Neither teams know much about each other, which makes Thursday’s
large Tri-County Athletic League track and field dual meet between
host Hollister High and Salinas intriguing.
Neither teams know much about each other, which makes Thursday’s large Tri-County Athletic League track and field dual meet between host Hollister High and Salinas intriguing.
“They don’t enter the same meets we do, so we aren’t used to competing against each other,” said Baler boys head coach Randy Logue. “Our kids are fired up. On paper, we could split the 16 events down the middle with the meet hinging on who gets the seconds and thirds. We want all the former Baler track and field athletes to come and root us on Thursday.”
The meet, which starts at 3:30 p.m., pits two undefeated dual meet teams for both genders. Though it does not officially crown the league champion, it can give one team a psychological edge going into the T-CAL championships May 17 at Hartnell College.
“We still have to win the T-CAL meet to win the league,” said Logue. “But, Salinas goes against Palma next week and Palma might be able to beat them.”
The Baler boys have won 20 consecutive dual meets dating back to the 2000 season.
The Cowboys are reported to have fast relay teams. The Balers have a one-second advantage in the 4X440 relay.
“That doesn’t mean anything,” said Logue. “We still have to run the race. It does mean that they are fast in the 100, 200 and 400 events. It’s up to our kids now as to how we’ll do.”
Baler sprinter/long jumper Lee Osborne is still hampered by a pulled hamstring and will not be competing against the Cowboys. Logue is hoping Osborne will be ready for, at least, the long jump at T-CALs.
“Not having Lee hurts, no doubt about it,” said Logue.
Girls coach Jennifer Logue feels confident about Thursday’s meet, but not overconfident.
“If our girls perform well, we should be o.k.,” said Jennifer. “I expect Salinas has good hurdlers, a good 800 runner and some distance runners. They have a 35-foot shot putter, too. It’s difficult to judge because we don’t know much about them.”
Which makes it more intriguing, especially in the boys dual meet, which could come down to the 4X440 relay.
Note: As of now, the league is planning a trials on May 14 to determine participants in the finals.
