The562’s cross country and track & field coverage is sponsored by an anonymous donation, in appreciation of Coach Ron Allice.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
Momentum is everything for a high school sports program, and the Wilson girls’ track and field team has plenty of it coming into 2024. The Bruins won a historic CIF Southern Section and CIF State championship last year, and already own a big Moore League win over Long Beach Poly this year, giving them the inside lane at a league title.
“The energy is great, the kids feed off me and (boys coach Shannon) Fisher, we talk about health and staying calm and working hard,” said Wilson girls coach Neil Nelson. “I try to still stay lowkey. We won a state title, yes, but I’d rather keep the press pointed at other teams and we’ll just keep working.”
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The Bruins graduated some heavy hitters from last year and feature just two seniors this season, but they’re loaded with young talent. Seniors Tarynn Maroney and Xcaret Tirado are providing leadership with that young group as they continue to improve and evaluate their college scholarship options.
“They’re talking to schools and narrowing it down, they’re great leaders, they’re the mama bears,” said Nelson. “They’re about business, that’s what’s good about them being the seniors, everyone knows they’re about business and they’re going to work hard and be their best.”
The Bruins return some heavy hitters from last year, including reigning state champion Kaylin Edwards, a junior who won the 300 hurdles in Clovis last year.
“She’s a great leader by example, she doesn’t do a lot of talking but she’s very competitive, she wants to win everything she does,” said Nelson. She’s joined by junior Loren Webster, a state long jump finalist who’s led the state early this season with a 19-10.
The Bruins also have a ton of talented youngsters who will push them into the next generation, led by returning contributor sophomore Brooke Blue, who’s good in the 100, 200 or 400.
In the middle distance races, Elisa Rodriguez has been strong as has Juanita Shotwell, with Riley Jones and Saniah Varnado adding depth. Senior Natalie Maahs is gearing up for a big senior campaign in the distance races.
“We have some special young kids who are going to be big for us this year,” said Neilson. The Bruins also feature field athletes with sophomore Journii Spencer in the jumps alongside senior Daqari Hampton.
“We look good in practice and everyone is saying all the right things,” said Neilson. “We still have to stay healthy. It’s good to win one when no one’s expecting, but it’s even harder to come back when they see you coming.”
