Last year was another banner year for the Mount Si boys track team,

finishing first in meet competition and third in the league meet, two

points behind second-place Mercer Island.

Leading the team, and now in her fifteenth year, is Kristine Kjenner

with the help of new assistant, Paul Peters, a math teacher at the school.

Leading the group of athletes this year is Erik Lanigan, the third in

state high jumper for Mount Si. “He is a team leader who leads with

enthusiasm, keeping things light, having

fun,” said Kjenner of Lanigan. “He tries

to keep people focused. He is just so positive,” she added.

Also leading the team is javelin and disc thrower Jesse Bauman,

who leads with his relentless work ethic and focus.

The team boasts 18 returning letterman, including 5

seniors, Baumann; M.J Crandall, who will be running the 800 meter and mile

relay; Lanigan; Mike Macrae, who will run the 1600 and 3200 meter runs;

and Sean Sexton, throwing the shot and javelin.

State participants returning this year include Lanigan; Crandall;

Todd Barry, Dan Barry, both of which participated in relays; and Kai

Miyamoto, who also was a member of the relay team.

In addition to the state participants and seniors there are several

other team members who will have a big part in this year’s placing

Austin Bachelder, a junior, will hold his own in the shot put.

Dan Haakenson should do well in the disc, javelin and shot. Joel Eib, who has

had tremendous success in running, should also play a key role in the team’s

success.

Mount Si will face several powerhouses this year though, with

Interlake likely to be on top again. Mercer Island and Bellevue will also come

back strong, sporting several returners for each team.

The boys have their first meet at Bellevue on March 23.