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Phantoms build on strengths of new, returning players<br>

Grand Canyon School’s track team.

Contributing to the team’s strength this year are returning athletes Ryan Eck and Justin Kremer. Ryan was named MVP last year and this year ranks among the top 12 in the state in triple jump. His other events are the long jump for which he set a record last year only to beat this year, 300 meter hurdles and sometimes the high jump.

Justin was last year’s Rising Star, and according to his coaches, it’s a title he’s living up to. He set a new record in the 100 meter this year, beating the record he set last year when he broke alongstanding record dating back to the mid-1980s last year. He also runs the 200 meter, 400 meter and 4 x 100 relay.

Overall, nine of the team’s 18 members are returning from last year, when the boys took second place at state. Among them are Jeff Towers and Chris Streit.

Basketball standout and new to the team, Tempy Walker may not have the experience “but he has the athleticism,” said McGinnis. “He is a quick study.”

In his first meet, he placed fourth in the 100 meter, fourth in the high jump and fifth in the long jump. Last week, he bettered that with a silver in the 100. He also competes in the 4 X 100 meter relay.

Also new to the team is exchange student Gabriel Maissonave.

The team has also added throwing this year – an area of competition absent last season – with the addition of exchange student Martin Klotz, who competes in discus and shot put. Newcomer Michael Eck gave his first throwing attempt at last week’s meet.

On the girls side, returning Lady Phantoms bring much-needed experience to the less-seasoned girls team. While last year’s athletes continue to build on their strengths, there are some new members to watch.

Freshmen Lizzy Tobin and Ali Towers have also turned in standout performances. Lizzy made it to the finals in the 100-meter dash – “quite an achievement for a freshman,” said McGinnis. Her other events are the 200 meter, 4 X 100 relay and long jump.

Ali placed ninth in the triple jump early in the season. She is also the first on the girl’s team to compete in that event. She also competes in the 800 meter and long jump.

Returning girls are distance runner Sandy Pittenger, hurdler Jackie Wren, Leslie Martinez, Lindsay Haswood and Fabienne Gueissaz. New are Jessie Wren, Julie Haughton and Kate Ruest. Maria Caballero is the team manager. Sally Wahler is assistant coach.


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