Tigers returning track talent in 2013

The Commerce High School track and field team is gearing up for the spring season, and with several returning sectional and state placers, the Tigers have potential to cause some commotion in 2013.

The Commerce High School track and field team is gearing up for the spring season, and with several returning sectional and state placers, the Tigers have potential to cause some commotion in 2013.

Senior state finalist D. Ramsey (fourth, long jump and third, triple jump) will return his talents to the Tiger squad.

D. Ramsey will also return to the state qualifying 4x100 relay team along with senior teammates Terrick Ramsey and Quay Little and junior Jamir Walton.

The Tigers will also return state placers Micah Eason, (sixth, shot put), Thomas McMillan (15th, high jump), Lily Mather (fourth, high jump), Cameron Hawkins (12th triple jump), and Zoey Forrester (ninth, 100-meter hurdles).

Tiger coach Pam Canup says she expects a lot of leadership from her returning athletes, which will be important for developing the young talent coming onto the team this year.

Canup pointed out that the Tigers have a massive team of approximately 44 athletes (about half boys and half girls) training to compete this season.

“We have a good mix of newcomers and veterans this year,” said Canup. “Hopefully some of the young ones will come in and help us out.”

Canup also hopes Nahum Mendoza will add his talents to long-distance running events, along with cross country standouts Jose Rodriguez, Justin Langston, Orlando Gonzalez, all of whom proved their stamina in the fall.

Canup also noted that the team has some fresh talent in the girls’ throwing events.

“We’ve got five or six who throw very well,” she said. “So, it may not be exactly the same people competing as last year.”

With the GHSA class A public/private school split, Commerce will contend in a revised Area 4-A this year.

Canup noted several area schools that have good speed and should prove to be tough competitors for the Tigers, including Warren County, Johnson County and Hancock Central.

The Tigers will kick off their season next Tuesday at Jefferson High School.

Canup says she is eager to see her Tigers perform in a meet because of their lack of practice thus far due to poor weather.

“The weather – now that we have everybody out – has either been freezing cold or rainy,” Canup said. “We are hoping to get on the track and actually see what we can do.”