Going the distance

April showers might just bring May flowers, but King’s West track coach Dan Dittmer is beginning to see the fruits of four years of hard work and dedication as his teams enter the 2005 season.

“I’m very pleased with our turnout, which for our situation is excellent,” Dittmer said.

With 30 athletes between the boys and girls squads, Dittmer said he is starting to see definite signs of progress, especially in his throwers.

“We have some really good hurdlers and some pretty good middle distance runners, and our throwers are starting to be competitive,” he said.

One of the last things to take hold in a young program is its throwing program, because of the specific techniques involved in throwing, he said.

Brian Lindgren, who placed eighth in the Class B 300m hurdles at the state meet last year, and Tim Grey, who qualified for state in three events last year, anchor the boys squad.

“They are our top returners, but Andrew Voddere and Bryan Anderson have come on strong in the throwing events,” he said.

Chris Anderson and Nick Webster lead a strong contingent of middle distance runners for this year’s team.

“We had a pretty good cross country season and that appears to have carried over into track,” he said.

On the girls team, Ashley Dittmer and Michelle Pattee lead a team that is loaded with potential, he said.

Dittmer, who placed sixth at the state meet last year, battled the injury bug during the last part of this year’s cross country season and took some time off during the winter, he said.

“She’s a little behind but we hope to have her ready by the time tri-districts roll around,” he said.

Newcomer Alyssa Lasmsa has shown potential in the hurdles, while Michelle Webster is expected to be competitive in both the hurdles and shot put, he said.

Chloe Mosey is also a newcomer to the track team and has shown potential in the shot put, he said.

“Chloe’s cross-training to improve herself for basketball and we’re working with her to develop her footwork,” he said.

King’s West participated in its first league meet of the season on Thursday at West Seattle Stadium. Results were unavailable at press time.

“Most of our kids are on mission trips this week, so we probably won’t be at full strength until after Spring Break,” Dittmer said.

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