Ram Invitational to bring top high school runners to Maricopa Saturday

The Maricopa High School track and field team will host the Ram Invitational on Saturday.

This will be MHS's third year hosting a large-scale track event. The meet has grown from its five school inaugural meet in 2013, to an 11-school, state qualifying event.

“We are hoping to grow [the Ram Invitational] into something much bigger and better each year,” boys track and field head coach Brad Chamberlain said. “We have one of the best facilities in the state. It’s perfect for holding a large invitational.”

The Rams will enter this meet with high expectations. On the boy’s side, school record holders William Blocker (300-meter hurdles) and Zach Chamberlain (800-meter run) will look to expand on impressive starts to the season. Meanwhile, senior sprinter Elisha Donaldson will be anxious to test his speed against some of the best runners in the state.

On the girl’s side, all eyes will be on 2014 state qualifier Jada Wright. She will be looking to improve her times and continue her march to the state finals in the 800-meter run.

However, athletes from three different Arizona Interscholastic Association divisions will be looking to take medals away from the home team. Saguaro High School (along with Maricopa) will represent Division II. Coolidge, Seton Catholic, Wickenburg, and the American Leadership Academy (Queen Creek) will represent Division III. While Tempe Preparatory Academy, Gilbert Christian, Joy Christian (Glendale), Bourgade Catholic (Phoenix), and the Arete Preparatory Academy (Gilbert) will represent Division IV.

***ADVERTISEMENT***The preliminary round (for the sprinting events) will start at 10 a.m. The finals will immediately follow their conclusion at 12:30 p.m. The meet is expected to conclude around 5 p.m.

Entry costs will be $3 for students, $5 for adults, and any children under the age of 12 will be free.