The Liberty girls track team has finished second to Centennial in the past two Class 5A state meets, and the Patriots are determined to change that this season.
Coach Jason Lam said his squad is focused on the team title, which he called “the ultimate sign of success in this sport.” He noted that lineup issues hurt them last year but praised Centennial as “the ultimate competition anyone would want to take down.”
Centennial has won 11 of the last 12 state championships, with Liberty breaking the streak in 2023. The Bulldogs have a new coach, Dorian Williams, a retired Air Force colonel who previously served as a track assistant. Williams said he aims to keep the program’s standard high: “We are humbly believing we will bring home 17 and 18” titles for the combined boys and girls programs, which have 16 total.
Centennial lost three state champions to graduation but returns sprinters Amara Young and Synai Davis, thrower Alexis Pittman, pole vaulter Claris Monarrez, and hurdler Leilani Washington. Several freshmen are expected to contribute.
Liberty lost four key seniors but brings back sprinters Trishelle Tucay and Mariah Watson, and high jumpers Maia Greer and Ashley Chavez. “Reloading is always scary,” Lam said, “but I think we might surprise some people this year.”
Boys track
Shadow Ridge seeks a fourth straight state title after winning Class 4A in 2023 and 5A the past two years. But the Mustangs lost significant talent to graduation, and coach Mike Smith called this “a rebuilding time.” He said he is unsure his team can hold off Centennial, Faith Lutheran, and Liberty.
Returning standouts for Shadow Ridge include pole vaulter Luke Juden, 400-meter runners Hawkin Ledingham, Jokai Johnson, and Zach Owens, sprinter/jumper Trevin Young, hurdler Will Scow, and distance runner Cannon Bishop.
Centennial’s boys are eager to challenge, according to Williams: “These boys are terribly hungry. We have close to 90 boys that have come out, and I like the way they push each other.” Top athletes include distance runners Calvin Rivera and Randin Patty, sprinter Deross Fields, and football crossover Jordan Bostick.
Several teams opened their season at the Bulldog Invitational last weekend; most others start local competition this week.
