Flying high in 4A

If you want a sneak peek at how the 4A state track championships will turn out this weekend, just take a glance at the final results from the Region 7 championships held last weekend.

Utah Valley's 4A contingent is among the best in the state, with the favorites in both the boys and girls competitions coming from Region 7. A number of other Happy Valley schools are also vying to take home a trophy from the state meet to be held Friday and Saturday at Brigham Young University.

"With our region, those northern schools look at us pretty strongly, because they know that we're kind of the mark that they have to go after," said Timpview boys coach Brian Kuhlmann. "I'm sure they're looking at this region for times."

Take last year for example. Region 7 placed three boys teams in the top five at the state meet, with Timpview edging Springville for the state title. For the girls, Orem took the state title, with Timpview and Springville coming in second and third, respectively.

Don't be surprised if it's something similar this time around, with each team loading the barrels for another run at the title.

"This year, we're going to go into state as a full package," said Orem co-head coach Andy Jacobs about his girls. "From top to bottom, we have kids that can score in every event. Last year, we went into state a little bit stressed about how the field would affect us. This year, to get a well-balanced team. That's the difference maker for us that will help us win a state championship."

4A boys

Timpview comes in as a favorite to repeat, though they'll face a tough battle at the top, with Box Elder and Mountain Crest contending. Roy, Orem and Springville make up the tier below them.

The Thunderbirds have qualified a school-record number of athletes for state, with a chance to score in every event. Timpview fields a top-notch sprint crew, headlined by Tyler and Jaren Goodwin along with Chris Page. Laurence Glazier is their ace in the field events, with 4A's top mark in the discus. Sophomore Nathan Fletcher is among the best in the distance events, looking for an individual state title early in his young career.

Orem is coming off a great performance at the region championships, surprising a number of people in the process. Hurdler Tom Steele is key for the Tigers, along with shot putter Cameron Smiley and Landon Lloyd in the long jump.

Springville will challenge for a trophy, with star hurdler Cory Pierson leading the way. Distance runner Spencer Gardner is nearly back in top form after an injury and should score well.