State track preview: Whitefish, C-Falls stocked with talent for Class A state

LAUREL — The Whitefish boys and Columbia Falls girls are looking to parlay divisional championships last week into state titles this weekend as the Class A state track and field championships begin today.

Whitefish has a pair of defending state champions on the boys side, with 110-meter hurdler Keaton Grove near the top of the class again in both the hurdles disciplines. Bulldogs junior Luke May has the longest javelin throw in the state this year, tossing 199 feet, 6 inches in Whitefish earlier this season.

Along with state high jump leader Jed Nagler, also a contender in the sprints, the Bulldogs should be back in contention for a title. The Belgrade, Corvallis and Laurel boys will also be looking for the title that Hamilton won last season.

Columbia Falls distance standout Samantha Mundel could be running for history in her final prep meet. In addition to a possible first state title for the Wildkats, Mundel leads the class in both the 1,600 and 3,200 and is within distance of a state record in the mile, a mark that was set back in 1986.

Wildkats senior Carla Nicosia leads the class in the triple jump and is among the best in the 100 hurdles.

The Livingston and Laurel girls will join the Wildkats in trying to dethrone Corvallis, which carries another strong team to this year’s event.