Spanish Springs has performed well in boys track all spring, and it's getting close to the point in the season where the Cougars will get to see how they really compare to the area's best programs.

One Cougar who is definitely eager for the regional track meet this year is senior Cody Clifford. Clifford is looking to qualify for the state track and field meet for the third straight year.

Clifford reached state as a sophomore in the 4x100m relay, but he made the state meet last year in two individual events after placing second and third in the 100m and 400m respectively at the regional championships.

His time of 10.99 seconds was a personal best in the 100m, while he broke the school record in the 400m with a time of 49.62 seconds.

Clifford was also part of the 4x100m relay team that took third place to make it into state with a time of 43.83 seconds. This year's relay looks like the squad to beat after winning at the Thunder Invitational and Reed Rotary Invitational.

However, a regional title has eluded the sprinter. But this could be his year as his worst finish in the 400m was second place at the Reed Rotary.

He's been nearly as impressive in the 200m with a handful of first-place finishes and a third at the Reed Rotary.

"It's my last year, so it would be nice to win," Clifford said. "Hopefully I'll accomplish my goals because it's my senior year. And hopefully this track team will follow in my footsteps and my teammates'."

Clifford credits his coaches' training methods for helping him peak at the right time each year.

"I'm definitely improving. With every meet my times are getting better," he said.

It certainly helped last year when he went to state as the eighth best 400m runner on paper and then blazed to a better than expected fifth-place finish. He claimed sixth in the 100m despite running a slightly slower time from the week before at regionals.

SSHS track and field coach Pat McGuire has watched Clifford work extremely hard to get to this point.

"He's a hard worker and a good kid," McGuire said. "Unless someone pulls a spectacular time, which is always capable, I expect the best from him."

Clifford's determination has paid off and led to his receiving a partial scholarship to run at Southern Oregon next year, the same school Reed hurdler Zach Comphel will be attending.

"The coach sounded like he knew what he was doing," Clifford said.

The trials for the 4A Northern Region boys and girls track and field championships meet are scheduled for Saturday, while the finals are May 16, hosted by Douglas High School. The top three placers in each event will advance to the state meet at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas on May 22-23.