CHS Track Team Looks To 'Put' Things In Perspective

By John Singleton
Fresh off a highly successful indoor season, the Chesapeake High School track and field team is poised to vie for the Anne Arundel County 4A-East championship this spring.
The girls team, bolstered by a number of talented underclassmen, was the county champion during the indoor season and finished second overall in the region. The boys team, led by a strong core of upperclassmen, finished second in the county over the winter.

“We hope to continue that success with our outdoor track program,” explained head coach Tara Witmer. “Last year both the boys and girls team finished second in the county and second in the region. Our goal is to be better than that in 2011!”
One of the major factors in the team’s success this spring will be senior shot-putter Jake Sanner, who finished first in the Anne Arundel County Championships on January 25 with a throw of 46-01.75. Sanner, along with the other shot-putters on the team, is receiving specialized instruction from 2010 CHS graduate Lauren Allam, who is currently a freshman at the Naval Academy.
“I’m glad to help out where I can,” said Allam, who throws the shot-put for the Naval Academy. “It’s always nice to be among fellow Cougars.”
Shot Put is an often overlooked event that involves hurling a 16 pound metal ball as far as possible. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages when knights held contests in which they hurled cannonballs. Junior Drew Allam, Lauren’s brother, competes for CHS and finished third at the indoor championships with a throw of 44-05.00. For the girls, Casey Smith took first in the shot put this winter with a toss of 35-08.75.
“Jake had a great indoor season placing fifth in the Maryland State Championships. His toughest competition may come from teammate Drew Allam, who placed sixth at States during the indoor season,” noted Assistant Coach Tom Slichter. “In addition, Casey Smith was Anne Arundel County champion in shot put during the indoor season, second in the region and fifth in the state. We also anticipate more great things from her during the outdoor season.”
Other top performers for the Cougars include Aubree Frye, who finished first in the high jump and second in the triple jump this winter. In the pole vault, Kara Lingenfelter finished first at the indoor championships. Newcomers expected to make an impact are Sarah Taylor (pole vault and sprints), Masha Romanchak (sprints and relays), Hannah Conway (sprints and relays), Jennifer Reilly (distance) and sisters Robin and Becky Powell (hurdles, jumps, and sprints).
“We have the talent to win it all,” admitted shot putter Tyler Blankenship. “Now it’s time to get to work and get it done.”
When it comes to hard work the Cougars have plenty of takers. Sprinter Marcy Lenz is a formidable competitor, Katelyn Rilee is a gamer in the 3200 meters, Ripken LaMarsh and Michael Stewart can burn up the track in the 800 meters, and Tevin Moore and Mark Ritterpusch can turn up the heat in hurdles and sprints.