Palma/Notre Dame-North Salinas track

 Owners of six straight Gabilan Division titles, the Chieftains began defense today with anticipation and uncertainty.
 And perhaps a different look as the distance events will be Palma's strength this year, behind Central Coast Section 3,200 meter finalist Sam Lavorato.
 While Lavorato won't run today, Tommy Padilla and Octavio Rubio will. Both will likely be among the top 1,600 and 3,200 meter runners in the league.
  Two-time Gabilan Division high jump champion Reno Ditullio will provide points in the jumps for Palma while Anthony Villegas and Micah Olivas showed promise in the sprints last spring.
 A threat in the sprints for North Salinas is Tim Hunter while Yrrah Buena has one of the early season top marks in the triple jump.
 Notre Dame will be a sleeper team this year in the chase for a girls team title with the return of CCS 300 low hurdle finalist Kate Riordan and Christine Wooler in the jumps.
 Sophomore distance ace Angela Leavitt will round into shape after an extended basketball season for the Spirits. She's been to the state cross country meet two straight years.
 Dennise Torres-Alfaro will provide points for North Salinas in the jumps while teammate Andrea Villalobos is among the elite in the 100 hurdles.