LJ track: Coach Ben Martin in the offseason

Sprinter Leed Smoole (left, running) receives

training under the watchful eye of Coach

Haneef Shaheed (far rear right, second

from right in blue "Seattle" sweatshirt,

partially hidden). The La Jolla senior

is expected to be a top competitor

this spring. (Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

Ben Martin became the La Jolla High track coach last Spring, with the first-ever Sunset Relays held on campus.

These comments were made Jan. 7 during offseason workouts.

Q: What does a head track coach/freshman (football) assistant do in the offseason?

BM: As soon as football is over, we (the track team) hit the weight room two days a week and we're on the track two days a week. Getting them ready, getting them stronger.

Q: Who can we look for in track this season?

BM: Chiara Dailey, obviously. She's going to be fun to watch her senior season.

Leed Smoole--I think he's going to be top of the county (sprints).

We have some newcomers coming up, freshmen. You don't really know until they compete. The girls team is strong, and the boys team is coming along. We have some strong sophomores.

Q: Is there another Dailey coming up?

BM: Yes (laughing), Blaze is a freshman. I think he was top 5 among freshmen, running distance for the first time. There are two more. (Jett is a sophomore. Dad, Adam, is girls track coach.) Zane... I can't remember the name of the other one.