Girls to watch

Pancho Morris | The New Mexican

5/15/2008 - 5/16/08

AAA

Kimberly Babicke, Pojoaque Valley. Babicke, a freshman, is one of the state's top sprinters, regardless of classification. She enters state as the favorite in the 100 meters (12.11) and 200 (25.56). Babicke also can long jump and is an invaluable relay member.

Linda Esquibel, West Las Vegas. Esquibel, a sophomore, had the best triple jump of the regular season at 34-81/2. Esquibel was fourth at state a year ago.

Jordan Miller, St. Michael's. Miller, a senior, is the defending high-point individual after winning the 300 hurdles, triple jump and 200. Miller is more than one second faster in the 100 hurdles than her nearest competitor this season. She is seeded second in the 300 hurdles, the 100 and 200, and is the fourth seed in the triple jump.

Dionna Montoya, Pojoaque Valley. Montoya, a sophomore, posted the second-best time in the 800 by .15 of a second and is the third seed in the 400. Montoya also is seeded second in the long jump and most likely will anchor two relays.

Kate Norskog, St. Michael's. Norskog, a freshman, is the top seed for the 3,200, holding more than a 19-second advantage on senior teammate Patty Murray. Norskog, the 2006 state cross country champion, is seeded second in the 1,600 and fourth in the 800.

Kassandra Tapia, Las Vegas Robertson. Tapia, a freshman, divided her time between track and softball and qualified for state in both. She opted for track. She arrives as the third seed in the 200 and long jump, the fifth seed in the 400 and the 10th seed in the 100. Tapia, though, could be pulled from open events to run relays.

AAAA

Taylor Ealey, Los Alamos. Ealey, a sophomore, already competed at state in volleyball and basketball. She comes to the state track meet as the top seed in the javelin, with a season-best 133-04. Ealey also is the seventh seed in the shot put.

Amanda Trujillo, Los Alamos. Trujillo, a junior, was the lone sprinter to break 12 seconds in the 100, running 11.84 during the regular season. She also owns the second-best time in the 300 hurdles and is seeded sixth in the 200.

Holly Walker, Los Alamos. Walker, a sophomore, is seeded second in the 3,200, two spots higher than senior teammate Margaret Wood. Walker, the state runner-up in cross country in 2007, also is the fifth seed in the 1,600 and the sixth seed in the 800.

Emily Weeks, Los Alamos. Weeks, a sophomore, is seeded third in the 100 and long jump and is the fifth seed in the 200. Weeks and Trujillo also helped Los Alamos earn the top seed in the 400 relay.