By Ronnie Gallagher
rgallagher@salisburypost.com
GRANITE QUARRY — So, who is going to win today’s Rowan County boys track meet at East Rowan?
Flip a coin.
“I have never seen a meet where there are four teams that could be within five points of each other,” East coach Rick Roseman said. “The other two teams could determine who wins.”
The field events begin at 4 p.m. with the running events starting at 5.
North and Salisbury have powerful individuals who can lead their teams to victory.
From North, Johnny Oglesby is hard to beat. At a recent meet, he took four firsts: long jump, triple jump, 110 hurdles and 300 hurdles. Who was second in three of those events? Oglesby’s teammate Sam Starks.
In fact, North was 1-2-3 in the 110 hurdles as Titus King was third. Cameron Mallett and Daylon Gray help in the relays.
Salisbury is the defending state 2A champ behind jumper Darien Rankin and sprinter Romar Morris. While Rankin, who has a jump of 6 feet, 8 inches this spring, is the overwhelming favorite in the high jump, his teammate, William Brown, could finish second. He had a jump of 6-2 recently.
West Rowan has plenty of sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers.
And then, there is the host team. East doesn’t beat you with a group of superior individuals. The Mustangs are undefeated this spring through sheer numbers. They may not have the highest number of wins, but they might end up with the most points.
“We challenge our kids to be blue collar,” Roseman said. “Just try to get some points.”
East thinks it has three people in almost every event that can score and hopefully, they can 1-2-3-point their foes to death.
“I don’t see us winning very many events,” Roseman said. “But I think we’ll place in a lot of events.”
North coach Robert Steele says whoever comes more prepared will take home the title.
“It’s a matter of who shows up and wants it the most,” he said.
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The girls’ finish could be just as tight.
Salisbury and North are favored to battle for the top spot.
North is led by Teaunna Cuthbertson and Meloney Ramos. Cuthbertson, who led North to a state title last year, is a favorite in the long jump and 100 hurdles. If she is to win the hurdles, her stiffest competition might come from Ramos, who is also a favorite in the 300 hurdles and triple jump. The Cavs will be among the favorites in the relays.
Salisbury is led by Alisha Bradshaw, who has thrown over 40 feet in the shot and over 140 feet in the discus. Summer Taylor and Najwa Allison will contend for titles.
But every school seems to have someone who is a favorite.
Carson has won meets with Demya Heggins and Jan Sitterson in the jumps, Sierra Zemanick in the 800, Sarrah Holman in the 400 and Jesse Troutman in the pole vault. In last Thursday’s meet, Carson swept the relays.
Hannah Houston of South is a favorite to win the 1600 and 3200. East has Jenna Cauble in the hurdles.