LADY TIGERS HOPE TO EARN STATE STRIPES

Armed with some extremely high-quality athletes, Cape Girardeau Central High's girls track and field team appears poised to make a strong showing at the Missouri Class 4A State Championships this week.

The 3A and 4A meets will both be held on the Lincoln University campus in Jefferson City Friday and Saturday. Central's boys also qualified several competitors, as did Jackson, for the 4A meet. Perryville will be well represented in 3A.

But it's Central's girls that figure to have the best shot at placing relatively high in the team standings, led by several athletes who could challenge for state titles.

"We're really excited," said Central girls coach Lawrence Brookins, whose squad qualified six athletes in nine events. "I think all six kids have a realistic chance of finishing in the top eight and making all-state.

"State is such a tough meet. You're facing the best competition and so much depends on how the kids handle the surroundings and the pressure."

Junior Dionna Webb qualified in three events: the long jump, 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash.

Webb finished second in the long jump at last year's state meet and was eighth in the 100. He is considered one of the favorites to win the long jump.

"Dionna and Abbie Ohnack (Columbia Rock Bridge) dueled it out last year and they could again," said Brookins. "Abbie won it on her last jump (last year) and it should be quite a battle again. Dionna should also be very competitive in the 200 and her 100 time is not shabby either."

Sophomore Heather Jenkins has some of the state's top throws in the shot put and discus.

"If Heather can handle her emotions and go in with relaxed state of mind, she should be right up there," Brookins said.

Seniors Courtney Haman and Marissa Uzoaru could fare well in the high jump.

"Their jumps (from Saturday's sectionals) are very competitive across the state," said Brookins.

Other Lady Tiger state qualifiers are freshmen Brittany Ballard in the 3,200 and Kim Pancoast in the 1,600.

"We don't want to put any undue pressure on the kids, but if they can handle all the elements of the state meet, then hopefully we can have a top-10 type finish as a team," Brookins said.

While Central probably doesn't have a boy who will challenge for a state title, the Tigers still could fare well in several events.

Qualifiers for the Tigers are Chris Allen (long jump), Craig Knoth (shot put), Lee Schlitt (pole vault), Jeff Thiele (discus), Steve Criddle (100) and Demetrius Totten (400).

"I feel like have an excellent bunch going up there," said Central boys coach Jerry Dement. "We seem to be peaking at the right time. I think they all have an excellent chance to place because our sectional was extremely tough."

Jackson qualified one boy and six girls in three events.

The Indians will be represented by Harith Jones (high jump). For the Lady Indians, Jennifer Love (300 hurdles), Kasie Jones (high jump) and the 4x800 relay team of Sarah Stiegemeyer, Annie Stoverink, Christy Thoma and Carol Koenig will make the trip.

"I think a few of our kids have a chance to do something," said Jackson coach Bob Sink. "But the competition is so tough. We'll have to have some very good performances."

In 3A, Perryville appears to have some real quality, led by senior standout Jared Tanz.

Third in the 800 a year ago, Tanz has not been beaten in that event yet this season. He also qualified for state in the 1,600 and on two relay teams.

"We're really excited about Jared's chances," said Perryville coach Craig Knaak. "He should be in the hunt for the title in the 800 and he could also place high in the 1,600."

Tanz and Nathan Davis both were on the Pirates' 4x800 relay team that finished fourth last year. That relay qualified again, with Nathan Moore and James Boice joining Davis and Tanz.

Perryville's 4x100 relay of Josh Boxdorfer, Matt Jenkins, Shawn Statler and Tanz also qualified, as did Moore and Davis in the 3,200.

For Perryville's girls, Renee Schlichting (800) and the 4x800 relay team of Schlichting, Jen Brotherton, Julie Berkbuegler and Jen Hadler qualified.