This coming weekend, athletes from across the state will get to show what their made of at the boys Division V State Track and Field Championships in Mesa.

In the small schools’ division, many of these track and field athletes are multi-sport performers. It isn’t uncommon to have half a track and field team committed to other sports like football, basketball, soccer and more, so it’s always a fun time for track fans and the teams to enjoy a little weekend competition.

Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9, at Red Mountain High School, 7301 E. Brown Road, Mesa, here’s a look at a few teams and individuals to watch this weekend.

GLENDALE PREP

Finishing eighth overall with 29 points at last year’s state championship meet, Glendale Prep. has a few athletes to watch this weekend.

In the 4x400-meter relay, Tanner Janssen, Rafael Gameros, Luke Webdale and Zack Rich own the top state time at 3:26.07, while the same group owns the top spot in the 4x800-meter with a 8:12.04 time.

Coach Eric Webdale said his boys team has set school records in nine of 18 events, with five additional marks ranking second all-time.

“That level of depth is uncommon and has positioned us well,” Webdale said.

Julian Henao (sprints), Gameros (hurdles), Rich (distance) along with Logan Hartman (distance) are worth a watch as well.

ARIZONA LUTHERAN

Taking third place in last year’s state championship meet with 54 points, just 17 shy of state champ Chandler Prep., Arizona Lutheran has a lot to prove this coming state championship weekend, but coach Matt Heyn believes his kids are ready.

“The success our team has been able to enjoy is due to the effort the students put in each week prior to competition,” Heyn said, adding that his club practices on a dirt track, but that never discourages them.

“They just work to overcome the adversity,” Heyn said.

Senior Liam Enter should have a good showing in the shot-put event as he owns the state’s top mark this season with a 53-foot, 6-inch throw.

Joel Bayer is also worth a watch in the hurdles events.

ROUND VALLEY

Finishing just three points behind Chandler Prep. for the title a season go, coach Tom Pifer believes his Round Valley kids are ready for round two this weekend.

“Everyone has had to step up and they have all season,” Pifer said.

Athletes to watch include Ty Williams and Joah Brown in the shot put and discus, and Ryan Rodiquez in the hurdles.

CHANDLER PREP

Although Chandler Prep. doesn’t have any individuals with top marks across the Division V level this season, the defending champs still have plenty of athletes to go around.

Recently, at the Chandler City Championships, one of the largest meets in Arizona every year, Ayden Scott took seventh overall with a 52.79 time in the 400-meter dash, while junior Aaron Crawford was sixth overall in the 110-meter hurdles with a 16.19 time.

OTHER NOTES

For more information on the boys Division V State Track and Field Championships, or for links to live events on the NFHS Network, visit AzPreps365.com.

TOP MARKS ENTERING STATE: DIVISION V BOYS

100 meters: Soph. Omar Wright II, Santa Rita, 11.00

200 meters: Sr. Brody Prassas, San Tan Charter, 22.48

400 meters: Jr. Ryder Guerro, Miami, 49.12

800 meters: Jr. Ryder Guerro, Miami, 1:54.16

1,600 meters: Sr. Jaiden Ploederl, North Phoenix Prep., 4:24.96

3,200 meters: Sr. Jaiden Ploederl, North Phoenix Prep., 9:27.65

110-meter hurdles: Jr. Adam Bryce, Pima, 15.06

300-meter hurdles: Jr. Benjamin Wolfley, Trivium Prep., 40.37

4x100 relay: Audre McCauley, Lyndale Waterhouse, Sunny Gobert, Keston Armstrong, Morenci, 43.37

4x400 relay: Tanner Janssen, Rafael Gameros, Luke Webdale, Zack Rich, Glendale Prep., 3:26.07

4x800 relay: Tanner Janssen, Rafael Gameros, Luke Webdale, Zack Rich, Glendale Prep., 8:12.04

Shot put: Sr. Liam Enter, Arizona Lutheran, 53-6

Discuss: Sr. Robert Carney, Tombstone, 169-11

Javelin: Sr. Charles Richardson, Pima, 168-0

High jump: Soph. Jarom Tryon, St. Johns, 6-4

Pole vault: Sr. Desmond Brown, St. Johns, 13-9

Long jump: Sr. Ian Marshall, Gilbert Classical, 22-7.5

Triple jump: Jr. Alan Tryon, St. Johns, 44-5.75

Defending Team Champ: Chandler Prep

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on X at @AzPreps365Brian or on Facebook at @Five2MediaWorks. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.