Sprinters lead Hawks

HOUSTON — The Houston Hawks qualified only five athletes for the state championship meet last year. But the good news this year is four of those athletes are back to lead the Hawks into the 2012 season.

Seniors Colton Buzby and Taylor Holen, and juniors Charlie Buzby and Claire Gillespie all return after competing in the state meet last year.

The group is a small part of a small team, but head coach Pat Egelus said he is excited about its potential.

Colton Buzby finished sixth in the state in the 400 meters last season and Charlie Buzby was seventh in the 200.

“Both being in the top 8 is pretty impressive for sprinting, especially being a junior and a sophomore,” Egelus said.

Egelus also said the Buzby brothers have been able to post impressive numbers despite the fact the Hawks spend a large chunk of the early portion of their season training off the track, indoors.

Both Colton and Charlie have competed in field events in the past, but Egelus said they will focus on the sprints this year.

Holen qualified for state in the 100 and 200 last year, and Gillespie ran in the 100 at the state meet.

On the boys’ side, Egelus also noted senior Jamison Richey and junior Ben Bayne. Egelus said Richey is progressing well in the triple jump, and Bayne will be among Houston’s top athletes in the hurdle events.

The Hawks also have freshman Josh Richter, who won the discus event during a dual with Susitna Valley last week.

Egelus said Houston will participate in the field events during a meet at Palmer High on Thursday. The Hawks are also slated to compete in the Skyview Invitational this weekend in Soldotna.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him at twitter.com/matsu_sports.