Rams strive to clear early hurdles

April 15, 2007

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

WASILLA - The Susitna Valley High School track and field team was forced to clear a set of hurdles before the season even began.

Parts of Su Valley High are being renovated, and with the ongoing construction, students have no access to the gym of locker rooms.

With the persistent cold weather, the ice in snow in Talkeetna is not exactly melting at a rate it normally would in an average April.

The overall number of student-athletes on the roster is down this year, and coach Larry Buskirk attributes the drop, at least in part, to the renovations of SVHS.

&#8220It's chaotic,” he said.

So when the Ram track and field squad hit the Wasilla Invitational on Saturday, there were only a handful of athletes wearing the gold and blue uniforms.

Sophomore Caitlin Hunt said it's been a little tough adapting so far this season.

&#8220Our practice room is a little portable, and you go outside and it's freezing,” she said. &#8220The snow is still everywhere.”

But even though the squad is small, the Rams are excited about the athletes they have.

Hunt is one of two promising returners on the girls' squad.

Both Hunt and junior Kristjana Timmers posted heights of 4 feet, 10 inches last year in the high jump, and qualified for state. Hunt said the Rams usually do well in the relays, but this year she and Timmers will concentrate on the sprints.

Timmers also excels in the high jump.

Buskirk also noted newcomer Jenna Moses, who will compete in the throwing events for the Rams.

&#8220She's got a real great attitude,” Buskirk said. &#8220We're really excited about her.”

Leading the way on the boys' side, Buskirk said, are juniors Galen Johnston and Matthew Krepel.

Johnston, also a standout for the Rams' cross-country skiing squad, is expected to do well in the distance events, Buskirk said. And Krepel could be on the verge on an impact season.

&#8220Last year he broke his leg before the season, and came into the season in not as good of shape,” Buskirk said. &#8220This year he is healthy and in good shape.”

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.