Tis the Season for Track and Field

High school track and field gets underway on Saturday as Dunbar hosts the pre-season opener at its fine facility.  Some of the most talented athletes to ever compete for Lee County high schools last spring headed off to college to begin the next stage of their careers.  But the cupboard is hardly bare.

Because of what I cover cross country for the News-Press and the fact that I sell running shoes by and large to distance runners,  I want to focus on the three distance aces as we head into the spring. I'm sure as the season progresses I will have a chance to write about some of the outstanding sprinters, jumpers and throwers.  

First there is Estero senior standout, Kolton Pickard.  I'm sure Kolton has one goal in mind.  He would like to break 4:10 in the 1,600.  If he can do so he would firmly cement his place as one of the distance greats in Lee County history.  Kolton has the range and ability to run sub 9:10 for 3,200 as well.  Assuming he has a chance to run at the FSU Invite and at the Florida Relays, Pickard will face the kind of competition needed to achieve those goals.

The top girl in Lee County is ECS junior Ava Povich.  Following her gutty performance at last year's State outdoor track and field championships, Povich looks to be ready to run a sub 11 minute 3,200.  The longer distances seem to suit Povich but breaking 5:10 in the 1,600 should be well within her wheelhouse as well.

The final one to watch is Lehigh senior Evan Meyer.  He's got a wonderful coach in Ben Pignatone and the youngster isn't afraid of work.  With someone to chase like Pickard, Meyer could run 4:15 in the 1,600 and has a fair shot at 1:55 in the 800.

There are a half dozen or so young men and women who deserve a mention but their time will come as our blog gears up for an exciting season of high school track and field.