Many of the area’s top competitors can be found in the 4A ranks at the twoday Colorado Springs Metro League Track and Field Championships. Events begin at 3 p.m. Friday at Garry Berry Stadium and resume at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.    The Sierra boys are one of the best teams, led by junior hurdler Kelby Dias, who led his team to the Glenn Peterson Invitational title.    Another team with comparable speed and depth is Falcon, making for a potential showdown in the relays.    “Sierra’s always a strong team,” said Falcon’s Keenen Ballage. “Definitely their sprints and their distance.”    Ballage is the defending 4A state champion in the 100 dash and anchors the 400 relay. Wes Rickman and Kevin Johnson are returning state-qualifying distance runners for Falcon.    Sierra and Falcon are just two of many strong teams. Class 5A Rampart is led by sprinter Devin Mohn and distance runner Nick Saulnier. Doherty’s Kenny Chambers should contend in several events.    “I think that right here in Colorado Springs, any team you go against is some of the top talent in the state and some really well-coached teams,” said Falcon coach Mary Ann Wilson.    The depth of Widefield’s and Sierra’s girls are reason to favor them. Desarey Baloon is expected to be competitive in the 300 hurdles for the Gladiators while Sierra’s Samantha Thompson is a strong distance runner. Stanfordbound Joy O’Hare has also done well in multiple events for Cheyenne Mountain.    “Everywhere you look in the Metro League, there’s a quality team,” said Indians coach Stan Lambros.    A girls team championship could be decided in the field events. Woodland Park’s Natasha Bruins recently set a school record in the long jump. Widefield’s Joy Warrington will battle Palmer’s Karen Wyatt in the discus and shot put. Rampart’s Kelli Ehardt is a returning state champ in the pole vault.

Doherty’s Maree Wurtz reacted to a missed putt on No. 12 Wednesday during the Marauder Invitational at Patty Jewett Golf Course. Wurtz finished in second place in the season opener for the Colorado Springs Metro League. Photo by (MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE)