By James Whalley

Staff writer

STANFIELD Stanfield track coach Art Derbyshire has been a part of Stanfield track for 22 years.

During that time he has had years when less then 10 students turned out for track. Those days are long in the past. This season Stanfield track will have over 40 students, including 16 returning lettermen. They are the three time defending district champions and are gunning for a fourth straight title.

This year is going to be a lot of fun. says the confident Tigers coach.

The boys team will be especially strong this season. Coach Derbyshire is expecting to have a qualifier for every event at district, most of whom should go on to state competition. With depth, maturity, and experience the Stanfield boys should be a dominant force all season long.

Coach Derbyshire sees no weakness in this team, and with no less than five state qualifiers returning, his confidence is justified.

Returning seniors Carlos Garcia (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles) and Lorenzo Correa (sprints, 1600 relay) showed very well in state last year and anchor this talented squad. Steven Scott (400m, 1600 relay) and Brent Mueller (800m) will bring a wealth of experience as well.

Junior Troy Blackburn, last years 1500m and 3000m district champion will be joined in the distance events by Hultimino Ramos, Drew Abercrombie, and Chuy Perches.

State qualifiers Ben Sherrett (discus, javelin, shot put) and David Herbert (400 relay) will return along with district qualifier Leland McFarland (110 hurdles). Also returning are Rebie Ibarra (shot, discus) and Jessie Veliz (long jump, triple jump, hurdles) who were solid a season ago and have shown much improvement in early practice sessions.

Exchange students Alex Wietscher and Mario Lopez will make their American track debuts in Stanfield and Coach Derbyshire says they should do exceptionally well. Lopez will most likely compete in the sprint events, while Wietscher will join the talented distance runners.

The girls team does not have the experience of their male counterparts, but the talent runs deep with them as well. With 18-20 girls out for the track team, the Lady Tigers should represent themselves well in many events.

(For the complete story see the March 13 edition of The Hermiston Herald)