McIntyre hopes to put Trojans over the bar

The Longmont boys track and field program is poised for a championship-caliber season with six returning state qualifiers this spring.

Longmont's Tevan McIntire clears the bar in the high jump during the 2008 4A State Track and Field Championships. McIntire missed the 2009 season with a knee injury, but is back this spring to help the Trojans' quest for a state title. Marty Caivano photo

Tevan McIntire, coach Tim McIntire`s son, is among those state qualifiers, but the last time he was at state was in 2008. McIntire is returning for his senior year after missing last season with a knee injury.

“He tore his meniscus and that hurt us big time,” the coach said of his son. “It will be a welcomed addition to have him back. I know his goal is to win a couple individual state titles.”

The healing process is a relief for the Trojans, who may have won a team title last year had McIntire been able to compete as a junior. He was scratched for the season after a stellar sophomore year in 2008. In that season, McIntire placed ninth in the high jump, sixth in the long jump and fifth in the triple jump in the 4A state championships as the Longmont boys captured first overall.

With McIntire healthy and able to jump the way he can, expectations are high for the Trojans.

“It`s just as good as it ever was,” McIntire said of his knee. “(The injury) gave me more drive in my goals and everything. I think we have a good shot at bringing home a team title. I just want to do my best and try and bring home some individuals as well.”

McIntire, who is also a starter on the Longmont basketball team competing for a state title this week, has committed to take his jumping ability to the next level, signing with Liberty University.

“Liberty is a top 10 men`s program and one of the top five decathlete schools,” coach McIntire said of his son`s decision. “That`s what they want to turn him into — (a decathlete).”

Along with McIntire, Longmont will need other touted athletes to step up for a championship to be possible this season.

Aaron Praska finished fourth in the 110-meter hurdles in 2009 and should be a favorite this year during his senior campaign.

Tyler Johnson, also entering his senior season, is looking to take over the top spot in pole vault.

“He was second last year, he`s probably the person to beat there,” coach McIntire said of Johnson.

As a team, the Longmont boys finished fourth overall last year while the girls struggled and finished 16th.

Samantha Kee will be a crucial component to the girls` improvement this year. In 2009, Kee placed fourth in the 100-meter dash and third in the 200-meter dash. Kee has committed to the University of Wyoming.

Rachel Antoniak is another athlete that the girls` team will rely on this spring. Notching top-ten finishes last year at state in both the long jump and triple jump, Longmont is expecting big things from the senior.

“She`ll be a top-three contender this year, especially in the long jump,” McIntire said.

And the Trojans should be contenders, too.