Class AA girls track: Lynx hope to break West River stronghold

To put into perspective Rapid City's girls track and field dominance, consider that Stevens or Central has either won or finished runner-up at state in each of the past 30 years.

Only once over that stretch has a Sioux Falls team won the team title (Lincoln in 1987), while one of this year's contenders — Brandon Valley — has never placed at state.

This year could see another championship for defending champs Rapid City Stevens, but the Lynx could also make a splash at the state track meet Friday and Saturday in the Black Hills.

"We know that we have one of those chances that doesn't come around very often," said Brandon Valley coach Troy Sturgeon. "But here you're looking at Stevens looking extremely dominant. I'd say they're favored to win."

Coverage: Reporters Dave Nicholson and Mick Garry and photographer Jay Pickthorn are covering the state track meet. Preview story continues below #SDTrack15 tweets.

With talent stretched across sprints, distance and several relays, a solid showing Friday and Saturday could propel the Lynx to their first title — and they're at the very least primed to make the podium.

"I could see it being a close race on Saturday if we get a few breaks," Sturgeon said. "We've got some kids who are going to their first state track meet, but I think we'll be within shouting distance."

Eighth-grader Krista Bickley has stolen many of the headlines this season — for good reason — and will challenge for a title in the 100, 200 and 400 against the likes of Pierre's Cortney Dowling and Watertown standout Macy Denzer. Dowling is considered the state's top sprinter for a few years running, and Denzer is tied for the top times in the 100 and 200.

"Krista right from her first meet, she took off with a bang," Sturgeon said. "She's just gotten better as the season's gone on. And she's so coachable — she's been making those little improvements all the way."

Dowling, who won each of the sprints at state last year — setting South Dakota records in the 200 and 400 — will make her return to competition this weekend after injuring her hamstring at Pierre's Legion Relays on April 25.

Despite the strain that puts on the rest of the field, Sturgeon's squad is actually excited to take on the Pierre standout.

"When she hurt her hamstring our kids were upset," Sturgeon said. "They wanted to measure themselves against the best."

The Lynx feature a mix of youth and experience, and could pick up several points in the relays. Brandon posted the top times in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 relays, and will be a threat for titles in the 400 and sprint medley relays as well. They'll also get a lift from Courtney Klatt, who will be in the mix for the 3,200 title.

"Our kids are champing at the bit. We know we have the best times in certain events, but we want to prove it on the track," Sturgeon said.

Beyond Stevens and Brandon Valley, expect Lincoln to make a big jump from their eighth-place finish a year ago.

Credit for the Patriots improvement, according to Lincoln coach Jim Jarovski, goes to a mix of senior leadership and productive youth. There's also the impact of Jasmyne Cooper, Lincoln's freshman standout who transferred from Harrisburg to begin the school year.

"We pick up, just because of Jasmyne, 30 to 40 points depending on where we finish," Jarovski said. "That's huge swing."

Cooper brings in the top time in Class AA in the 1,600 (5:08 flat) and the second-best in the 800 (behind Roosevelt's Brooke DeVos). She's also a big part of Lincoln's relay success. In part because of Cooper, Lincoln has gone from middle of the pack in the 1,600, 3,200 and sprint medley relays to potential champions — should the Patriots be able to top the Lynx and Raiders in those events.