Jhs Track Squads Celebrate Great Year
By Bobbi Zane

Julie Whirlow is shown taking a jump in a hurdles race. Photos by Rich Wolf

Members of the Julian High School girls and boys track teams celebrated another successful season at a schoolwide recognition event on May 29 and later at a special awards presentation at the home of coach Bill Porter.

While all the athletes did well this season, according to Porter, "Special accolades went to Amanda Young, who became the first Julian athlete to qualify for the A section of the May 27 Masters meet."

Qualifying Young was a discus throw of 108-8, a new school record, and the ninth longest of all schools in San Diego and Imperial counties. Young, who competed in shot put as well as discus, also walked off with the honor of being named the girl athlete who exhibited the most outstanding track and field performance this year.

Gina Beckman, record-setting member of the girls squad, was named outstanding girl track and field athlete of the year. Among her accomplishments was setting a school and conference record in the 100-meter race at the Southern Conference Track and Field championship meet held in Julian on May 10. She did the run in 13.14 seconds.

Jared Anderson is shown in the high jump.

Among the girls, Julie Whirlow, a member of the 4x400 meter relay team, was named most improved athlete and received the sportsmanship award.

As he did last year, Noah Sloan stood out among the boy athletes. He set a conference record running the 1,600-meter at the championship event. Sloan was also named outstanding track and field athlete of the year.

Discus thrower Marshall Holmes also set a conference and school record with a distance of 136-1. The feat got him the award for outstanding track and field performance.

Overall, the two track teams did well in conference competition, according to Porter. The girls set three conference records and won the Southern Conference championship for the seventh year in a row. The boys placed second to Mountain Empire in the Southern Conference.