History doesn’t have to wait anymore for the Platte Canyon boys track team.

The Huskies wrote a new chapter in their record book by winning the school’s inaugural boys track state championship a year ago. Veteran Platte Canyon coach Chris Hendrick isn’t about to make any bold predictions for 2009.

“If everyone is on our team that I expect to be on our team, we should have a pretty good team,” said Hendrick, in his 22nd season. “I really will not have a good perspective of how good our team will be until halfway through the season. Plus, there are several teams out there which have a great chance to win state like us.”

Seniors Thomas Hoffman and A.J. Melillo are expected to lead the Huskies’ charge. Hoffman won the 800- and 1,600-meter runs at state. Melillo had a false start in the 100 but rebounded to win state in the 200.

Buena Vista, Faith Christian, Platte Valley, The Classical Academy and Lyons should provide Platte Canyon plenty of competition.

Buena Vista is paced by standout Mason Finley. The senior, who recently signed a letter of intent with UCLA, set state meet records in the shot put (64 feet, 9.25 inches) and the discus (211-6). Last spring, the 6-foot-8, 320-pound Finley established a Colorado record with a 222-1 discus mark. That also was the top prep discus mark in the nation last year.

The Demons also have University of Colorado signee Joseph Demoor in their fold. Demoor won the 3A state cross country title in the fall and was second in the 3,200 last spring.

“When you have two guys like Mason and Joseph, obviously, you’re going to have high expectations,” Buena Vista coach Kyle Graff said. “We just need some points at state from some other guys on our team to challenge for the state title.”

Faith Christian, which won titles in 2006 and 2007, has a new coach in Alisa Scarrow and appears ready for another run at a state crown.

“We’re hoping to score points in a lot of events,” said Scarrow, who was an assistant track coach at Denver Christian last year.

Seniors Grant Stegehius and Isaac Weber should pace the Eagles. Stegehius was third in the 400 last year and Weber was seventh in the event.

Platte Valley, which placed third at state, returns seniors Adam Sitzman, Travis Hergenreder and Preston Carre, along with junior Sterling Zehnder.

“We have a new group of sprinters and good depth this year,” Platte Valley coach Travis Stinar said. “We’re looking to make a run at the state title.”

The Classical Academy will counter with senior Sam Feldotto, who was second in the 1,600 last season. Lyons, which has moved up to the 3A ranks this season, has a talented squad, led by senior distance runner Andrew Roberts and Dylan Donohoe. Roberts and Donohoe were second and sixth, respectively, at the state cross country meet in the fall.

Starting line

CLASS 3A TOP 10 BOYS

1. Platte Canyon: Thomas Hoffman and A.J. Melillo are a potent duo.

2. Buena Vista: With some help, Mason Finley and Joseph Demoor could power the Demons to a state crown.

3. Faith Christian: The Eagles have reloaded for another run at state.

4. Platte Valley: The Broncos’ depth make them viable contenders.

5. The Classical Academy: This is a talented team that can’t be counted out.

6. Lyons: The Lions have the talent to make an impact at the 3A level.

7. University: The Bulldogs could surprise some teams.

8. Erie: The Tigers return three state medalists to challenge.

9. Roaring Fork: The Rams look to build on a seventh-place state finish last year.

10. Bayfield: The Wolverines have been dominant at the district level the past three years, and that should translate to state.

TOP RETURNEES

Athlete, School, Year

Jon Araujo, Roaring Fork, Sr. State finish: Second, discus; third, shot put

Dakota Decker, Bayfield, Sr. State finish: Second, 200

Joseph Demoor, Buena Vista, Sr. State finish: Second, 3,200

Sam Feldotto, The Classical Academy, Sr. State finish: Second, 1,600

Mason Finley, Buena Vista, Sr. State finish: First, shot put and discus

Daniel Gieck, Manitou Springs, Sr. State finish: First, 100 hurdles

Gunnar Haynes, Eaton, So. State finish: First, high jump

Thomas Hoffman, Platte Canyon, Sr. State finish: First, 800 and 1,600

Blaise Lake, Denver Lutheran, Sr. State finish: Third, 100

Hayden Loudenslager, Faith Christian, Jr. State finish: Third, triple jump

JaLoni Martinez, Monte Vista, Sr. State finish: First, triple jump

Gabe Meidl, Machebeuf, Sr. State finish: First, 400

A.J. Melillo, Platte Canyon, Sr. State finish: First, 200

Andrew Roberts, Lyons, Sr. State finish: First, 3,200 (2A); second 1,600 (2A)

Kevin Schwindt, The Classical Academy, Jr. State finish: Third, pole vault

Grant Stegehuis, Faith Christian, Sr. State finish: Third, 400

Tyler Thompson, Roaring Fork, Sr. State finish: First, long jump; second, triple jump

Nick Toberman, Bennett, Sr. State finish: Second, shot put

Jackson Walsh, Pagosa Springs, Sr. State finish: First, 3,200

Cody Watkins, Hotchkiss, Sr. State finish: Third, 1,600

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