Katie McFarren has a strong finishing kick, something her rivals in Northern Nevada know all about.
The Carson senior finished third last week at the 4A regional track meet in the 1,600 thanks to a blistering final lap, and she hopes to improve on that today at the 4A state meet at Damonte Ranch High School.
McFarren is seeded fifth out of nine for today's event. She trails Pahrump's Ashley Lundgren, who comes in at 5:14.17 followed by Reno's Erika Root of Reno (5:16.38), South Tahoe's Shelby McIntyre (5:18.29) and J'Myah White of Cheyenne (5:19.27).
"She is right there," said Jeanne Stelzer, Carson's distance coach. "She has to do what she did last week; keep herself in the hunt. She is looking good.
"She really hits the last 200. She pulls out everything, and when she sees somebody in front of her, she just goes out and gets them."
McFarren said she hopes to get a PR. The 5:19.82 last week was her best in Nevada this season. She did run 5:15 a couple of weeks ago at the Meet of Champions in Sacramento. She credits her fast kick to interval work and the fact that she has a good base; a good foundation.
"I'd like to get another PR," said McFarren. "The time depends on the race you have to run. Last week's pace was fast, but a good fast. I wasn't hurting. I really have to stick with these girls.
"I worked a lot on my speed. I'm better at long distances than sprints. Our shortest run is 200 meters, but we do 400s, too. I used to play soccer, and I think that helped (with my speed)."
While you run for time almost everytime you step on the track, today's race will be different. The participants will be running for place. The weather could also play a factor.
McFarren has made great strides this season. She was running around 5:35 last year, and has shaved approximately 16 seconds off her time.
"That's a big jump," McFarren said. "My goal for this season was to get under 5:30 which I've done a few times."
It's been grueling for McFarren. She credits hard work, coaches and her parents for her success.
"My parents have been really supportive about all of it; sports, leadership and schoolwork," she said. "I can get stressed out, but I've learned just to take it all in instead of getting frustrated."
The rest of McFarren's teammates also have a good chance for top-three finishes or better.
Richard Shroy is hoping to repeat his double win from a week ago in the 1,600 (Saturday) and 3,200 (tonight). His 4:19.92 in the 1,600 is the top qualifying time. He showed his stamina last week, kicking in the final 200 meters to overtake Galena's Bryan Jordan, and then running away from Geoff Hull of McQueen and the rest of the 3,200 field. His 9:51 could have been faster, but he ran alone the last 700 meters.
One impressive thing about Shroy's 1,600 race is that he turned in negative splits, which means his laps got faster every time he circled the oval. That's not easy to do.
Shroy's main competition in the 1,600 and 3,200 will be Nick Hartle of Centennial, who has run 4:22.78 and 9:39.71.
Pole vaulter Cameron Childers cleared 14 feet last week, a career-best. He is tied for second-best qualifying mark with Douglas' Nick Maestretti and Faith Lutheran's Jack Leavitt.
Hurdler Luke Carter (40.60) is seeded seventh coming into the meet. Del Sol's Evan Weinstock is the favorite. In the 1,600 meter relay, Carson comes in with the slowest qualifying time at 3:28.21, almost a full eight seconds behind Canyon Springs (3:20.30). Douglas' Cesarina Ceglia is seeded sixth in the triple jump which is scheduled for Saturday.
Also scheduled on Saturday is the girls pole vault. Douglas' Amanda Brazeau cleared a career-best 11-6 last weekend and will be the favorite coming in.
Breakout
DAYTON'S BEST BETS FOR TOP 3 FINISH
Kathie Arias Shot put, discus
Erika Garcia 100, 200 and 400
Kage Walker High jump, long jump
Rosa Ramsey Long jump