Pasco Tribune girls track preview

Teams to watch

1. Land O' Lakes: The Gators return the top team from last year, with sophomore sensation Hallie Grimes (400 meter dash), who qualified for states last season, back. Land O' Lakes also has a crowd of others back on the track, including Genevieve Mosich (100 meter hurdles) and Alyssa Lonsway (4x100 meter relay).

2. Mitchell: The Mustangs lost top long distance runner Ariel Grey to graduation, but still return plenty of athletes from last season's squad, including Elaina and Claudia Cancello providing points in the 800 and 1600 meter run.

3. Wiregrass Ranch: Wiregrass Ranch had the top girls cross country teams during the fall season and in the long distance events, should be able to dominate, with Nikita Shah (3200 meter run) leading the way for the Bulls. Also watch out for Alex Diepholz (800 meter run) and Chelsea Davis (3200 meter run).

4. Wesley Chapel: With Ravin Gilbert (100, 200 meter dash) back, the Wildcats boast one of the best teams in Pasco County and also one of the deepest, depth wise. Courtney Prengamen (high jump) and Abigail Hudak (pole vault) will be contenders in districts, regionals and have an outside shot come states.

5. Ridgewood: Ridgewood, led by longtime coach Sue Vien, despite the loss of standout speedester Karissa Bertling, Ricki Goff and Ashley Rodriguez, are still one of the top squads in the county. The Rams do return Mark Kujak (shot put), who will be contender in districts and regionals.

Fresh Faces

Kari Grippo, Gulf: After being declared ineligible for a year by the Florida High School Athletic Association for being recruited, Grippo comes onto the track and field scene as a sophomore and arguably one of the top runners in the Tampa Bay area. Watch out for Grippo in the 3200 meter run for the Buccaneers.

Be Careful ...

Elaina Cancello, Mitchell: Cancello, who's sister, Claudia, is also on the track and field for Mitchell, will team up with her twin and tackle the long distance running for the Mustangs. Elaina will compete in the 3200 meter run, which she finished in 10th place in last year's Class 3A-Region 2 meet.

Gulf: The Buccaneers will be led by longtime coach Dean Lofton and with Grippo coming aboard, watch out for Gulf this year on the girls side. Gulf's depth will also be helped by senior hurdler Paige Pinder (100, 300 meter hurdles).

Keep Your Eye On

Ravin Gilbert, Wesley Chapel: Gilbert returns to as Wesley Chapel's top sprinter, after taking district titles home in the 100 and 200 meter dash last season in Class 2A-District 9 and took top honors at the Class 2A-Region 3 in the same two events. The senior should have another solid season and medal in the 100 and 200 meter dash.

Kara Young, Zephyrhills: As a sophomore, Young qualified for states after a fourth place finish at regionals in the 100 meter dash. The junior should be able to qualify for states once again and possibly medal in the 100 meter dash.

Hallie Grimes, Land O' Lakes: Grimes was very impressive as a freshman last season for the Gators, as she finished third in the Class 3A-Region 2 meet in the 400 meter dash and fifth at state. As a sophomore, look for Grimes to medal at states in the 400 and take first at regionals.

Nikita Shah, Wiregrass Ranch: Shah as a sophomore last season finished second in the 3200 meter run in the Class 3A-Region 2 meet. The junior will carry her success over from cross country into the track and field scene.

Alex Diepholz, Wiregrass Ranch: The junior finished seventh in the Class 3A-Region 2 meet in the 800 meter run and adds solid depth to an already deep Wiregrass Ranch club.

Claudia Cancello, Mitchell: Cancello triples up as a cross country runner and a swimmer for the Mustangs and will be a key long distance runner for Mitchell in the 1600 meter run.