Washington area boys' indoor track preview

Dunbar has won the last two D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association titles and, behind senior DeAngelo Boomer, is looking to grab its third straight. Coolidge, which already has seniors Eyong Oma and Martize Barr, has added Ballou transfer Demetrius Lindo. The All-Met hurdler and sprinter makes the Colts a serious threat to the Crimson Tide's championship hopes . . . Robinson junior Joey Muzzio won last year's Northern Region high jump championship over four seniors and appeared to be the clear favorite to repeat this winter. But Langley junior Efeosa Gouabadia, competing in his first season with the Saxons, jumped 6-4 in a win this past weekend in Newport News and may prove a worthy challenger . . .

Prince George's might be the county with the most sprint talent. Largo senior Ben McKenzie is the top Maryland 3A returner in both long sprints and Potomac sophomore Ronald Darby is the top 3A returner in the 55. DeMatha senior William Kellogg is already running well, winning the 300 at Saturday's Coach O Invitational in 35.65, and junior teammate Jordan Lomax won the 60 (7.16). . . . Broadneck's Deontray Lee is back to defend his 4A state title in the 55, while Northwest's Hassan Dixon is seeking his first in the 55 and the 300. Fairfax senior David Ladd is one of Northern Virginia's best in the short sprint and Carroll senior Karrie Butler is one of the best in the area when he's healthy. . . .

After tying the Maryland 4A pole vault record at last year's state meet with 15 feet, Thomas Johnson senior Erick Artusio returns to defend his title. Lake Braddock senior Matt Hoogland has already cleared 15 feet this season and Forest Park senior John Brennan will try to defend his Northwest Region crown. . . .

Woodbridge junior Isaiah Simmons won last year's Virginia AAA shot put title (56-10.25) and is on the cusp of breaking 60 feet. Jeff Butler, who helped Wise reach the Maryland state football championship game earlier this month, was over 50 feet at last year's state meet and is the top 4A returner this season. . . .

Gonzaga returns all but two of the athletes that figured prominently into last year's victory at the Private Schools and Independent Schools championships. Hurdles champ Aaron Shepperd and triple jump champ Stacey Robinson are already rounding into form and the Eagles will get tougher when the distance group, led by Billy Ledder and Colin Leibold, takes the track.

-- Carl Little