Coach: Bill McClement
Last year: Finished second at the NWC Championships. Finished third at the 2A Northwest District meet. Finished 36th at the 2A State Championships.
Returning state participants: Paris Speidel (sr. 400, 800, 4x400), Joe Charbonneau (sr. 1,600, 3,200, 4x400), Jamie Sayegh (jr. 4x100), Kalien Hayes (so. 4x100)
Others to watch: Tanner Aliff (so. hurdles, sprints), Chad Cheldelin (jr. hurdles, sprints), Rowan Chappell (sr. mid-distance), Brian Chmelik (jr. mid-distance), Nick Hanks (jr. throws), Tristan Hurley (jr. sprints), Simon Maguire (jr. mid-distance), Marques Reynolds (sr. throws), Jacob Stahl (jr. mid-distance), Thom Vazorka (sr. throws), Isaiah White (so. sprints), Hayden LeBlonde (sr. mid-distance)
Outlook: Bellingham has a good mix this year - a mix of youth and experience, and a mix of strong athletes in a number of different areas. "Probably our strengths are in the sprints, jumps and middle distance," McClement said in a phone interview. Speidel and Charbonneau definitely look ready for big seasons in the middle-distance and distance events, while McClement said Sayegh had a good offseason and looks primed to lead a strong sprint contingent. Even the throws are looking up for the Red Raiders this spring, with seniors like Reynolds and Vazorka leading the way. "We have more guys throwing than I think we've had in a while," McClement said. "That group is beginning to take shape."
Reach DAVID RASBACH at david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2271.
