It's hard to improve on perfection, but that's exactly what the Weedsport boy's track and field team would like to do this season.
Jill Connor / The Citizen
JMoravia's Jason Phillips, left, and Weedsport's Mike Greer, right, compete in the 1600m in a track and field meet in Weedsport Wednesday. Phillips and Greer are two of the top distance runners in the area.
JMoravia's Jason Phillips, left, and Weedsport's Mike Greer, right, compete in the 1600m in a track and field meet in Weedsport Wednesday. Phillips and Greer are two of the top distance runners in the area.
After losing just a couple of big-time athletes in Sean Daly and Nick Van Wie, the Warriors could likely repeat their 7-0 overall record (6-0 in the league) and Section III, Class C-2 title.
Weedsport returns a deep roster, which includes Zach Nevidomsky, who won sectionals in the 110 high hurdles, long jump and high jump, as well as Zach Brown (distance), Jim Bos (400m, 800m), Zach Stevens (shot put, discus), Mike Greer (distance), Zach Field, Oliver Jordan, Jake Ekross (shot put, discus) and Craig Mietz (sprints). Sean Ashby and Dominic Galletta are among the newcomers that will add to the Warriors' talent this season.
With over 20 upperclassmen on the squad, Weedsport is loaded with experience - which should scare the rest of the OHSL Patriot National League. The Warriors have won seven sectional titles in the last 10 years, but they're not looking past the league just yet. Their home meet against Pulaski on April 30 is the one to highlight on the schedule - as it could decide the league.
“We should be favored to win the league championship once again,” said Weedsport's second-year head coach Roger Jordan. “We'll battle West Canada Valley for out fifth straight sectional tile, but West Canada will be a tough team to beat.”
Auburn Maroons
Losing two of Auburn's best athletes won't deter the Maroons this season. Despite departures of Chris Mason and Ray Richardson, Auburn remains hopeful it will send a handful of athletes to the state meet in June. The Maroons, while stocked with depth, have over 15 new athletes this season.
“We have a great influx of football players and swimmers that bring a tremendous work ethic to the team,” Maroons coach Bill Allan said. “The possibilities are endless for us right now. Trying to find where each athlete will benefit the team most is our toughest decision at this point.”
Junior Rob Culver and senior Scott Garrett, who was recently offered a Division I scholarship to run at George Washington, will anchor a strong distance unit.
“Even with the significant losses in athletes due to graduation, we have somehow been able to maintain our distance program,” Allan said. “Many newcomers have stepped up to the challenge of distance running.”
Junior Matt Clark finished 15th in the long jump in the 2008 New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships and looks to head up a good field unit, as well. Senior Lamar Henry should lead the sprinters.
In a tough CNYCL league in which he Maroons came in with a 4-2 record last season, Auburn could finish on either end of the spectrum.
“Depending on how quickly our athletes learn, we could finish near the top or the bottom,” Allan said. “We are developing into a very well-rounded team. I don't know that I have ever had a team of boys with such character together at one time. It should be a special year.”
Cato-Meridian Blue Devils
This year's Blue Devils could surprise some teams, especially in a tough OHSL Patriot National league with Weedsport, Pulaski, Port Byron and Bishop Grimes.
After hovering around .500 for the last several years, this season's team has put together a strong mix of deep track and field participants, with a good amount of veterans to lead the group. Graduated are strong athletes Sean Peckham and Nate Modafferi, but returning are senior sprinters Andrew Gillis and John Murphy, who figure to take over the leadership roles.
Both Gillis and Murphy ran on the state qualifying 4x100 relay team. The Blue Devils also boast a healthy dose of sophomores and freshman distance runners, which will only help the team down the stretch.
“Last year, we were hurting for distance runners,” Blue Devils coach Charlie Balog said. “So with the young distance boys ready to go, we'll be competitive.”
Jordan-Elbridge Eagles
With a winning 2007 record, the Eagles look to finish in the middle to upper part of he OHSL Liberty league, which also includes Skaneateles.
The Eagles finished 5-3 last season and return Jeff Donohue (mid-distance), Jake Griffin (sprints), Donato DiRenzo (mid-distance) and Pat Cooper (throws).
In his 14th season coaching the Eagles, Todd Wolfanger welcomes several newcomers to the team, including freshman Greg Bader, who will compete in mid-distance events, and sophomore Jason Jodway, who figures to give the Eagles depth in the field events. With a strong mid-distance core, Jordan-Elbridge has the potential for another solid season.
The team opens its season with the second Jordan-Elbridge Invitational April 19.
Moravia Blue Devils
With only five members of the team, the Blue Devils won't be winning any meets this season. The win column won't be what measures the talent of the team, however. Though void of seniors this year, Moravia gets a big boost from juniors Jason Phillips and Logan Crandall. Phillips will give the Blue Devils an instant advantage in distance events, as he has proved many times to be a force during the cross country season. Crandall looks to display his strength in the throws.
“With so few athletes, we will be focusing on individual improvement and goals,” Moravia coach Jan Hunsinger said.
Port Byron Panthers
Rounding out an OHSL Patriot National league littered with local teams, the Panthers look to improve on a 2007 2-6 league record and overall one of 3-6.
Christian Cobb (1,600m, 3,200m) and Steve Cuff (400m) return to lead a young, but dedicated Panthers team. Port Byron's strengths lie in the distance events, which include mid-distance, but they may struggle in the field events.
Zac Green joins the team this year after an impressive wrestling season and will likely make an impact in the sprints. With hard work, Port Byron will be competitive in every meet.
Skaneateles Lakers
The Lakers are concentrating on team goals rather than the individual this season. With the largest team the Lakers have had in over a decade, 49 members, they are fortunate to have athletes who can compete in just about all the events.
“They have a very strong work ethic,” Lakers head coach Jack Reed said. “It makes coaching a joy. This year we will hopefully be competitive.”
The biggest returning runner to watch this season will be senior Shane Aaserud who was the indoor sectional champion this past season.
Also returning to the team is Calvin Davis, a sophomore who runs a mile in 4:42, Sam Smolenski, a strong mid-distance runner and Ken Dean, both seniors, Patrick Rooney, a junior and Tim Wetzel.
As for newcomers, Reed says that it is hard to put his finger on who will be the ones to watch this season just yet but they are confident in Sean Cooper who was named all-league for indoor track and field in the 110 high hurdles.
“It's hard to tell at this point in the season because I have to find out who is a gamer and may not be so great in practice and vice versa,” Reed said. “We have strength in the pole vault, triple jump and big boys in shot and discus that need to be able to get outside and practice soon. Our weakness is in our sprints but we can probably put together decent relays since the sprinters seem better collectively than individually.”
This is most likely Reed's last season as head coach for the Lakers and he is hoping for a successful one.
The OHSL Liberty league is a tough division with a lot of talented teams that are consistently good, the toughest to beat though may be Solvay.
“There's a lot of parity behind Solvay,” Reed said. “The Bearcats will roll this year - again - behind the leadership of the 'Westside Wizard,' Matt Shutts. About 80 percent of our team is rookies this season so everything will depend on development.”
Southern Cayuga Chiefs
The Chiefs, though thin, return several athletes that qualified for the Section IV championships. Evan Bassett leads a good group of mid-distance runners in the 800m and 1,600m races. Bassett, Antonio Rejman and Tony Rejman return from one of the strongest 4x400 relays that the school has had in quite awhile. Rounding out a solid senior group for the Chiefs are Jon Mosher, Andrew Dean and thrower Adam Mandel. JD Tyrell returns for his second season and also has the potential to shine.
Adding to the Chiefs' roster this year are Stephen Townsend (sprints, jumps) Griffon Farlow, Ryan Barta, Joe Troy and Jeremy Marsh.
With an open IAC this season, the Chiefs can finish better than last season's ninth (out of 18 teams).
“Our numbers are low, but we have a focused and determined group, with an experienced core,” Chiefs coach Bill Mullarney said. “As ever, one of our main goals will be to qualify as many as we can for the Section IV Championship at he end of the season. Our 4x4 and 4x1 relays could be as good as we have had in years and Evan Bassett is working toward late-season success. We will pick our spots at bigger meets.”
Union Springs Wolves
After its initial meet this season against Newfield on April 22, Union Springs will host it's first invitational on April 25. The Wolves should get a strong showing from their own athletes.
Led by reigning Section IV high jump champ Mike Howell, Union Springs has a big roster, though many athletes are new to the team.
Vinnie Salato (sprints) and Joel Terry (distance) will help lead the young team in a wide-open IAC. Freshman JP Garropy (triple jump, hurdles) and junior Scott Wood (hurdles) are among the team's strongest additions.
“We look to be competitive in every meet,” Wolves coach Mark Gaffney said.
Weedsport returns a deep roster, which includes Zach Nevidomsky, who won sectionals in the 110 high hurdles, long jump and high jump, as well as Zach Brown (distance), Jim Bos (400m, 800m), Zach Stevens (shot put, discus), Mike Greer (distance), Zach Field, Oliver Jordan, Jake Ekross (shot put, discus) and Craig Mietz (sprints). Sean Ashby and Dominic Galletta are among the newcomers that will add to the Warriors' talent this season.
With over 20 upperclassmen on the squad, Weedsport is loaded with experience - which should scare the rest of the OHSL Patriot National League. The Warriors have won seven sectional titles in the last 10 years, but they're not looking past the league just yet. Their home meet against Pulaski on April 30 is the one to highlight on the schedule - as it could decide the league.
“We should be favored to win the league championship once again,” said Weedsport's second-year head coach Roger Jordan. “We'll battle West Canada Valley for out fifth straight sectional tile, but West Canada will be a tough team to beat.”
Auburn Maroons
Losing two of Auburn's best athletes won't deter the Maroons this season. Despite departures of Chris Mason and Ray Richardson, Auburn remains hopeful it will send a handful of athletes to the state meet in June. The Maroons, while stocked with depth, have over 15 new athletes this season.
“We have a great influx of football players and swimmers that bring a tremendous work ethic to the team,” Maroons coach Bill Allan said. “The possibilities are endless for us right now. Trying to find where each athlete will benefit the team most is our toughest decision at this point.”
Junior Rob Culver and senior Scott Garrett, who was recently offered a Division I scholarship to run at George Washington, will anchor a strong distance unit.
“Even with the significant losses in athletes due to graduation, we have somehow been able to maintain our distance program,” Allan said. “Many newcomers have stepped up to the challenge of distance running.”
Junior Matt Clark finished 15th in the long jump in the 2008 New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships and looks to head up a good field unit, as well. Senior Lamar Henry should lead the sprinters.
In a tough CNYCL league in which he Maroons came in with a 4-2 record last season, Auburn could finish on either end of the spectrum.
“Depending on how quickly our athletes learn, we could finish near the top or the bottom,” Allan said. “We are developing into a very well-rounded team. I don't know that I have ever had a team of boys with such character together at one time. It should be a special year.”
Cato-Meridian Blue Devils
This year's Blue Devils could surprise some teams, especially in a tough OHSL Patriot National league with Weedsport, Pulaski, Port Byron and Bishop Grimes.
After hovering around .500 for the last several years, this season's team has put together a strong mix of deep track and field participants, with a good amount of veterans to lead the group. Graduated are strong athletes Sean Peckham and Nate Modafferi, but returning are senior sprinters Andrew Gillis and John Murphy, who figure to take over the leadership roles.
Both Gillis and Murphy ran on the state qualifying 4x100 relay team. The Blue Devils also boast a healthy dose of sophomores and freshman distance runners, which will only help the team down the stretch.
“Last year, we were hurting for distance runners,” Blue Devils coach Charlie Balog said. “So with the young distance boys ready to go, we'll be competitive.”
Jordan-Elbridge Eagles
With a winning 2007 record, the Eagles look to finish in the middle to upper part of he OHSL Liberty league, which also includes Skaneateles.
The Eagles finished 5-3 last season and return Jeff Donohue (mid-distance), Jake Griffin (sprints), Donato DiRenzo (mid-distance) and Pat Cooper (throws).
In his 14th season coaching the Eagles, Todd Wolfanger welcomes several newcomers to the team, including freshman Greg Bader, who will compete in mid-distance events, and sophomore Jason Jodway, who figures to give the Eagles depth in the field events. With a strong mid-distance core, Jordan-Elbridge has the potential for another solid season.
The team opens its season with the second Jordan-Elbridge Invitational April 19.
Moravia Blue Devils
With only five members of the team, the Blue Devils won't be winning any meets this season. The win column won't be what measures the talent of the team, however. Though void of seniors this year, Moravia gets a big boost from juniors Jason Phillips and Logan Crandall. Phillips will give the Blue Devils an instant advantage in distance events, as he has proved many times to be a force during the cross country season. Crandall looks to display his strength in the throws.
“With so few athletes, we will be focusing on individual improvement and goals,” Moravia coach Jan Hunsinger said.
Port Byron Panthers
Rounding out an OHSL Patriot National league littered with local teams, the Panthers look to improve on a 2007 2-6 league record and overall one of 3-6.
Christian Cobb (1,600m, 3,200m) and Steve Cuff (400m) return to lead a young, but dedicated Panthers team. Port Byron's strengths lie in the distance events, which include mid-distance, but they may struggle in the field events.
Zac Green joins the team this year after an impressive wrestling season and will likely make an impact in the sprints. With hard work, Port Byron will be competitive in every meet.
Skaneateles Lakers
The Lakers are concentrating on team goals rather than the individual this season. With the largest team the Lakers have had in over a decade, 49 members, they are fortunate to have athletes who can compete in just about all the events.
“They have a very strong work ethic,” Lakers head coach Jack Reed said. “It makes coaching a joy. This year we will hopefully be competitive.”
The biggest returning runner to watch this season will be senior Shane Aaserud who was the indoor sectional champion this past season.
Also returning to the team is Calvin Davis, a sophomore who runs a mile in 4:42, Sam Smolenski, a strong mid-distance runner and Ken Dean, both seniors, Patrick Rooney, a junior and Tim Wetzel.
As for newcomers, Reed says that it is hard to put his finger on who will be the ones to watch this season just yet but they are confident in Sean Cooper who was named all-league for indoor track and field in the 110 high hurdles.
“It's hard to tell at this point in the season because I have to find out who is a gamer and may not be so great in practice and vice versa,” Reed said. “We have strength in the pole vault, triple jump and big boys in shot and discus that need to be able to get outside and practice soon. Our weakness is in our sprints but we can probably put together decent relays since the sprinters seem better collectively than individually.”
This is most likely Reed's last season as head coach for the Lakers and he is hoping for a successful one.
The OHSL Liberty league is a tough division with a lot of talented teams that are consistently good, the toughest to beat though may be Solvay.
“There's a lot of parity behind Solvay,” Reed said. “The Bearcats will roll this year - again - behind the leadership of the 'Westside Wizard,' Matt Shutts. About 80 percent of our team is rookies this season so everything will depend on development.”
Southern Cayuga Chiefs
The Chiefs, though thin, return several athletes that qualified for the Section IV championships. Evan Bassett leads a good group of mid-distance runners in the 800m and 1,600m races. Bassett, Antonio Rejman and Tony Rejman return from one of the strongest 4x400 relays that the school has had in quite awhile. Rounding out a solid senior group for the Chiefs are Jon Mosher, Andrew Dean and thrower Adam Mandel. JD Tyrell returns for his second season and also has the potential to shine.
Adding to the Chiefs' roster this year are Stephen Townsend (sprints, jumps) Griffon Farlow, Ryan Barta, Joe Troy and Jeremy Marsh.
With an open IAC this season, the Chiefs can finish better than last season's ninth (out of 18 teams).
“Our numbers are low, but we have a focused and determined group, with an experienced core,” Chiefs coach Bill Mullarney said. “As ever, one of our main goals will be to qualify as many as we can for the Section IV Championship at he end of the season. Our 4x4 and 4x1 relays could be as good as we have had in years and Evan Bassett is working toward late-season success. We will pick our spots at bigger meets.”
Union Springs Wolves
After its initial meet this season against Newfield on April 22, Union Springs will host it's first invitational on April 25. The Wolves should get a strong showing from their own athletes.
Led by reigning Section IV high jump champ Mike Howell, Union Springs has a big roster, though many athletes are new to the team.
Vinnie Salato (sprints) and Joel Terry (distance) will help lead the young team in a wide-open IAC. Freshman JP Garropy (triple jump, hurdles) and junior Scott Wood (hurdles) are among the team's strongest additions.
“We look to be competitive in every meet,” Wolves coach Mark Gaffney said.
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