During the past three seasons, The Classical Academy has had no equal in girls track.

The Titans have become a dominant force, capture three consecutive Class 3A state championships. The streak looks to continue as TCA is a heavy favorite to win again.

“TCA is very, very good,” Lyons coach Mark Roberts said. “This might just be a race for second place at state.”

Lyons easily won state in Class 2A last season, and the Lions are now competing in the 3A ranks.

Timothy Daggett, who is in his sixth year coaching TCA, is trying to keep things in perspective.

“Expectation-wise, we don’t ever talk about where we want to finish at state and we don’t making winning league and or regionals goals either,” Daggett said. “We just stress to our girls to run for the team and let the chips fall where they may.”

Kaitlin Hannenburg is one many stars for the Titans. The junior won state in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters last year and was second in the 800. This past fall, Hannenburg won the 3A cross country title.

Fellow junior Shannon Harrell, who took second in the 400 also returns, along with junior Alyssa Northam and sophomore Noelle Brown. Northam and Brown were fourth and fifth in the triple jump and high jump, respectively. Freshman Shelby Stableford and Emily LaValley, who were third and fifth at the state cross meet also are in the Titans fold.

Lyons might provide the toughest competition, thanks to a core of talented performers. Sophomore Melissa Roberts won state in the 3,200 last year in 2A and was fourth in the 1,600. Another sophomore, Rachel Hinker, was second in the 100 and 200. Hinkers’ senior twin sisters, Gracie and Marcie Hinker were third and fifth in the pole vault, respectively.

“I’m really excited to see how our girls can do in Class 3A,” Roberts said.

Eaton has senior catalysts Annita Alvarez and Kaelie Jelden back, along with junior Beth Jones. Alvarez was a state champ in the discus last spring, and she won the shot put as a sophomore. Jelden was second in the pole vault as a sophomore, before falling to third last year in the event. Jones placed second at state in the triple jump.

“I definitely like the potential of my girls this year, and we’re aiming for a top-five finish,” Eaton coach Konnie Jelden said.

Middle Park and Valley are state contenders, thanks to having sophomore Samantha Berggren and junior Lindsey Hubbard on their respective teams.

Berggren won the 200, 400 and 800 state titles and was second in the 1,600. Hubbard won state in the 100 and was second and third in the 300 hurdles and 200.

Senior Amy Miller is expected to lead Platte Valley’s charge. Miller was second and fifth in the long jump and triple jump a year ago.

“We have solid senior leadership on this team, and I would love for us to finish in the top 10 at state,” Platte Valley coach Travis Stinar said.

Faith Christian doesn’t have much depth, but the Eagles do have junior Adrienne Lettow back. As a freshman, Lettow was fourth in the shot put, moving up a spot last year.

Erie, which placed second at state, has gained more experience and should be competitive. Meanwhile, Emily Lubbers also is expected to set the pace for a talented Yuma team. Lubbers, a senior, placed second at state in the high jump and pole vault last year.

Starting line

CLASS 3A TOP 10 GIRLS

1. The Classical Academy: Kaitlin Hanenburg is one of many stars on this talented squad.

2. Lyons: The 2008 Class 2A champs are xpected to perform well in 3A.

3. Eaton: The Reds have three big point scorers in Annita Alvarez, Kaelie Jelden and Beth Jones.

4. Middle Park: Sophomore Samantha Berggren has become a star for the Panthers.

5. Valley: Lindsey Hubbard is a point-scoring machine for the Vikings.

6. Platte Valley: Amy Miller leads a talented Broncos team.

7. Yuma: The Indians have plenty of returners who should score points.

8. Faith Christian: Adrienne Lettow figures to score points for the Eagles.

9. C.S. Christian: The Lions always seem to field a very competitive team.

10. Erie: The Tigers have a solid core of returners to remain in contention.

TOP RETURNEES

Athlete, School, Year

Annita Alvarez, Eaton, Sr. State finish: First, discus; second, shot put

Samantha Berggren, Middle Park, So. State finish: First, 200, 400, 800; second, 1,600

Becca Bultje, C.S. Christian, Jr. State finish: Third, 100 hurdles

Chiara Del Piccolo, Basalt, Jr. State finish: Second, 3,200

Gracie Hinker, Lyons, Sr. State finish: Third, pole vault

Rachel Hinker, Lyons, So. State finish: Second, 100 and 200 (2A)

Kaitlin Hannenburg, The Classical Academy, Jr. State finish: First, 1,600 and 3,200; second, 800

Shannon Harrell, The Classical Academy, Jr. State finish: Second, 400

Lindsey Hubbard, Valley, Jr. State finish: First, 100; second 300 hurdles; third, 200

Kaelie Jelden, Eaton, Jr. State finish: Third, pole vault

Beth Jones, Eaton, Jr. State finish: Second, triple jump

Tiffany Kenney, C.S. Christian, So. State finish: First, long jump

Adrienne Lettow, Faith Christian, Jr. State finish: Third, shot put

Emily Lubbers, Yuma, Sr. State finish: Second, pole vault and high jump

Amy Miller, Platte Valley, Sr. State finish: Second, long jump

Kendra Miller, Strasburg, Sr. State finish: Third, triple jump

Jhenya Nahreini, Peak to Peak, Sr. State finish: Third, 3,200

Melissa Roberts, Lyons, So. State finish: First, 3,200 (2A)

Jacey Sirios, Bayfield, So. State finish: Second, 100

Kara Slavoski, St. Mary’s, Jr. State finish: Third, 800 and 1,600

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