Pair of state track titles fulfills dream at Mojave

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, May 23, 2000 | 9:41 a.m.

Four years ago, coach Sam Germany came to brand new Mojave High School with a simple plan: win boys and girls state track and field championships when his talented freshmen were seniors.

Over the weekend, the Rattlers met those expectations, capturing both 4A state titles at Sparks High School. And with his vision realized, Germany has decided it's time to ride off into the sunset.

"I've been doing this for 27 years, and it's time to retire," Germany said. "I just think it's right for me to go out with these seniors. We've been together for four years. We wanted to leave Mojave with state championships, and we wanted to leave the program in good hands and we've done that."

In fact, Germany will leave the program with two coaches he has come to rely on during the past season, when the 52-year-old was beset by a series of heart-related health problems.

Lolo James and Iris Marshall, who served as boys and girls coaches this season under Germany, will coach the Rattlers on a full-time basis starting next year.

"I really appreciate Coach Marshall and (Coach) James and all the rest of my coaching staff," Germany said. "It was a total team effort."

On Saturday, Mojave picked up its first two state titles in school history, thanks to two athletes who have become synonymous with Rattlers track over the past four years: seniors Nicole Ireland and Calvin Redden.

"They were the leaders from the beginning, and the kids fed off their strengths, and it spread among the team," Germany said.

Ireland, who became the first female in Nevada history to capture four gold medals at last year's state meet, duplicated the feat over the weekend, finishing first in the 100, 200 and 400 meters and in the 100 meter high hurdles.

That helped Mojave end Reed's four-year reign as state girls champion, as the Rattlers bested the Raiders 90-67.

Ireland completes her stellar prep career with 11 individual state titles to go with her team trophy.

"She had that willingness to be the best athlete she can," Germany said. "She just refused to lose."

Redden, who will join Ireland on the University of Alabama track team next year, raced to victories in the 100 and 200 meters to help pace the Rattlers' 106-56 win over second-place Reed.

For Redden, who passed on the chance to earn another gold medal in a relay to allow a teammate to take his spot on the winning team, leaves Mojave with five individual titles.

"He was an unselfish athlete," Germany said. "He did it all for his team, and as a result they're state champions."

Also winning gold medals for the Rattlers over the weekend were Elijah Smith (high jump), Jarquan George (800) and the boys relay teams in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 meters. The team also got contributions from several others, including James McSwain and Tory Hall on the boys side and Tia Barginear and Tricia Floyd for the girls.

"We wanted a team concept, and all of our individuals were team oriented," Germany said. "They knew when they want to state that every point counts."

Germany leaves coaching after working at several area high schools and middle schools, including Western, Rancho and Bonanza. He also coached track at UNLV and worked with world-class athletes at the 1995 Olympic Festival in Colorado and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.