2010 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Du Quoin thinclads fast and talented

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Over the past 51 spring seasons, Du Quoin High School boys track and field program has enjoyed plenty of stability-and truck loads of success.

The 2010 season, which opens with a trip to the Eastern Illinois University Indoor Classic Friday night, again provides more than its share of reason for optimism.

Derek Beard became just the fourth head coach since 1959 when he was tabbed to replace Al Martin after 14 seasons. Martin resigned as head coach but remains as an assistant to Beard, a former three-sport athlete at DHS.

"We are hoping to get better throughout the season," said Beard. "We want to be running our best times in May. We do have some speed and depth. We hope to put together some good relay teams.

Junior Karson Hoffman-already a two-time state qualifier-returns to lead the Indians. Hoffman was the 400 meter champion in the River-to-River Conference and advanced to state with two other Du Quoin relay squads last year.

Senior David Rose (relays) is already a multi-time state medalist and qualifier. He will be heavily counted on again in the relay events.

Cayle Diggins-a sophomore-just missed reaching state pole vault finals and should be a consistent scorer.

Beard also expects big things from junior sprinters Aaron Smith, Luchie Porter, David Gayton and Kyle Webb.

Senior Robbie Wagner paces the distance corps with Quinton Mathis and Claz Bland experienced hurdlers.

In the weight events, Brock Morgenstern (jr.) returns as Du Quoin's leader with freshman Deeja Cole forecasted to make an immediate impact in the jumping events.

Beard also listed sophomores Quivon Bledsoe and Dillon Beltz as likely contributors. In all, 29 letterwinners are back.

The first outdoor meet is March 23 at Sparta.