Gaffney track team has speed to burn
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

JAMES DAVIS

Gaffney boys track coach James Davis has high hopes for his team this year.

It's easy to see why.

Sophomore sprinters Kenard Lipscomb, who finished seventh in the state in the 800 meters last year, and Joe Craig, who finished seventh in the 200 meters in the state tournament in 2007, return when the Indians make their debut Saturday in a scrimmage against J.L. Mann, Woodruff and Spartanburg.

An improved group of field event performers is another reason for Davis' optimism.

Junior Denzell Good is expected to be one of the top performers in the area in the shot put and discus. Darius Dawkins also will be strong in the shot and discus.

"We have a strong one, two punch in the throwing events," he said.

Newcomer Cameron Smith will compete in the long jump as well as the 100 meters.

Denard Smith also has shown potential in the long jump. Jordan Manning and Kendrick McCluney show promise in the high jump.

"We should be better in the field events this year," Davis said.

But Davis admits that it will hard to shift the spotlight away from Craig and Lipscomb.

"They will both be better this year," he said. "I'm looking for big things from them."

Craig will also compete in the sprint relays along with Timmy Foster.

Freshmen Jamie George and Austin Steagall will lead the way in the distance events, according to Davis.

Both runners have run a sub five minute mile, he said.

Davis said the team is also excited about the construction of a track. The new track should be completed for the 2009 season.

"It's motivating our kids," he said. "Most of our kids are young so they are looking forward to having a home track meet.

Shemaka Adams returns to lead the Gaffney girls' track team. Adams will compete in the 200 and 400 meter events as well as the 4x400 meter relay.