Lady Minutemen take on Lady Hornets in track
By Jeff Gorman
GRANGER — The Revere High School girls track team will visit Highland High School April 4 at 4 p.m.
Highland was not able to crack the top half of the Suburban League last year, but the Lady Hornets went on to excel in the postseason. They won the Division II district meet in Lakewood, finished third in the Ravenna regionals and placed 19th at the Girls State Track Tournament.
Senior Jessica Lhotsky has reached state in the 800 meters all three years of her career. She placed third at state as a sophomore and second as a junior.
The Lady Hornets will compete in Division I this year, but coach Paul Lushes said that shouldn’t pose a problem for Lhotsky.
“Judging from the times I’ve seen in Division I, I think Jessica will be right there with them,” he said.
Sophomore Diana Stercula also competed last year at state in the 800.
“That’s a great accomplishment,” said Lushes. “That was the first year she had ever run the 800.”
Sophomore Stephanie Kafun also competed at state last year in the 4x200 and 4x400 relays. She also runs the hurdles.
Junior high jumpers Katie Reagle and Christine Wojciak both reached the regionals last year.
Senior Catherine Textoris is important to the team as a long jumper and relay runner.
“She is injured right now, and I hope we get her back soon,” said Lushes.
One key to Highland’s success is the progress of the freshmen, which make up 26 of the 51 members of the team.
“We hope to finish in the top three or four in the league,” said Lushes. “It will depend on our ability to stay healthy and the development of the younger girls.”
Revere finished 4-3 in the league despite being only the sixth largest among the league’s eight schools. The Lady Minutemen also advanced eight athletes to the state meet.
Senior Staci Lewis reached the regionals last year in the shot put and discus. She reached her personal best in the regionals with a discus throw of more than 115 feet.
“We expect that she can reach state this year,” said Revere coach Phil Mogus. “We’re really hopeful.”
Junior Sabrina Weigand won the district title last year in the 400 meters. Senior pole vaulter Becci Weber has reached the regionals in the last two years. “We hope she can make it to state this year as well,” said Mogus.
Junior Andrea Houston reached the regionals in the 800 meters.
“If it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t have beaten Tallmadge last year,” said Mogus. “She’s got such a good head for distance running.”
Junior Sam Fouser also qualified for the regionals last year in the high jump. She is trying to recuperate from a knee injury.
Some of the younger athletes who are expected to contribute for Revere are sophomore long jumper Meghan Slattery and freshman hurdler Ashley Greyson.
“She comes from a good family of runners,” said Mogus. “She may become our first three-step hurdler in a very long time. She’s pretty quick.”
Mogus said his team’s depth has improved this year, so the Lady Minutemen should be more competitive in relays.
“Wadsworth has so many numbers,” he said. “We should be able to contend with Green. I think we’ll do all right.”
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