River Cities has a large contingent at the 2010 USA Track and Field National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, Calif., which began Tuesday. River Cities has 12 athletes competing in various events.
However, this year’s team will have at least one representative in every age group.
“We have kids in every age group, and that’s a first for us,” Plaza said. “We are very proud of them.”
Youth is the team’s strong suit, and leading that group is 10-year-old Christian Daniels. He will compete in the 9-10-year-old age group in the 100 and 200 meters along with the long jump.
At the regional championships in Monroe earlier this month, Daniels edged Myles Mason by .04 seconds to finish in first in the 100-meter dash. Daniels cruised to victory in the 200-meter dash with a time of 28.15 seconds.
The team still has a crop of young talent that will be looking to break through, but Plaza is confident in his team.
“This is the youngest group we’ve ever had,” Plaza said. “Youth is the key with this group. The goal is to peak at nationals.”
Not to be outdone in the youth movement are two competitors in the 15-16-year-old intermediate age group — Hanaj Carter and Josh Lamers. The 15-year-old Carter will compete in both the 100 and 200 meters, while Lamers will run in the 110-meter hurdles.
Lamers won the 110-meter hurdles, while Carter took home two second-place finishes at regionals.
Overall, Plaza said the group is good and hopes the team peaks during the up and coming, while some will adjust to flying.
| Grand pix Discus
$55.50 |
Weight Sets
$120.00 |
Hurdles
$150.00 |
