed third.

“We have a wide variety of personalities,” Cole said. “That should help us come together as a team. It’s nice to have a large number of freshmen coming in to replace the kids who have graduated.”

The returning state qualifiers are Haley Adams, Melissa Clarke, Kelsey Cole, Jake Eastland, Whitney Phillips, Hannah Phillips, Luke Austin and Tori Wirth.

Prince was the district champion in the girls 100, and placed 13th at state. She also placed 13th in the 200.

Adams advanced in the javelin and pole vault, Clarke in the 1,500 and 3,000, Cole in the 800, Phillips in the 400, Austin in the 4x100, and Wirth in the shot.

Cole said other key returning competitors are Weston Anderson in the throwing events, Erik Robertson in the distances, Joe Anderson in middle distance, Kylee Curtis in throws, Nick Robertson in javelin, Tyler Sorenson in jumps, Colton Dillman in jumps, Krisann Freels in jumps, Ashley Trees in distances, Tanner O’Grady in distances, Stacy Duman in hurdles, Kylie Kitzmiller in hurdles, Colton Flynn in throws and Mark Voboril in middle distances.

Top newcomers are Jordan Curtis in the hurdles and high jump, Cody Osborn in middle distances, Conner Yates in hurdles, Mitko Smith in sprints, Taylor McEnroe in jumps, Bryce Brose in throws, Robbie Langrell in distance, and Jordan Osborn in throws.

“We’re happy to have Colton Flynn back,” Cole said.

Flynn chose not to compete a year ago.

“This is a real athletic group,” Cole said.

“This group of freshmen is one of the most dedicated groups in some time. That’s really nice,” she said.

“There’s enough in each group to keep everybody honest and work everybody in practice.

“We have a lot of versatile athletes,” Cole said. “We’ll see where they fit best and where they’re strongest passion is.”

Baker will host the GOL district meet in May.

“From a coach’s standpoint it’s nice to have another home meet,” Cole said. “But it’s also a new challenge. When district is on the road the kids use that travel time to mentally prepare for the meet.”