Defending champion Govs return Fitzke, Tetzlaff

Rapid City Stevens has captured four of the past six Class AA boys state track titles, with Pierre snapping the Raiders' three-year run last spring.

This season, Stevens should again rank among the state's elite, along with defending champion Pierre, 2006 runner-up Rapid City Central, and Roosevelt.

Class AA

Pierre returns a pair of two-time place-winners - junior Travis Fitzke (second in the 1,600 meters and third in the 800) and sophomore Matt Tetzlaff (first in the 110 hurdles and eighth in the 300 hurdles).

In addition, sophomore Jarrett Klinger is the top returner in the 100-meter dash.

The Rapid City schools each return multiple place-winners, with Stevens senior Chad Oetken placing in both the high jump and long jump.

Other Raider placers include senior Bryan Keck, (pole vault champion); junior Reed Rice (eighth place, 400); and senior Tim Brown (eighth, 100).

R.C. Central returns seniors Mike Krsnak (fourth, 3,200); Chris Hopkins (fourth, 110 hurdles); Jesse Toney (fourth, 300 hurdles); and Allan Schmaltz (sixth, long jump).

Stevens coach Paul Hendry said his team "needs to stay healthy, keep working hard and develop younger kids to be competitive at the conference and state meet."

He said many schools graduated quality athletes from last year, "but Roosevelt and (Rapad City) Central may have the most talent coming back."

Class A

Canton returns senior Ben Harrison, who placed in three events (1,600, 3,200 and 3,200 relay) at the 2006 state meet.

The other three members of that 3,200 relay team also return - including Jake Schneller, who was second individually in the 800. Derik Fossum was a place-winner in the triple jump.

Parkston will miss sophomore Alex Muntefering, who won the 1,600 meters and anchored the medley relay to a title. He injured his foot in a farm accident March 3 and will miss the entire season.

"With his work ethic and determination, I believe Alex will be able to run again," said Coach Buck Timmins, adding that Muntefering visited the Mayo Clinic this week for further evaluation.

Parkston will have five state qualifiers and place-winners returning, including Matt Malloy (long jump and medley relay), Jordan Smith (pole vault), Riley Reiff (discus), Luke Leischner (400, 200 and medley relay) and Phil Hoffman (800 and 1,600).

Winner senior speedster Chas DeMers is back to defend his titles in the 100 and 200.

Garretson's Sam Quaintance placed in both hurdle events, and Mark Ellefson of Lennox was second in the 300 hurdles.

Three of the top four high jumpers also return - Jeramy Geditz of Madison, Luke Hofer of Sioux Falls Christian and Jared Vlastuin of Lennox.

Class B

Defending champion Hanson returns three quality athletes in seniors Jordan Gau, Shea Williams and Jon Hart.

Beavers coach Kim Paulsen expects Gau to anchor several relays and to repeat as the 800 champion this spring.

Williams had knee surgery following a football injury, but he's expected to better his fourth-place finish in the 400 and also compete in the relays.

Hart will also be a key relay and 800 runner. "Jon always gives 110 percent," Paulsen said. "He is never satisfied with mediocrity and pushes his teammates to do their best."