Riverton girls feeling optimistic about next season

Building on last year's success is what it's all about for Riverton's girls track and field team.

The Region 3 champions fended off Copper Hills and Bingham to hold onto their region crown, and they finished a point better than Viewmont to take third place at last month's state meet.

"It's fun," said Riverton coach Brent Hawkins. "We kind of carried over some depth from last year, and some of the young girls really came through."

Brianne Campbell has been one of Riverton's most versatile athletes all season long. In the two most important meets of the year, Campbell consistently scored points.

At the region championship, the sophomore won the 100-meter hurdles and the high jump. At state, Campbell scored points in the hurdles, long jump, high jump and relay events.

"She's been amazing," Hawkins said after the 5A championship.

Thrower Candus Aiello is also a big point-producer for the Silverwolves. The region champion in the discus placed second at state and took third in the shot put.

Both athletes are coming back next season, which automatically gives Riverton coaches reason to be optimistic.

"It comes down to kids, and we've been fortunate enough to have some great depth," Hawkins said.

No doubt Campbell and Aiello were instrumental in the team's point production, but the Silverwolves coach also points to a core group of seniors who scored points and provided leadership. Seniors Emmy Jeppson, Tanza Buroka, Haley Robison and Sara Johnson all contributed in that department for the defending region champions. Over the past couple of seasons, Riverton has increased its talent level substantially, forcing a changing of the guard in Region 3.

Bingham is no longer the team to beat, and it seems likely that the experienced Silverwolves should continue to dominate next year. With all of the girls' success the past couple of seasons, some think a state title could be within their grasp as well.

"Ah ... I think so, just because the numbers at our school are so high," Hawkins said. "It's always a matter of how many kids you can get out to participate. We have an advantage because we have more kids to draw from."

Next year's girls team will be centered around budding stars Campbell and Aiello but also look for Jackie Lambourne, Rachel Johnson, Aubrie Haymore and distance runner Katherine Oman to continue a strong girls program.

Hawkins, who also coaches football for the school, is having fun building a winner on the track.

"I like the direction the program is going in and with success ... hopefully, it gets more people involved," the coach said.