The group of Alejandro Navarrete, Daniel Carter, Ryan Keren and Aiden Roman were PTC champions in the 4×800 last season.

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The high school boys track and field preview for the Mogadore Wildcats’ 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Mike Murphy.

Coaching Staff: Nick Page, Ann Murphy, Jimmy Woods.

State Qualifiers: Mason Murphy, high jump.

Returning Lettermen (20): Nathan Archibald, sr.; Seth Baglia, sr.; Daniel Carter, sr.; Jonathan Cumberlidge, sr.; Sam Hiner, jr.; Ryan Keren, jr.; Ethan King, sr.; Corey Lehner, jr.; Aiden Leslie, sr.; Robert Loughney, jr.; Lonnie Massey, jr.; Tristan McCaman, soph.; Alejandro Navarrete, sr.; Dante Navarrete, soph.; Kasey Pruitt, soph.; Aiden Roman, sr.; Anthony Schwind, jr.; Jonathan Snavely, soph.; Andrew Wagner, sr.; Landon Wicks, sr.

Lettermen Lost (3): Mason Murphy, Aiden Honey, Logan Stonestreet.

Team Captains: Nathan Archibald, Seth Baglia, Daniel Carter, Jonathan Cumberlidge, Ethan King, Aiden Leslie, Alejandro Navarrete, Andrew Wagner, Aiden Roman, Landon Wicks.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We return the core group of runners and throwers from last year and look to build on the success from last year, both on the girls side and boys,” Kim Kreiner said. “And with the addition of some very eager freshmen, this will be a very exciting year for the Wildcats.”

SPRINTERS

The Wildcats’ lineup will be filled out by freshmen Jason Garvin, Mason King, Hunter McElwain and Joshua Taylor, sophomore Kasey Pruitt, juniors Corey Lehner and Anthony Schwind and senior Ethan King.

Junior Robert Loughy will compete in the seated sprints for the Wildcats.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

A large group highlight the distance events for the Wildcats, including freshmen Preston Pierce, Cole Barcus and Cameron Brade, sophomore Dante Navarrete, junior Ryan Here and seniors Aiden Roman, Alejandro Navarrete, Nathan Archibald, Daniel Carter and Jon Cumberlidge.

FIELD EVENTS

Throwers and jumpers include freshmen Michael Baum and Matthew Trusty, sophomores Tristan McCaman and Jonathan Snavey, juniors Sam Hiner and Lonnie Massey, along with seniors Seth Baglia, Aiden Leslie, Andrew Wagner and Landon Wicks.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

“Everyone knows how successful and what a fun season we had last year, and they are hungry to do even better this year,” Kim Kreiner said. “This should be a very fun and successful season for the Wildcats.

“With our returning letter winners on both the boys and girls side, and a great group of underclassmen, both teams should be solid from sprints to distance,” Kreiner added. “And the field-event groups have been putting in some great work to be sure to leave their mark on the season as well.”

SCHEDULE

March 28: at Middlefield Cardinal

March 30: vs. Ellet

April 11: vs. Lake Center Christian

April 14: at Sandy Valley Lidderdale Invitational

April 18: vs. Southeast

April 20: vs. Coventry

April 25: vs. St. Thomas Aquinas

April 28: Wildcat Invitational

May 2: at Rootstown

May 5: at Norwayne

May 10: PTC Championship (at Mogadore)

May 12: PTC Championship (at Mogadore)