Hampton girls underclassmen return strong on track
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Friday, April 13, 2018 | 12:36 AM
Despite losing some depth, the Hampton girls track team wants to return to the team playoff picture this year after a hot start.
“The girls are really putting themselves in a good position,” said coach Derek Brinkley, whose squad won its first three meets of the year against Mars, Kiski and Highlands.
“There's about 180 points (total) or so in the first two weeks, and eight of them came from a senior. I wouldn't say we're really young, but we're strong at sophomore and junior.”
That starts with junior and returning state qualifier Valerie Fischer, who finished fifth at WPIALs and owns the school record in the 400 (57.82). She will look to make one more step at Hershey this year into the final round. Junior Cambell France finished 11th in WPIALs in the 400 and hopes to improve on her shorter distances, as well.
“Valerie, it doesn't matter what you ask her to do,” said Brinkley, now entering his 15th season at Hampton. “She does it, and she does it well. Same with Cambell.”
Peyton Wheeler returns after qualifying for long jump and 300 hurdles as a sophomore.
The three juniors combine with sophomores Logan Nicklas and Sydney Seymour and freshman Olivia Bianco to form what could be a very competitive group of relay teams. The 400, 1,600 and 3,200 squads went a combined 6-0 through their first two events.
“They were stronger than Kiski and Mars, but we'll see how good we are at invitationals,” said Brinkley, who really likes the look of the 3,200. “They really have showed the potential of being a top ten to twelve in the WPIALs.”
Freshmen have showed early returns: Kate Schmitt has scored in throwing events, and Hannah Schepner won her first two high jump events of the year.
Brinkley pointed out the multisport talent, particularly in the younger groups. Bianco and Schmitt were role players as freshmen on the basketball team, Schepner is a rising star in gymnastics and Nicklas led the soccer team in goals last fall.
“We lost a couple soccer sprinters last year that could've added some depth, but we're moving along well,” Brinkley said. “Some kids don't realize they should have stuck with it. The basketball and soccer players on the girls side have been the girls that we've relied on.”
Devon Moore is a freelance writer.
Tags: Hampton
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