High school track: Riverton looks to stay on top

RIVERTON — A typical spring day for Riverton senior Candus Aiello involves a demanding regimen. Between weight lifting and practice, she can spend up to six hours training to gear up for an upcoming track meet.

Aiello's work isn't simply about adding strength and muscle to her frame or honing her throwing techniques for the shot put and discus. Just like dozens of other athletes on the Silverwolves' girls track team, she is doing whatever she can to make a third straight region title a reality.

"It's just like a wrestler: When you win the belt, you don't want to give it up," Aiello said. "When you win region, you don't want anybody to take that from you."

Holding supremacy over Region 3 for another spring will be tougher than ever.

Riverton faces an array of challenges in its quest for a championship trilogy. The Silverwolves graduated several seniors from last year's team. If that wasn't enough, the injury bug further impacted Riverton's depth early on.

"They're all fierce competitors, so they kind of get through it, but they're all dealing with things," coach Brent Hawkins said. "You got some veterans who haven't been able to do a ton this year because they're just hurt."

Brianne Campbell is one of those who has spent time recuperating. A knee injury she suffered during the basketball season has limited the junior. Campbell was a consistent high scorer in the high jump and long jump over the past two years but has returned to action slowly.

She competed in high jump only in the ASICS Invitational and won the event with a jump of 5 feet 2 inches. Campbell followed up with a 5 foot 4 jump for a second place finish at the UHSTCA Invitational.

Last weekend, she won the open long jump at the Davis Invitational with a jump of 15 feet and 11 inches.

"She's a competitor," Hawkins said. "She's really tough."

One positive factor stemming from the rash of injuries is how it has allowed some younger athletes a chance to develop in various events.

Dani Lockhart, a junior who normally competes in discus and shot, has shown promise in the high jump. Jessica Lingwall, a sophomore, is coming on strong in the hurdles. Alle Finch, another junior, stepped up with contributions in the 400 meters and several relay teams.

It only adds to Riverton's depth, making a third consecutive region title feel more attainable and it takes some pressure away in individual events.