The mix of experience and new blood that will be the defining dynamic of the Milpitas High School track and field team in 2008 was only half-present in the opening meet at Los Gatos March 11. The girls' team was missing two of its most seasoned and accomplished performers seniors Kathryn Daniels and Luisa Musika against Los Gatos, and was subsequently routed in the team competition 83-44.

Daniels was held out by her coaches due to a groin injury, and Musika was visiting universities in Southern California.

"Kathryn and (Luisa) would have probably finished first and second in both the discus and the shot put," said Coach Tony Franscone. "I don't think it cost us the meet, but it definitely played a part in the large margin.

The boys had no such excuses, but were edged 66-60.

The Trojans did have a number of bright spots, however. Senior Carrie Thomas took first place in the 200 meters, and fellow senior Elizabeth Ho won both the long and triple jump events.

On the boys' side, senior Clifford Crum outraced the field in the two-mile competition, finishing in under 10:30. Sophomore Winton Nguyen took first place in both the 400 meters and the triple jump, and fellow sophomore Marvin Jackson took the 200 meters.

The boys' team also won the 400-meter relay, led by sophomore Devante Crummie.

"The boys' team is looking really exciting, because we have a number of sophomores emerging right now," Franscone said. "That means that we should have a really strong