March 31 Edition The Bridgeport News by Jeff Toquinto News Editor The most noticeable thing on this year's Bridgeport High School's girls track roster is that it's almost devoid of seniors. Only three senior athletes dot the lineup for the ladies this spring, which is actually one more than was on the roster last year. But, don't feel sorry for BHS track coach Jim Dawson. The cupboard of his relatively young Indians' squad is far from bare. Sporting several state qualifiers returning from last year's ..th place finish at the state meet and Big 10 and Harrison County championships, Dawson is hoping the future is now. And he's hoping that such is the case despite the move to Class AAA. "Some may feel we're still a year away, but this group can make some noise right now if they work hard," said Dawson. "You couple those coming back with our freshman class and we've got some potential. This is, from top to bottom, the most talented freshman class I've had in my 11 years." - Sprinters: Leading the way here is junior Lauren Gilbert, who qualified in all three sprint events a year ago. Dawson said Gilbert, who is still coming back from a broken thumb, has times that should be good enough to qualify again in AAA. "Lauren is the key," said Dawson. "She's a competitor, and that's important." Also helping here will be sophomore Victoria Gorby, who has faced shin and quad problems, could qualify as well. The team will also get an assist here from juniors Kayla Lynch and Logan Bryan and versatile senior Sarah Abbate. - Hurdles: Although there is talent in this area, the hurdles will go as Abbate goes, and that's not a bad thing. Abbate is a state qualifier and placer that has looked good in early practices. Dawson said she'll need to get help from juniors Kara Miller and Marie Conley, as well as freshman Kendall McCaugherty, who could see some reps here. - Middle Distance: Perhaps the strongest part of this year's team will be middle distance. That, said Dawson, is a major plus. "Coaches know that if this area is strong then you have some flexibility," said Dawson. "You can move kids up into the distance events and down into the sprint events." Dawson has plenty of kids to choose from here for a number of events, including the state qualifying 4x800 team of sophomore Jenna Fogg and juniors Lora Gallagher, Kate Merinar and Miller. The team will see depth from junior Stephanie Pose, who was a state qualifier as a freshman, but missed action last year due to a stress fracture. Dawson is also expecting strong showings from freshmen Allie Alonso, Jennifer Alastanos and Cassie Schneider. Alonso, said Dawson, has never ran before, but has looked promising. - Distance: Distance appears to be the domain of two runners. Merinar should be the main force in the 3200, while Fogg will handle the 1600. Griffith said both are capable of placing at any meet this year. - High Jump: Not only does Dawson return Fogg, who placed last year with a state meet jump of 5'2, he also welcomes McCaugherty. At Bridgeport Middle School, McCaugherty cleared 5'7, which was three inches better than the best mark at the state meet The highest prep jump, which was 5 feet, 4 inches, was in the Class AAA competition. "The AAA state record in 5'8. She can get that and that's one of her goals," said Dawson. "For the most part, Kendall's probably an unknown in the state. That will change by (today) at the Doddridge meet. She won't be a secret anymore." Along with McCaugherty is Fogg. Dawson said she has the ability to clear 5'4 and place as well. - Long Jump: State qualifier Kylie Kiefer, a sophomore, is back. Dawson said she looks strong, but the team lacks depth here. He's hoping some sprinters will fill in and provide depth. - Pole Vault: Like the long jump, the Indians have one solid performer here in Logan Bryant, a junior. Bryant, said Dawson, cleared 8'6 last year and has already hit 7'6 this year despite limited attempts outdoors. The coach is hoping those that have shown interest in competing here will step to the forefront. - Shot Put: Junior Erin McDaniel, who just missed qualifying last year, is throwing consistently over 30 feet. Dawson said he's only had five people consistently do that during his 10-plus years. McDaniel will have plenty of help. Seniors Emily Carmichel and Jamie Lyle, the BHS soccer goal in her first year our, will assist McDaniel, as will sophomore Michaela Hillegas. - Discus: Freshman Kasie Carbacio will focus solely on this event. Dawson said her marks at the middle school level would have qualified for last year's state tournament. Carbacio is not alone, Hillegas will be countered on here, while Carmichel will provide depth. Like the boys, plenty of those mentioned above will be available to assist in the relays. Dawson said freshmen Holly Breedlove and Cassie Abbate will help in the sprint relays. "With the middle distance depth we have, I'd hope to see just how good we can be by the time the Harry Green Invitational (April 16) rolls around. That's going to be our strength," said Dawson. "If that works out, then we should be OK. We still need to find another pole vaulter and some depth at long jump. Kendall should help there, but we want her focusing primarily in the high jump."