Skyline trio is setting the pace

A lot is riding on the shoulders of three Skyline track stars.

Stephen Clark, Chase Pendley and Jeff Daw are three of the most talented runners in the region and the state. This season, all eyes will be watching this talented triple threat to see just how far they can carry the Eagles.

Their coach says they might take Skyline all the way to a state championship. "We feel good ... but progress has to be made. Otherwise, it's not going to happen," said Skyline coach Tom Porter.

The Eagles came close to snaring the region championship last year but fell short, scoring 126 points to the Hawks' 148. Porter believes this year's team could finish anywhere from first to third in the region. With three of the region's best athletes on one team, Skyline will be tough once they hit their stride.

Clark won the individual championship in cross country last fall and should be a big point maker in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters. Pendley is the defending region champion in both the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes.

The senior sprinter will be helped by phenom Daw. The young sprinter has enjoyed a quick start to the outdoor season, winning both the 100 meters and 200 meters at last month's tri-meet between Hillcrest and Jordan.

Region coaches have gotten wind of the Eagles' trio, and they're impressed but not enough to change their minds. Coaches unanimously pegged Alta and Jordan as the teams to beat in the region.

The girls from Alta and Jordan seem to have the talent and numbers to separate them from the pack. The Hawks are led by 5A long-jump champion Hailee DeYoung and shot putter Kaysie Owens. Several other distance runners will provide good depth to the team, but producing points at the state meet has been a problem for the Alta distance runners.

Jordan's girls also have a lot of talent, specifically in their distance runners and throwers. The Beetdiggers stunned Class 5A by winning the 2006 cross country championship, and several of those girls will be point makers for their talented track and field team. The region title should boil down to a battle between Alta and Jordan.

Waiting in the wings is Hillcrest. They gained confidence after beating Jordan in a tri-meet earlier this season. The Huskies have good hurdlers and strong throwers, but it's not a certainty that they will improve upon their third place finish from last year.

Here's a look at the region's teams: