Published: May 08, 2008 10:31 am            

Ready to launch

After tying for tops at regionals, Demons ready for next step

DUNCAN — After taking home a share of the regional title Saturday in Durant, the Duncan Demons’ track squad has good reason to feel a Class 5A state championship is within reach.

The Demons qualified for state in 15 of 16 events, with multiple qualifiers in eight.

“It all started with the number of kids we had out this year,” Demons’ head coach Todd Ledford said. “I feel like we can make a run at it, and so do the kids. They have a good mindset heading into it.”

DHS’ squad has been aided by the emergence of several freshmen and athletes who have run track for the first time.

“Robert Trujillo, a freshman, qualified in three events, and that doesn’t happen with freshmen,” Ledford said. “Then you have guys like Clint Sylvester and Kris Vereen, who came out to track for the first time. Those guys have improved mightily and helped us get to this point.”

Duncan won four events at Saturday’s regional, with Dustin Mettler winning the 1600- and 3200-meter runs. Mettler has been untouchable in distance events this season and is a favorite along with Skiatook’s Brent Nuttall to challenge for the distance titles.

Duncan’s biggest advantage will lie in the field events, where Casy Rowell and Kyle Lee won the pole vault and high jump, respectively, at the regional meet.

Jacob Miears added a second-place medal in the long jump, while DHS’ throwers have consistently placed in the top six all season. Curtis Mulkey has been a pillar in the discus, along with Charles James. James and Austin Perry are gunning for a medal in the shot. Host team Ardmore is particularly strong in both events, taking the top three spots in the shot and three of the top four in the discus at regionals.

Ledford believes the Demons may be challenged in the throwing events, but their overall strength in the field will be big for them.

“There are a lot of teams with great runners, but no quality in the field events, and you can’t win like that,” Ledford said. “We are fortunate to have some of the top- ranked guys in every event, so we need those guys to continue scoring.”

Though Ardmore and Duncan are favorites heading in, Tulsa East Central and Skiatook could make for an interesting meet.

“Our short relays have to score some points, because the other top teams are strong in those events,” Ledford said. “I really think, when it’s over, there will be six to eight teams with 60-80 points. It will be a very competitive meet.

“What helps us is that guys from different schools are tops in various events. There is some balance, but at the state meet, you need some luck and a lot of things to go right for you.”

The Demons will have the preliminary round Friday and the finals on Saturday.

        

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