By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The high school boys track and field preview for the Crestwood Red Devils for their upcoming 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Josh Jakacki, 7th year.

Coaching Staff: Karlie Lieberth (distance), Jack Blasiole (sprints, blocks), Jake Lieberth (shot put and discus), Jim Schweickert (high jump).

2022 Record: 4-0 dual meets; 4th at Cardinal Invitational; 4th at Don Fair Invitational; 4th at Aurora Invitation; 4th overall in Chagrin Valley Conference.

2022 State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Lettermen (14): Henry Hoover, sr.; Hunter Yoder, sr.; Josh Delaney, jr.; Hans Siebold, jr.; Grayson Sanwold, jr.; Nate Blasiole, soph.; Dan Doering, soph.; James Durham, soph.; Jonah Kristof, soph.; Oscar Russo, soph.; Mason Saterlee, soph.; Augie Schweickert, soph.; Kevin Vechery, soph.; Cayden Wurm, soph.

Lettermen Lost (3): Louie Blasiole, Aidan Gutglueck, Kay Hickin.

Team Captains: Henry Hoover, Nate Blasiole.

Underclassmen to Watch: Austin Wurm, fresh.; Jake Eyerman, fresh.; Sam Roosa, fresh.; Garrett Conner, fresh.; Bryce Giel, soph.; Charli Schweickert, jr.; Jimmy Peters, jr.; Ayden Long, soph.; Damien Richards, fresh.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We have better numbers and the athletes have really attacked the workouts during our base phase of training,” Jakacki said. “They have hit their times in training and pushing through the workouts. We have some quality runners and our throwers (16 boys) give us a presence in those events.

“We are still missing a few athletes in the long jump, but, collectively, we should field a more balanced lineup. We are excited to see their times in May,” Jakacki added.

RUNNERS

Sophomore Nate Blasiole will run the 100, 200, 400, as well as compete in the 4×200 and 4×400.

“Nate had a great freshman season and performed well in the CVC and districts,” Jakacki said. “He has looked very strong and comfortable thus far. We relooking forward to a big season.”

Senior Henry Hoover will run in the 400, 800, 1,600 and the 4×800.

“Henry had a nice indoor season and is in great shape,” Jakacki said. “Mentally, he is in a good spot as well. He is primed for a huge year, and we are excited to see where he’s at come May.”

Sophomore James Durham will run the 110 and 300 hurdles.

“He has looked very good in the early portions. Physically, he has started to grow into his body and is in good shape,” Jakacki said. “His technique is improving, and he should improve on the top-eight finish he had at the CVC tournament last year.”

Sophomore Mason Saterlee will also run the 110 and 300 hurdles.

“He takes well to coaching, has bought into his training and is primed for a big year.”

Sophomore Augie Schweickert will run the 800 and 1,600 meters.

“He is a super competitive and ambitious runner. He has looked great and pushed to hit all of his pace times thus far. He has the ability to do some great things on the track.”

Junior Grayson Sanwald, sophomore Kevin Vechery and junior Josh Delaney will all complete in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

“Grayson works diligently to hit his paced times and as a returner, he has the potential to score in many meets.

“Kevin has the potential to have a breakout year. He ran well for us a year ago, has nice speed and is coming off a nice cross country and indoor season.

“Josh has shown good potential and ran well for us last year. He is a veteran presence, who is versatile and can fill many spots if needed.”

Additionally, Hans Siebold, Oscar Russo, Caden Wurm are all returning lettermen that can fill in a variety of roles for the Red Devils, while foreign-exchange students Francesco Gasparini and Guillermo Lopez are “both working hard and are making positive strides,” according to Jakacki.

FIELD EVENTS

Hunter Yoder will compete in the high jump and discus. His bests last year included 6-feet in the high jump and 121 feet, 3 inches in the discus.

“He has good potential and should be the leader of this young group of athletes,” Jakacki said.

Dan Doering, Jake Eyerman, Sam Roosa, Cory Barnauskas and Angelo Dinardo will all compete in the shot put and discus.

“Dan has added strength and has looked strong in the early part of the season. Jake and Sam have also both impressed early. Cory is an emerging thrower and has good potential. Angelo, like many of our throwers, is also showing good potential.”

Austin Wurm will also compete in the high jump and has “shown good ability,” according to Jakacki.

Freshman Zach Maynard is also in the mix.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“The athletes have really pushed hard thus far and have shown that they want to improve,” Jakacki said. “They are hard working and conscientious of their splits and times. Collectively, across the board, they have worked really hard, which gives us great optimism as we proceed through March and April and into the championship season of May.

“The fact we have more throwers is a plus. Our distance group, led by Hoover, and sprints by Blasiole, give us a lot of optimism.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“Our lack of depth in high jump and long jump,” Jakacki said. “Our lineup will continue to evolve as the team continues to get into shape, and we can identify each other’s strengths.”

SCHEDULE

March 28: vs. Southeast

April 1: at Cardinal Invitational

April 4: vs. Rootstown, Berkshire

April 8: Don Faix Invitational

April 14: at Aurora Invitational

April 19: vs. Kirtland

April 21: at East Palestine Relays

April 25: at Cardinal, Osborne

May 2: at Independence

May 6: at Woodridge Wrap Up

May 9: at CVC Tournament (at Berkshire)

May 11: at CVC Tournament (at Berkshire)