Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
Santiam High assistant track and field coach Brenda Peterson reports she has about 25 athletes out for this year’s track and field squad.
The Wolverines, led by sophomore Averie Peterson, finished fifth in the Class 2A state girls team race a year ago. Peterson won the 800 meters by just more than sixseconds, running the two laps in a personal best 2:17.89. She finished 2nd in the event in 2022 as a freshman. Peterson also took third last year in the 400 (1:01.32), fifth in the long jump (15-2.25) and third in the triple jump (32-11).
Coach Peterson told The Canyon Weekly that the squad will be younger this season with just four seniors.
“We have many returnees who are looking good,” coach Peterson said, noting Maggie Sisk, Reese Longfellow, Colt Twede, Jerry Carson, who was injured most of last year, Brody Brown, Tico Irving, Evan Breen and Jesse Moreno.
“They are off to a good start, with good work ethic and dedication,” she said.
Averie Peterson has to shift gears a bit to get re-acclimated to track and field. In the fall she participated on the volleyball squad that advanced to the state tournament and in the winter she helped the basketball squad advance to the state playoffs.
“Averie is looking good with being a multi-sport athlete and coming off of basketball season,” coach Peterson said. “Her challenge will be getting into good shape for all of her events, staying healthy and getting her quads strengthened (they caused her problems last year).”
The coach said Averie is going to rotate between the 200, 400, 800, long jump, and triple jump.
Coach Peterson also noted first-time track and field athlete, Kross Martinson, a freshman who, like Averie, is coming off of basketball season.
“He is interested in trying multiple events and is a dedicated athlete,” coach Peterson said. “He’s always wanting to do more. We have yet to decide which events because he wants to do them all.”
With spring not quite here in Oregon the Wolverines have had to deal with variable training conditions.
“Weather is always something we have to deal with in track every year,” coach Peterson said. “So far we have still got in a workout every day, through rain and snow, and the athletes know to come prepared for anything.”
Overall, coach Peterson said, “This is a great group who are ready to put in the effort it takes. We are excited for this track season and for the group of athletes we get to work with.”
The Wolverines open the season on Wednesday, March 13 with an “icebreaker” meet at Nestucca. Santiam then will participate in a March 20 three-way event at Regis. Looking further ahead, the district meet will be May 10-11 at Blanchet Catholic in Salem and the state meet is May 16-17 at Hayward Field in Eugene.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Owen Rupert of Santiam, a 6-7 junior forward, was named a first-team player on the all-Tri-River Conference team. Teammate Xavier Vital, a 5-11 junior guard, was a third-teamer, while 5-11 freshman guard Ace Aerni received honorable mention. The Wolverines finished 12-13 overall and 6-10 in the Tri-River.
