Second year Bartlett head girls track Coach Candace Jones welcomed 26 competitors this spring, the largest turn-out in recent Panther history.
“The majority of our girls are new to the sport,” Jones said of your youthful team. “We’re working them in the weight room, teaching them the basics of track.”
Despite the inexperience Jones, who coached four years at regional power Raleigh Egypt, believes Bartlett can compete.
“We show a lot of potential,” she said. “We want to build consistency, to make them competitive at the state level. The girls are working hard.”
Unlike years past, Bartlett can nearly fill the event roster this spring.
Two junior transfers; Ashley Schaller and Jasmine Guy, will bolster the throwing in the field events. Both are listed as varsity shot and discus competitors. Briauna Cole and Alexis Gwynn will work with the junior varsity.
Kiara Scott will high jump for Bartlett with Kelsey Middleton, Jacquelyn Alston and Caitlyn Street working the high bar as well.
Myia Hoskin and Makayla Lewis will compete in the long jump along with Cole.
Katie Cook is expected to run the eight laps around the track in the 3200 meters.
Aariona Williams and Asya McGraw will compete in the 100 high hurdles while Tiana La Dee, Kelsey Middleton and Dominique Washington also competing.
The 4×100 relay is expected to consist of Lewis, Lakesha Blackburn, Myia Hoskins and Alexia Kneeland with Caitlyn Street working with the quartet as well.
Hoskin and Kneeland will run the 100 along with Street while Hailey Huffman and Amber Curry will compete in the 1600 as will Iris Melara and Teresa Escobar.
The 4×200 will include Kiara Scott and Jacquelyn Alston along with Lewis, Blackburn and Hoskins.
Alexia Kneeland will run the open 400 while Farrah Alhashem and Jasmine Boone will compete in the 300 meter low hurdles.
Huffman and Curry will compete in the 800 meters as will Khadijah Crawford.
Blackburn and Lewis will take the blocks in the 200 as will Scott and Hoskins.
