The Lamar High School girls and boys track teams won’t be sending the numbers to the state meet like they’ve had the last several years.

Lamar head coach Austin Wertz knew it would be a rebuilding year this season due to the number of underclassmen and a total of only four seniors on the roster.

Still, Wertz said it was a good season and those who qualified for state will gain some valuable experience.

Photo by John Contreras

Nine members of the Lamar High School track teams will be competing in the Class 3A state track meet Friday and Saturday at Dutch Clark Stadium in Pueblo. Front, l-r, Michael Sandoval, Kim Schemahorn, Chrislyn Tate, and Josh Jaime. Back row, l-r, Kyle Monson (alternate), Adam Montoya, Nathaniel Smartt, Jared Smartt, and Andrew Bolinger (alternate).

“We wanted the kids to improve and a lot of them did,” said Wertz. “Now, we have to build on that and we’re not going to be down very long.”

“We’re not taking a lot of individuals to state, but the ones that made it to state are going to do a good job,” continued Wertz. “That’s something they can be proud of. The other team members that didn’t make it to state just have to realize that they have to get better. That’s the bottom line right there.”

Lamar will have seven athletes plus two alternates competing in five events in the 2008 Class 3A Track and Field Championships to be held on Friday and Saturday, May 16-17 at Dutch Clark Stadium in Pueblo.

Competing for the Lady Savages will be Kim Schemahorn in the high jump and Chrislyn Tate in the shot put.

Schemahorn, a senior, was a surprise this season due to the fact this was her first year out for track She finished second in the regional with a personal best jump of 4-8.

Tate will be making her second straight trip to state in the shot put.

The boys competing for Lamar will all be making their first trips to state.

Nathaniel Smartt will be competing in the 800 meter run, while Adam Montoya will vie in the shot put.

Both Smart and Montoya turned in personal bests last week in the regional.

Nathaniel Smartt will also join Jared Smartt (his brother), Michael Sandoval, and Josh Jaime in the 3,200 relay.

“It’s important that the kids do their best and enjoy the experience that the state meet brings to individuals and the teams,” said Wertz.