Favorites rolling in Region 7 track

OREM — After the first day of competition, the favorites have positioned themselves well at the prep region track and field championships.

Heading into the second day, Timpview's boys and Orem's girls are looking good in the Region 7 meet held at Orem High. Across town at Timpanogos, Spanish Fork's girls have done nothing to change their standing as hands-down region favorite.

"Our girls team really stepped up today," said Orem co-head coach Andy Jacobs. "We had some kids come out that haven't had opportunities to run yet this year and that helped us out."

A bit of unexpected help came from Tiger sprinter Natasha Martin, 4A's defending champion in the 100-meter dash, who came out for her first races of the season and qualified for today's finals in both the 100m and 200m dashes.

The surprises continued when Orem standout Mindy Robins, arguably the state's best sprinter, did not race in her specialty events, instead looking to qualify for state in the sprints. Robins posted the day's fastest time in the 100m and 200m.

Orem got the jump on challenging Springville with Kendy Christensen's victory in the mile. The field events were key for the Tigers early, as Becky Reeves led five Orem scorers in the discus. Springville's Natalie Young won the high jump with a clearance of 5-4

For the boys, Timpview looks to be in good position but will be hard-pressed to hold off a charging Orem squad.

"So far, so good; we've got the people in finals we expected to have there," said Timpview boys coach Brian Kuhlmann. "But Orem's having a great day, so it's going to come down to the wire tomorrow."

The T-birds will look to score well in today's distance events, but Orem's hurdlers and 400m runners made a statement with their qualifying runs Wednesday. Additionally, the Tigers' Cameron Smiley and Nate Killpack won the shot put and javelin, respectively. Lehi's Chris Dorton won the 1,600m run, edging Springville's Spencer Gardner for the elusive individual region title.

In Region 4, the girls title is Spanish Fork's to lose, and the Dons are feeling fine after Day 1.

"We managed to come out about like we expected," said Dons coach Dave Boyack. "We had a few little minor disappointments, but a few more positive things happened."