THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 9, 1995 TAG: 9504070197
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, CLIPPER SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
For Greenbrier Christian track coach Dicky Sherrill, there is safety in numbers. Unfortunately, numbers are just what the Gators lack.
``We're youthful, and we don't have much depth. We'll probably be in the middle of the pack in the TCIS,'' said Sherrill. ``But we've got a number of very good athletes.''
The track program at GCA is just four years old, and although the boys' track team is especially hurt by lack of turnout, the Gators' field several standout performers.
According to Sherrill, the Gators are strongest in the hurdles and sprinting events. Junior Adam Rizer anchors the hurdlers.
``He's been with the program for a while, and it's paid off because he's worked hard and now he's a very good hurdler,'' said Sherrill.
Sophomore Adam Hobson and senior Brian Smith will score points for the Gators in sprints.
Sherrill also mentioned high jumper Anthony Gammage (sophomore) and distance runner Jason Deberry (junior) as standouts.
The Lady Gators are a little stronger than the boys in numbers and return athletes who had success at last year's state competition.
Senior Cheryl Stiles, the best all-around athlete on the team, finished sixth in the state in the high jump and also competes for the Lady Gators in sprinting events.
GCA's sprint relay team finished third in the state. Three of those runners - Stiles, Tina West, and Dawniqua Linyear - return.
Junior Karen Carmichael placed sixth in the state in discus.
Sophomore sprinter Amy Foster and junior sprinter/hurdler Naomi Blackwood will also be leaders for the Lady Gators.
Sherrill hopes that nagging injuries don't take their toll on his already-thin roster. Stiles is competing with a quadricep strain, and Linyear has a slight back injury. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Senior Cheryl Stiles, the best all-around athlete on the team,
finished sixth in the state in the high jump.
by CNB