Tim Thomas sounds more like a scientist or photographer than the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers track coach.

Heading into the new season, Thomas is looking for the right combinations and which events best suite each player.

"We're going to mix things up and experiment and see how things develop," Thomas said.

Three key returning seniors will help Thomas in his experiments. Senior sprinters Ashley Neal and Adriane Hurley, and shot put and discus thrower Tiffany Preston were all regional qualifiers last season. Neal and Hurley advanced in more than one event.

"We look for a lot out of them. They're the seniors and the leaders," Thomas said.

But everything doesn't rest on the shoulders of the seniors who also include shot put and discus thrower Alfreda McAfee. Several young runners and jumpers should add points to meet totals.

Junior hurdler Randie Hensley, sophomore sprinters Andrea Rudmann and Megan Crockrel, and freshman sprinter Ciara Taylor will be counted upon heavily. Rudmann and Crockrel both reached the regionals last season in relay events.

"Rudmann, Crockrel and Taylor can all run, and Hensley is running better than last year," Thomas said.

Sophomore Katie Harper was a regional qualifier in the pole vault and Thomas said "we're hoping she can continue her success."

Another sophomore, Brianna McCown, set the school record in the 1600 last season and qualified for the regionals.

"I'd like to think we can expect good things from her," Thomas said of McCown.

Ali Markins and Rachael Payne, both sophomores, were on the 4×800 relay team who reached the regionals. Thomas said junior Brittany Walker "could help in the distance races once she gets healthy."

Several freshmen may come into play. Katie Washburn along with Lissa Hensley will run the hurdles along with Randi Hensley. Thomas said "they could be good, but they're just freshman."

Washburn's status may be put on hold. She has been slowed by a hip injury.

Thomas said the tentative plans have Taylor, Rudmann, Crockrel and Hurley on the 4×100 relay, Neal, Hurley, Taylor and Rudmann on the 4×200, while Neal will run the open 400.

Thomas isn't sure who will run the 4×400 relay. He said the squad "is still up in the air. It's been good in the past few seasons, but it all depends on how

well Rudmann runs in the open 100, 200 and 400.

Ironton Lady Tigers

2003 Track Roster

Player, Event, Grade

Adriane Hurley, Sprints, 12

Ashley Neal, Sprints, 12

Tiffany Preston, Shot Put/Discus, 12

Alfreda McAfeeShot Put/Discus12

Randie Hensley, Hurdles/Jumps, 11

Brittany Norris, Shot Put/Discus,11

Brittany Walker, Distance, 11

Megan Crockrel, Sprints/Jumps, 10

Katie Harper, Pole Vault, 10

Talia Howard, Mid-distance, 10

Ali Markins, Distance, 10

Brianna McCown, Mid-distance,10

Rachael Payne, Distance,10

Andrea Rudmann,Sprints/Jumps,10

Kayla Aldridge,Shot Put/Discus,9

Samantha Dixon,Sprints,9

Sarah Hacker,Shot Put/Discus,9

Amanda Harper,Sprints/Jumps,9

Lissa Hensley,Hurdles/Jumps,9

Mallory Hurley,Mid-distance,9

Kelly Payne,Distance,9

Ciara Taylor,Sprints,9

Katie Washburn,Hurdles,9

Head coach: Tim Thomas

Assistant coaches:

John Pemberton, Kevin Richardson, Joe Young

2003 Schedule

March

29at Fairland Early Bird

April

3IRONTON INVITATIONAL

8at Fairland Quad Meet

11at Chesapeake Invitational

15IRONTON QUAD MEET

17at Coal Grove Invitational

25at Fairland Invitational

May

2at Charleston Gazette Relays

3at Charleston Gazette Relays

6at Chesapeake Relays

9at Rock Hill Invitational

21District Track Meet

24District Track Meet

28Regional Track Meet

30Regional Track Meet

June

6State Track Meet

7State Track Meet