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Homewood indoor track and field team spotlight

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The Homewood boys are looking for a four-peat, and the girls are looking to finally break out of the runner-up position as the track and field indoor season ramps up. Here are the athletes to watch:  

Girls

► Elysa Griffin, senior: 2015 6A indoor long jump state champ who also excels in the 60 meters. She could cap a stellar indoor career with a pair of individual titles. 

► Ann Mosely Whitsett, junior: Accomplished mid-distance runner will look to reclaim her indoor state title in the 800 meters, placing second last year after winning as a freshman in 2014.  

► Christian Hill, sophomore: Springy sophomore shines in both the horizontal and vertical jumps.

Boys

► Andy Smith, senior: Distance standout battled injuries throughout the fall. If he’s back at full health and regains past form, he’ll be hard to beat. 

► Hunter Poole, senior: Consistent veteran will look to build on an impressive cross-country season after breaking through with a third-place finish at November’s 6A state meet.

► Patrick Domingo, junior: Talented jumper and hurdler can score points in a number of events.  

Top newcomers

► Aiya Finch, freshman: Gifted long jumper and triple jumper with improving speed. 

► Victoria Thompson, seventh grade: Youngster will make an impact in the longer distance events.  

► Will Stone, freshman: One of the state’s top distance runners with an incredibly bright future. 

Coach’s take

   ► Head Coach Tom Esslinger: “Our first priority is to do the best we are capable of doing, and we hope that leads to championships. Based on returning athletes and previous marks, it will definitely be a challenge to win state in both divisions. 

“Opelika will be significant favorites in the boys, and there are several other teams that will also be battling with us. We have had a good run of winning three in a row on the boys side, and I know our guys will do their very best to keep that streak alive. 

“On the girls side, we are hoping to build on the momentum of the spring where we won our second straight outdoor title.  We are also hoping to get some redemption during the indoor season because we have gotten the runner-up trophy the last three years, including a two point loss to Pelham last year. Pelham will be tough to beat this year because they have almost all their team members from last year back.” 

Key dates

► Jan. 9: Ice Breaker Invitational 

► Jan. 29-30: Last Chance Invitational 

► Feb. 5-6: AHSAA State Indoor Track and Field Championships   

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