Palmer boys could distance themselves from competition

At first glance, the Palmer boys track and field squad seems to be deep with distance runners.

With another look at the Palmer squad, you find that the Moose are just deep all over.

"We have got a lot of kids, and we are talented in many areas," Palmer boys head coach Norm Rousey said.

The Moose could make an impact in the Region and state competitions in several areas.

A host of athletes from the Palmer cross-country squad could likely help Palmer distance themselves from competition in the distance events.

Aaron and Drew Dickson, two parts of Palmer High's Dickson triplets, will lead the Moose in the distance runs as well as the relay events.

Drew Dickson is the reigning Region III champ in the 3,200, and he placed second in the state competition in the event. Aaron Dickson won both the 800 and 1,600 at the 2002 region meet and finished fourth in each event at state.

"They have the potential to be at the top in the state," Rousey said of the Dickson runners.

The Dickson brothers, as well as Olin Bingham, will lead a group of strong Palmer relay teams. Palmer won each of the boys relay events in the Wasilla Invitational this week.

Rousey also noted the depth of Palmer's sprinters.

Dustin Eley, a first-year member of the Palmer track squad, has shined early. The standout wide receiver for the Moose football squad already has the state's fifth best time in the 100-meter this season.

Bingham and Mike Weber are also expected to do well in the sprint competitions.

Palmer should continue its success in the throwing events. Junior Aumavae and Nick Pilch could be among the region's best in both the shot put and the discus.

The Colony boys squad is large but young. Over 40 athletes came out for the 2003 squad, but the Knights lost several key components from the 2002 team.

The Knights have annually been among the state's top track and field teams.

"There is potential for growth if most stick with it," Colony head coach Pat Cunningham said. "We will earn our money coaching this year."

Cunningham noted that it may be back to the drawing board, to help groom his new athletes.

"We have had great teams in the past, a couple state championship teams," Cunningham said. "It is back to coaching the little things."

Other Knight athletes to look for are Ross Wise in the distance events and Ryan Snyder in the hurdles.

The Knights do have a group of young stars in the making. Sophomore Justin Schwartzbauer has emerged as one of the top hurdlers in the state and fellow sophomore Peter Doner will vie for the region crown in many of the distance events.

The Knights also expect good things from Roy Matthews a 2002 state qualifier. Matthews is currently out with a knee injury.

Wasilla's bright spots include senior throwers T.J. Crenshaw and Josh Nelson as well as senior Mason Heibel, who will compete in the high jump.