Eagles’ numbers low

Steve Virgen

Estancia High Coach Charlie Appell is no stranger to teams that lack

depth.

Appell in his 15th season as either the head man or distance coach

for the girls track and field team, has worked with squads that had

low participation numbers. This year is no different.

It also didn’t help that a few runners from last year’s team

elected to compete in swimming rather than track and field this

sprin. The Estancia girls swim team is in first place in the Golden

West League. The Eagles finished the league dual-meet season

undefeated at 6-0. They are also undefeated overall, 11-0.

The Estancia girls track and field team is 1-4, yet the athletes

who are competing have been working diligently.

“The Eagles are short on numbers, but high on attitude,” Appell

said.

Appell said freshman Jeannette Abrego is one to watch for. She

earned All-Golden West League honors in cross country by finishing

sixth at league finals.

Senior Fatima Carrasco is a leader, as well, for the Estancia

distance runners, who make up a solid cast that also includes Okairy

Lomeli, Lucy Leion and Gabby Cox.

Junior Rachel McMasters and Nicole Wilson run the hurdles, while

Sage O’Toole, who competed for the Estancia girls tennis team, is the

Eagles’ top high jumper.

Senior Erica Plietez is Estancia’s best sprinter, excelling in the

100 meters, as well as the 200.

Elise Carroll, Crystal Rincon and Karen Spence also compete in the

sprints.