by 
Pictured from left are James Duarte Distance and relays, Cita Sweeney shot put, discus, and modified javelin Jared Gonzales 110/300m hurdles and relays Andrea Castaneda distance and relays Patrick Lopez distance, pole vault, relays, and modified javelin. Maria Lopez | SMHS
San Manuel Miner
The San Manuel Track & Field team enters the 2015 season as the defending Div IV, Sect II South Champions and Rotary Champions. They know a repeat performance will be a challenge but it’s something they’re ready for.
“Our team knows we have a large target on our back as defending sectional champions,” fifth-year head coach Maria Lopez told The Miner, adding that she likes how the team looks so far. “Our goal is to qualify as many as athletes as possible for the state competition.”
She added, “If our athletes continue their dedication and drive for perfection, (we) should be a force to reckon with come Rotary and Sectional meet time.”
The Miners will compete in seven important meets this season, including state qualifying meets, non-qualifying meets, and a couple of multi-divisional meets – The University of Arizona Willie Williams Classic and the Diamond in the Desert at Central Arizona College.
Lopez announced this year’s captains as follows: Senior captains: Jared Gonzales and James Duarte Junior captains: Andrea Castaneda and Cita Sweeney.
The list of returning Miners’ starters is long and is as follows (grade in parentheses):
Boys: James Duarte(12), Jared Gonzales(12), Marco Salas(12), Colton Stratton(12), Antonio Montes(12), Andres Rodriguez(12), Frankie Gallardo(12), Randy Verdugo(12), Patrick Lopez(11), Carlos Salas(11), Isaac Gonzalez(11), Javier Campos(11), Matt Encinas(11), Michael Sanchez(11), Seth Goff(11), Taylor Woods(11), Andrew Gomez(10), Broc Traweek(10), Colbey Stratton(10), Jacob Medina(10), Mason Clark(10), Michael Garcia(10), Tylo Montes(10).
Girls: Diana Medina(12), Ronzi Carbajal(12), Jessica Lopez(12), Sabrina Duarte(12), Andrea Castaneda(11), Julissa Gonzalez(11), Lizzette Campa(11), Mariela Canisales(11), Stephanie Morris(11), Cita Sweeney(11), Eneida Quintero(10), Jade Willard(10).
Lopez counts Alexis Dietz(9), Sarah Silva(10), Jose Damina(9), Rene Frisby(12), and Zach Albert(10) among the top newcomers to the Miners’ track program.
A list of the top returners, according to Lopez, and their events is list below:
James Duarte – Distance and 4x800m relay; Jared Gonzales – 110/ 300 hurdles and 4x400m relay; Andres Rodriguez – 1 0/300 hurdles and Relays; Patrick Lopez – distance, 4x800m Relay, modified javelin, pole vault; Carlos Salas – pole vault and 110m hurdles; Andrew Gomez – sprints, relays, long jump; Andrea Castaneda – distance, 300 hurdles, 4x800m relay; and Cita Sweeney – shot put, discus, and modified javelin.
The Miners start their season Mar. 4 with their home opener at 3:30 p.m.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
by by