STARTER'S GUN IS READY TO FIRE AT JACKSON INV.

Thirteen track teams will converge on Jackson today as the Indians prepare for their annual invitational.

The meet, which will begin with field events at 10 a.m., will be held at the junior high complex and will wrap up at around 4 p.m.

Cape Central's girls figure to be a clear favorite to take the team title.

Led by distance runner Kim Pancoast, thrower Heather Jenkins and a ton of depth, the Lady Tigers figure to have the edge over the competition.

"Central is pretty salty," said Jackson coach Bob Sink. "They've got pretty good depth."

On the boys side, Jackson could contend with Poplar Bluff for the title.

Led by sprinter and long-jumper Mario Whitney, hurdler Jon Coleman and shot-putter Travis Dambach, the Indians boast one of their best teams in years.

Whitney, who may be the favorite to win state in the 100-meter dash, has already run the 100 in 10.5 seconds and finished the 200 in 22.0. Coleman has yet to be beaten in the hurdles and Jackson's Todd Shelton has been very competitive in the 800.

"It could be anybody's meet, really," Sink said. "Nobody's stepped forward. We've had a couple of seconds and we're looking to improve, but so is everybody else.

"There really hasn't been a good day to run a track meet yet. Other than Mario, there haven't been any super times yet. Once it gets warm, other people will be popping some super times, too."

Central's boys team is led by the long-distance crew, headed by Gabe Austin and Mark Stone.

Perryville could make some noise in the meet as well. The Pirates have a lot of depth and solid athletes.

Other teams in the invitational include De Soto, Malden, Valle Catholic, Sikeston, Windsor, Murphysboro (Ill.), Park Hills Central, Hillsboro and Fredericktown.