Getting it 'Don'

The checklist is almost complete for the Spanish Fork girls track team.

Dominate in-season invitationals? Check. Smash several state records? Check. Run away with the Region 4 championship? Check. Win a 5A state championship? To be determined.

The Dons will get the chance to top off their workman-like march through the season at the UHSAA track and field championships at Brigham Young University Friday and Saturday.

Having marched through the season unscathed with a powerful, balanced squad, the Dons are still wary heading into the state meet, knowing that they'll face a stiff challenge from three-time defending champion Davis. Current point projections show the Dons with a slight advantage according to seed marks heading into the weekend.

"We're not walking in there overconfident at all," said Dons co-head coach Dave Boyack. "We're just going to do our best and let the chips fall as they may."

5A girls

After winning the 4A state title in 2005, Spanish Fork received a rude welcome to the 5A ranks in 2006, losing by 45 points at state to Davis, one of the most complete teams in recent memory. This season, the Dons came back with a concentrated effort to field a more balanced team to supplement the points tallied by superstar twin sprinters Natalie and Nachelle Stewart.

The result is a solid distance crew and a capable group of throwers each capable of scoring well at the state meet. Additionally, Boyack and co-head coach Bart Thompson bumped Nachelle Stewart up to the 800-meter run, a move that resulted in Stewart posting the state's top time in the event and likely collecting a few more points for the Dons. And with the uncertainties inherent to championship meets, Spanish Fork is clawing for points everywhere it can.

"There are a lot of things you know will happen; for example, we know the Stewarts will score," Boyack said. "But field events are scary. The shot put is pretty cut and dry, but with the discus and javelin, you just never know. There are so many variables with the throwing events that it makes you a little nervous."

However, with throwers Becca Rowley, Natasha Sanborne and Kelly Roach in the fold, Boyack can rest a little easier. Teaming with distance runners Kirsten Sly and Chelsea Loss and sprinter Amanda Morse, the Dons may just dethrone Davis this weekend.

Lone Peak is likely the next most powerful squad from Region 4, led by title hopeful Lacey Cramer (800, 1,600) and Angie Kaplar (hurdles). Mountain View's Sarah Yingling looks to recover from a bout of sickness to compete in the distance events. American Fork's Danielle West (1,600) should score well, as will the Caveman relay teams. Timpanogos' Brooke Hodson (3,200) and Pleasant Grove's Erica Porter (hurdles) could tally points as well.

5A boys