Tigers ready for 'mighty' season

The Encampment athletes will have until Thursday to continue their conditioning. The next track meet is at Wind River.

The Natrona County Invite was cancelled Friday after Casper received six inches of snow, Encampment High School head track coach Kegan Willford said.

Willford is used to Wyoming’s unpredictable weather, he said, but it does put a lot of pressure on the athletes.

Three years ago, nearly every meet was cancelled because of inclement weather and the track team had to qualify for state at regionals.

Willford said he just takes it week to week.

Willford has four boys returning to the track and field events.

Kyle Wessel runs the mile and 800 meter races. He also competes in the 300 hurdles and the triple jump. Last year he just missed qualifying for state in the triple jump, Willford said.

Willford is confident the six- foot-three-inch senior will qualify this year.

“He has had another year and has great athletic ability. He has grown into his body,” Willford said.

Waddie Love is returning after more than two months off from sports. Love had his ankle repaired late in the basketball season and has been reconditioning on a stationary bike, Willford said. He has been released to shotput and discus, but not to run. Willford expects Love will start running in April and most likely compete in the 200-meter until he is back to full strength, he said.

What Harold Jackson lacks in long legs, he makes up for in passion and heart, Willford said.

His stature helps him in the finish of the long races because he has speed, Willford said.

Jackson has competed in the 800 meter and the mile, but is wanting to compete in the two-mile race, Willford said. “Thursday, we will turn him loose to see what he does.”

Lucas Jarrett has been on the bench all season due to a severe leg injury late last summer. He finally has clearance from his doctor to compete in the shotput and discus, Willford said.

Jarrett has been working out in the weight room four days a week and he is stronger and more flexible, Willford said.

Two athletes who have proved themselves this year on the volleyball and basketball court are Alyssa Barkhurst and Cassidy Little.

Willford said they are somewhat nervous to get that first meet under their belt. He said they will do well at Wind River Thursday since it is 1A/2A.

Mandy Harris is returning to the track this year, but as a Tiger, and because of Wyoming High School Sports Athletic Association rules, she cannot compete until April. Harris competed as a Panther in past years.

Taylor Pedersen is the only returning female athlete Willford has this year. The junior transferred to Utah her sophomore year, but ran as a Tiger her freshman year.

Willford said he hopes to win and get some marks for everybody this year. “I am always looking for improvement.”