THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505020109
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
MAURY AND LAKE TAYLOR figure to battle it out again for Eastern District girls track honors.
The Commodores won the crown last year and coach Walt Green said then that he was looking forward to this season.
``We had only three seniors on that squad, and most of them were sophomores,'' he pointed out.
Maury boasts overall strength and is led by defending district champion Jane Lawrence in the distance runs. She's the title holder in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.
Denzy Sills, the reigning champion in the 300-meter hurdles, also is back.
Lake Taylor possesses the standout individual performer in Shnaka Walker, who won five district meet events last year.
A capsule look at the five teams:
MAURY
Coach: Walt Green.
Last year's record: First in district.
Top returnees: Jane Lawrence (1,600 and 3,200); Denzy Sills (300-meter hurdles); Cassell Person (sprints); Lisa Joyner (sprinter/jumper); Jennifer Warren (hurdles); Rashida Asterilla (discus); Alsha Joyner and Sara Frueh (middle distances); Amie Weisberg (distances).
Top newcomers: Thomasena Snowden (sprinter); Christina Smash (sprinter); Vita Reid (discus, shot put).
Outlook: A host of defending district champions head a veteran Maury squad for Green, who starts his third year at the helm of the Commodores. Maury also has several returnees from winning relay teams.
LAKE TAYLOR
Coach: Cheryl Jennison.
Last year's record: Second in district, seventh in region.
Top returnees: Shnaka Walker (sprints/ jumps); Lutfiyyah Ali (hurdler/400 meters); Felicia Barnes (shot/discus); Felicia Miller, Sonja Lassiter and Heather Harkins (distance runners); Ravarner Johnson (shot/discus).
Top newcomers: Rachel Hunter and Zeta Wilson (hurdles); Cecelia DeCoste (middle distance); Tina Jones and Erin Harkins (distances); Watika Collins (shot/discus).
Outlook: The versatile Walker will run the sprints, jump and vie in the 400 meters. She won five district titles last year, including all the jumps. Jennison feels Lake Taylor has ``a good mixture of returnees and newcomers. And, while we are in a rebuilding stage, we have enough returnees to help these new additions.''
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
Coach: Bermina McClenny.
Last year's record: Tied for third in district.
Top returnees: Nikki Lowery (hurdler/jumper); April Hicks (hurdler/jumper); Mitchell Watkins (sprints); Cherry Sowell (sprints); Donita Barnett (sprints).
Top newcomers: Jennell Holloman (hurdles); Katina Poole (sprints); Aesha Bilal (sprints); Kia Thomas (sprints).
Outlook: New coach McClenny feels the Bookers will be strongest in the hurdles and jumping events and is counting on newcomers to add running strength. ``I'm looking forward to a prosperous season,'' said McClenny.
GRANBY
Coach: Christine Handy.
Last year's record: Fifth in district.
Top returnees: Tanya Jones (sprints/jumps); Sharita Olds (long jump/relays); Yolanda Garris (200 meters); Cheaka Corra (1,600 meters).
Top newcomers: LaMeka Carter (shot/discus); Lakewesia Ebron (sprints/jumps); Monica Hawkins (hurdles/sprints); Jaquetta Harrell (mid-distances); Madeleine Benthin (400 meters/800 meters).
Outlook: The versatile Jones was a region qualifier in six events. Handy says she is stronger and faster this year. The Comets have grown in numbers, experience and talent and are looking to vacate the cellar in the district race.
NORVIEW
Coach: LaTonya Echols-Payton.
Last year's record: Tied for third in district.
Top returnees: Terrie Moore.
Top newcomers: Amie Blaisdell (1,600 meters); Geneha Gibson (800 meters); Basha Coleman (400 meters); Mona Lia Sumler (middle distances); Tamara Bernazky (middle distances).
Outlook: The Pilots are building around holdover Moore and a host of freshman prospects. ``But they're working hard and positive outcomes would not be surprising,'' Echols-Payton said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Denzy Sills, the defending district champion in the 300-meter
hurdles, is among the standouts who are back for Maury this season.
by CNB