Blackhawks should be 'fun to watch' on the track and field

Heading into the 2016 season, Cheney High boys track and field head coach Derek Slaughter had concerns — specifically, concerns about filling gaps in events where the Blackhawks might not have a lot of experience or any athletes to take on the competitive task.

Thanks to the addition this year of assistant coaches Tyler Neely and former Blackhawk Emily Stralser, those concerns appear to be alleviated. Slaughter said Neely is already making strides with Cheney’s throwers while Stralser has several high jumpers coming within inches of 6 feet.

“She came in and already has the guys jumping well,”...