The high school track and field season is off to a good start in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The record temperatures have enabled the athletes to put together some excellent early-season performances.
As we get into the 2012 track and field season, here are some of the athletes to watch in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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Boys:
Chris Caldwell (Lafayette): The returning Class 4 state champion in the 110-meter high hurdles.
Jehu Chesson (Ladue): The returning Class 4 state champion in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles.
Ezekiel Elliott (John Burroughs): The returning Class 3 state champion in the 110-meter high hurdles. Also a national AAU champion in the 400-meter hurdles.
Marc Franks (Hazelwood Central): One of the top all-around sprinters in the state returns for the defending Class 4 state champions.
Charles Jones (Cardinal Ritter): Outstanding young performer in the 400 and 800. National AAU champion in the 800.
Alfred Larry (Jennings): The returning Class 3 state champion in the 400-meter dash.
Aaron Mallet (McCluer North): Excellent hurdler who has already popped some fast times early this season.
Girls:
Whitney Adams (Francis Howell): All-State sprinter who finished third in the Class 4, 400-meter dash last season.
Peyton Chaney (Nerinx Hall): The returning Class 4 state champion in the 200-meter dash.
Hali Ford (Affton): The returning Class 3 state champion in the long jump and 100-meter high hurdles.
Natalyiah Friar (Wentzville Holt): The returning Class 4 state champion in the long jump and triple jump.
Emmonnie Henderson (Edwardsville): One of the nation’s top athletes in the throws. Holds Illinois state records in the shot put and discus.
Joymesia Howard (East St. Louis): Outstanding hurdler and jumper returns for the IHSA Class 3A state champions.
Markita Rush (East St. Louis): The defending IHSA Class 3A state champion in the 300-meter low hurdles.
Tianna Valentine (Hazelwood East): The defending Class 4 state champion in the 100-meter dash.
