Girls track athletes to watch

Published 3:41 pm Monday, March 10, 2008

Mietra Smollack

Oak Harbor

Smollack, a three-sport standout for the Wildcats, finished fourth in the 1600 meters and seventh in the 800 meters at the 2007 4A state track meet. The Washington State-signee also finished 16th in the 4A cross country state meet last fall.

“We’re really excited for her – she’s taking a leadership role and really fitting into that role,” Oak Harbor girls track coach Eric Peterson said of the senior. “She definitely has the ability to be right up there with the top runners (in the state).”

Mawa Ali

Lynnwood

Ali, who did not turn out for track until midway through last season, came on strong during the cross country season last fall. She finished 15th at the 2007 3A state cross country meet last fall and Royals coach Duane Lewis expects good things from the sophomore on the track this season.

“She just kept improving,” he said. “At the end of (last) year she was probably our best distance runner…she’s improved a lot since last spring.”

Lauren Sandri

South Whidbey

The senior was on the Falcons’ state championship 4×200 meter relay team, the Falcons’ runner-up 4×100 meter relay team, placed fifth in the 100 meters and sixth in the 200 meters at the 2007 2A state track meet.

“We are excited to see how the season will unfold as she is healthy, strong and ready to roll,” South Whidbey coach Doug Fulton said in an email. “She and her relay teammates gained a lot of confidence with last season’s successes and we hope to be competitive again at the state level. Lauren will definitely be the center piece of this year’s team.”

Olivia Thomas

King’s

The junior, who ranks among the top-3 all-time at King’s in the 400, 800 and 1600 meter runs, anchored the Knights’ state championship 4×400 meter relay team, and finished second in the 800 meters and the 1600 meters at the 2007 1A state track meet. She also won the 2007 1A cross country title at the state meet last fall.

“She’s one of those kids who loves to work hard, whether it’s the season or the off-season,” King’s coach Dante Gouge said. “She’s a blessing to work with.”

Myisha Valentine

North Sound Christian

The senior won the 100 meters and finished second in the 200 and 400 meter races, and was a member of the Lions’ runner-up 4×200 meter relay team at the 2007 1B state track meet.

“She’s coming into the season having worked out (all winter) and already in shape,” North Sound Christian coach Roger Gray said of the senior. “She’s looking to go out with a bang.”