By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school boys track and field previews for the 2025 season:

AURORA GREENMEN

Head Coach: Chris Radtke, 9th year.

Coaching Staff: Mark Dingman, throws; Brendan Gallagher, sprints; Dave Kindall, distance; Alexus Loze, pole vault; Tom Nalepa, sprints and jumps; Jenna Schadle, throws; Megan Watt, distance.

2024 Record: 3-1 Suburban League American Division; 3rd at Suburban League Championships.

Returning Lettermen (16): Colin Dockman, sr.; Peyton Duguay, sr.; Connor Flynn, sr.; Zack Ploskunak, sr.; Athan Salgado, sr.; Ishaan Shaik, sr.; Nathan Eminian, jr.; Luke Geyer, jr.; Dorian Gooden, jr.; Josh Guzy, jr.; Quincy John, jr.; Evan Radzanowski, jr.; Carson Aardema, soph.; Cooper Ertle, soph.; Gui Goedert, soph.; Luke McGovern, soph.

Lettermen Lost (6): Alex Hanff, Tommy Ploskunak, Jaxson Rhea, Leonel Sesuraj, Andrew Snyder, Robbie Will.

Season Outlook: “We are gearing up for an outstanding season, driven by a group of skillful and fast returning athletes, who are ready to lead the charge with their dedication and commitment to excellence,” Radtke said. “We will embrace the energy of a younger team this year, with many of our underclassmen poised to shine after gaining valuable experience last season. Their growth and determination will add the depth needed to compete in the always challenging Suburban League. What’s especially exciting this season is a shift in leadership. For the first time in years, our sprinters and sprint relays are taking center stage.

“With speed, teamwork and a relentless drive, this group is ready to make a big impact. Couple that with our returning varsity distance runners, jumpers and throwers, and the future looks bright. We can’t wait to see what this team achieves.”

Sprinters: Salgado is a vital piece, bringing both talent and purpose to the track. He will compete in the 4×400, 4×200 and the open 400.

“What truly sets Athan apart is his unmatched enthusiasm and positive leadership that inspires his teammates and elevates the entire team.”

Shaik made a significant impact last year, showcasing speed and reliability.

Geyer showed potential last year in the short sprints, even though he was plagued by injuries throughout the season.

John ran at an MVP level last year. He not only led the team in points, but also in “passion and positivity,” according to Radtke.

“His infectious love for track and constant smile uplift everyone around him. He is a fierce competitor.”

Radzanowski emerged as a standout in the 400 a year ago and will also run a leg in the highly competitive 4×4 team.

McGovern returns for his sophomore year after winning the league championship in the 100 meters last year.

“His speed, power, work ethic and an uncompromising competitiveness will undoubtedly make waves again this season.”

Distance: Flynn is a standout in the 800 and 400, where his speed and endurance shine through.

Ploskunak will be a team asset in the longer-distance races.

Eminian has earned the nickname “Beast” after an impressive year in cross country.

“His unmatched work ethic, boundless energy and passion for the sport make him one to watch this season.”

Junior Nick Felice “brings discipline to every workout and every race,” according to Radtke.

“He will provide us with depth in the distance races.”

Field Events: Dockman discovered a passion for the pole vault late in his career, but has quickly propelled himself to be the team’s No. 2 athlete in the event. He will also compete in the high jump.

Gooden provided some “eye-popping” performances in the long jump last year, using his speed and athleticism to position himself as a contender. He will also be included in relays and sprints.

Underclassmen to Watch: Carson Aardema, soph.; Cooper Ertle, soph.; Gui Goedert, soph.; Jacoby Schadle, fresh.

Source of Optimism: “Every season, I’m inspired by the relentless determination and work ethic of the young men. Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, limiting our time on the track in the preseason, the drive and commitment remains unwavering. We’re confident that our progress will continue to build, regardless of the challenges.”

Cause for Concern: “We have a challenge: How do we best harness the incredible potential of a young and ambitious team hungry to rewrite the record books? While their eagerness is a strength, we must emphasize the importance of patient, incremental progress.”

CRESTWOOD RED DEVILS

Head Coach: Jack Blasiole, 3rd year.

Coaching Staff: Jake Lieberth, throws; Tom Divis, sprints; Jim Schweickert, assistant.

2024 Record: 1st at Chagrin Valley Conference Championships.

Returning Lettermen (11): Nate Blasiole, Augie Schweickert, James Durham, Sam Russo, Dan Doering, Keven Vechery, Gio Brock, Angelo Dinardo, Austin Wurm, Damien Richards, Garrett Byers.

Lettermen Lost (3): Charlie Schweickert, Hans Seibold, Grayson Sanwald.

Season Outlook: “We are very optimistic about this season,” Blasiole said. “We have some very experienced lettermen returning. We also are bringing in a big group of freshmen, who are acclimating to our system and will add great depth for our team.

“We hope to repeat as CVC champs this year. As far as the state meet, we have a couple kids who could make a run with hard work and dedication. Our strength will be our willingness to get better and buy into the training — and our older athletes helping the younger ones adjust. Our weakness will probably be our youth, but that being said, do not underestimate their grit and determination.”

Sprinters: Blasiole, Brock, Wurm and Durham highlight the group.

“These guys have been putting in the time and want to repeat as CVC champs.”

Durham set a new school record in the 110 hurdles last year and was also an individual champion in the event, as well as in the 300 hurdles.

Blasiole and Wurm were members of the team’s league-champion 4×400 relay team.

For Brock, Blasiole said he “expects big things from him.”

Distance: Schweickert will become a four-year letterman and was the league champion in the CVC last year in the 800, as well as a member of the title-winning 4×800 relay team.

“He always has a positive attitude and is always willing to go the extra mile during practice.”

Byers has continued to put in the hard work and now finds himself in the front of the pack during preseason practices.

“He always has a positive attitude and never complains about the workouts or the runs. He is going to be a huge contributor this season, and we are looking forward to watching him run.”

Vechery will be a key member of relay groups and will also run in the 3,200.

“He is one of our runners who we can place in any event from the 400 to the 3,200, and he will give it his all. He never walks off the track and says he could have ran harder.”

Field Events: Doering returns as the team’s top thrower after winning a district title in the shot put last year, while also being the district runner-up in the shot put.

He went on to place eighth at the regional event.

“Dan has continuously gotten stronger and should have a great senior year.”

Dinardo will also be in the mix.

“He worked very hard during the off-season, and I think he will have a great year in the discus for us.”

Junior Sam Roosa has improved and will compete in the shot put.

Freshman Bryce Mager has “really transformed his technique,” according to Blasiole, who also said he is “looking forward to his growth.”

In the high jump, Wurm placed second at the league meet.

“He put in a lot of work over the summer, so we are looking for him to have a great year.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Gio Brock, Jack Patton.

Source of Optimism: “We have a lot of returning strong athletes who placed at the league meet. We know this group will take the underclassmen under their wings and help guide them.”

Cause for Concern: “We don’t have the numbers we had last year, which puts limitations on our depth.”

FIELD FALCONS

Head Coach: Ed Conroy.

Coaching Staff: James Dutched, Levi Miller, George Wetzel.

2024 Record: 6-1 overall; 2nd at Metro Athletic Conference Championships; 2nd at Salem District.

State Qualifiers: Trevor Dixon, high jump and long jump; Lucas Pollard, 300 hurdles; Logan Border, 110 hurdles; Sean Silk, 1,600 meters; 4×800 relay (Sean Silk, Billy Silk, Evan Pruszynski, Lucas Pollard).

Returning Lettermen (16): Lucas Pollard, Camden Rodeschi, Mason Wetzel, Parker Shutty, Zane Burger, Isaac Czaplicki, Michael Church, Joey Guyette, Trevor Dixon, Cedric Martin, Evan Pruszynski, Mason Prusha, Wyatt Rahe, Logan Border, Tyson Panther, Tristan Hogan.

Lettermen Lost (3): Brady McCoy, Sean Silk, Billy Silk.

Season Outlook: “We have a team with a great deal of young athletes,” Conroy said. “Our throwers will be very strong, also our high jump and long jump, along with our distance team and relays. Coach Dutched has a large sprint group, which will require time to find the athletes who earn their spot on the 4×100 and 4×200. I am confident these boys will compete well in our league this season.”

Sprints: Martin is a spotlight performer. He will be an asset in all of the relays and placed fourth overall at the league meet last year in the 200 meters.

Pollard and Border both qualified for the state tournament in hurdle events a year ago.

Pollard placed sixth overall at the state championships in the 300 hurdles. He also won the league championship in the event.

Border, returning for his sophomore year, was a league runner-up in the 110 hurdles last year at the MAC Championships.

“I am excited to see how both Lucas and Logan do this season,” Conroy said. “They are both hard-working athletes who are always working together to be better.”

Distance: Shutty, who is now a two-time state qualifier in cross country, will lead the distance group.

He will help the team in both the 1,600 and 3,23 meters.

Hogan, who is recovering from knee surgery, nearly went below 2 minutes last year in the 800 meters as a freshman.

“He is a very talented athlete who will be needed throughout the entire season.”

Conroy believes that only health could impact the team’s success in the 4×8, with a group consisting of Pruszynski, Pollard, Shutty and Hogan.

Field Events: Radeschi returns after a big year in 2024. He won the league title in the discus, was second at the league meet in the shot put and second at the Salem District to advance to the Austintown Regional.

Wetzel will also be a competitive thrower.

Dixon was a state-qualifier in the high jump last year and set a personal record at the state championships, clearing the bar at 6-foot-6 to finish fourth in the state.

Underclassmen to Watch: Wisem Abukhaled, Jonathon Aranda, Keith Dilworth, Noah Ellington, Neo Moton, Noah Scherer, Shimon Smith, Blair Reichley, Braylan Rufener, Sean Green, Kiedis Hottensmith.

GARFIELD G-MEN

Head Coach: Matt Pfleger, 4th year.

Coaching Staff: Jim Pfleger, Kelliann Fry, Trey Shirkey.

2024 Record: 1st at Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Championships.

State Qualifiers: Conner Hunt, 100 seated, 400 seated and 800 seated.

Returning Lettermen (16): Gavin Barnard, Derek Blunk, Nick Edic, Aaron Evans, Simon Fergis, Michael Huebner, Conner Hunt, Daniel Kepich, Collin McGrannahan, Richie Shakelford, William Simon, Emery Simones, Dakota Stanley, Derik Stanley, Oliver Walker, Abraham Wohlever.

Lettermen Lost (7): Deacon Summer, Christian Gallagher, Keegan Sell, Jon Wiczen, Leo Grandizio, Aaron Rodhe, Vince Yukich.

Season Outlook: “We lost a lot of key performers from last year, but we are excited to see what the guys will be able to do. We still have a lot of returning athletes that will be able to step up and do great things this season. We also have some new athletes coming out this season who should be great additions to our team.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Cole Porter, Ryan Stonestreet, Aaron Evans, Abe Wohlever, Jack Timmons, Gavin Barnard, Ryder Cain, Mac Haney, Devin Bates, Collin McGranahan.

KENT ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS

Head Coach: Andrew Murray, 2nd year.

Coaching Staff: Richard Parham, jumps; Al Ehlert, throws; John-Michael Wiegel, sprints.

2024 Record: 6th at Suburban League American Division Championships.

Returning Lettermen (9): Jaiden Portis, Carter Slack, Kyle Mcqueen, Cor Asp, Carter Stevenson, Braylon Hawthorne, Justin Green, Jaheim Shepard, Dean Foster.

Season Outlook: “We’re very excited about the season ahead,” Murray said. “We have a very well-balanced team, with one or two athletes who can be very competitive in every single event. We lost very few seniors and still have a team that’s primarily made up of juniors and other underclassmen. Athletes have put in a good off-season.”

Sprinters: The group will be spotlighted by Carter Slack, Braylon Hawthorne, Cor Asp, Justin Green and Jaiden Portis.

Underclassmen to Watch: Hasim White, Maki Jones, Josiah Atanga.

MOGADORE WILDCATS

Head Coach: Matt Bogner, 3rd year.

Coaching Staff: Ann Murphy, Mike Murphy, Jimmy Woods.

Returning Lettermen (8): Cole Barcus, Cameron Brady, Kaden Dempsey, Jason Gavin, Dante Navarette, Kayden Smith, Shayne Thomas, Matthew Trusky.

Lettermen Lost (4): Zeke Cameron, Ryan Keren, Jude Leeser, Anthony Schwind.

Season Outlook: “We are young, but want to prove that we are a strong program,” Bogner said. “Our girls and boys have been dominant in multiple sports over the years, and we have the student-athletes that have amazing potential. We want to prove that this program is a component of a school where you should send your kids.”

Sprinters: Barcus, Garvin, Brevin Hiney, Judd Jones and Quarviyon Siggers will all be leaders in the sprinting group.

“Cole is self determined and has great potential. Jason is an awesome kid, who is hungry to qualify for state. Brevin is also self determined and has great potential.”

Distance: The top performer is Cameron Brady, who has caught the attention of his coach.

“His goal is to get to state. He is one of the hardest-working kids I have seen in my teaching and coaching career.”

Navarette, along with Ayden Hartung and Tommy McEwen, will also be contributors.

Field Events: The team has depth, with Garvin returning after qualifying for regionals last year in the long jump.

“He works incredibly hard.”

Throwers include Colton Baker, Kaden Dempsey, Everett Massey, Kayden Smith, Shayne Thomas, Eli Whetstone, Sam Wyatt and Trusky.

The high jumpers are Camden Ludwig and Jones.

Source of Optimism: “We are young, but our athletes have the work ethic and drive to make us successful.”

Cause for Concern: “Again, we are young, with a smaller roster than previous years, but the athletes we have desire to be their best and represent the Mogadore Wildcats community.”

RAVENNA RAVENS

Head Coach: Laddie Fair, 13th year, 74-38 career record.

Coaching Staff: Xavier McShan, Caleb Richards, Marc Talley, DaVon Coman, Ceon Kelly.

2024 Record: 6th at Metro Athletic Conference Championships.

Lettermen Lost (1): Michael Myers.

ROOTSTOWN ROVERS

Head Coach: Larry Bailey, 41st year, 232-152-6 career record.

Coaching Staff: Kyle Rodstrom, Denny Pickens.

2024 Record: 7-0 overall; 5-0 Portage Trail Conference; 1st at PTC Championships.

State Qualifiers: Aiden Rodstrom, high hurdles.

Returning Lettermen (19): Owen Burrell, sr.; Mason Fleck, sr.; Gianni Damicone, sr.; Mason Marik, sr.; Zach Hays, sr.; Dylan Wilfong, sr.; Damien Reuting, jr.; Mason Lisi, jr.; Jacob Sturm, jr.; Wyatt Shenal, jr.; Braden Wright, jr.; Carson Cutright, jr.; Logan Brooks, jr.; Anthony Pratt, soph.; Caleb Fillmore, soph.; Blake Mullaly, soph.; Brayden Dougherty, soph.; Tycho Smolk, soph.; Isaac Simkanin, soph.

Lettermen Lost (7): Aiden Rodstrom, Eric Baughman, Brady Fillmore, Dominic Siglow, Gavin Cone, Derek Schindler, Ben Kline.

Season Outlook: “We should contend for a fourth straight PTC title, as we return 19 lettermen, have a strong incoming group of freshmen and have added some very good athletes who will be first time runners,” Bailey said.

Sprinters: Burrell and Reuting return after winning a pair of league titles last year in the 4×4 and 4×8.

The duo will also compete in the open 400 and 200 this season.

Fleck, Lisi, Marik and Pratt all will also compete in the 100 and 200, while Pratt will also compete in the hurdles.

“He was our best freshman in 2024,” Bailey said of Pratt.

Cutright will compete in both low and high hurdles, with the opportunity to compete for the league title in the latter.

Brooks has been improving in both hurdle events, while Hays will also run hurdles and many push for a spot in the 4×400 relay.

Distance: Like the sprinters, there is depth here, too.

Sturm will compete in the 800, 1,600, 3,200 and possibly a leg in the 4×8.

Shenal, who is a three-time All-PTC cross country runner, will mirror Sturm in events, as will Smolk, who has “greatly improved,” according to Bailey.

Simkanin will run in the 800, 1,600 and 4×800.

“He has yet to learn how good he can be. We are looking for a breakout season from him.”

Wilfong will also run in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200.

Field Events: Damicone returns after winning the PTC title last year in the discus. He will also compete in the shot put, high jump and long jump.

Pratt, who was the team’s best long-jumper last year as a freshman, will return to the event, as well as the high jump.

Mullaly, who is described by Bailey as an “excellent worker and athlete,” will compete in both jumps, as well.

Wright was named the team’s most improved athlete last year and will return to throw the shot put and discus.

Nigel Wright and Noah Cross bring depth in the throws.

Logan Brooks will compete in the long jump, Kiel Reuting will be in all four field events and Damien Reuting has “potential in the long jump.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Dylan Boland, Noah Zager, Aidan Dixon, Troy Kopac.

Source of Optimism: “We return 19 lettermen and have numerous outstanding athletes and many returning athletes have shown the potential for improvement. We are also well balanced, as we should be able to compete on the track and in the field.”

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

Head Coach: Scott Garrett, 20th year.

Coaching Staff: Rick Reynolds, throws; Doug Craver, distance and jumps.

2024 Record: 3-2 in Portage Trail Conference; 4th at PTC Championships.

Returning Lettermen (8): Austin Mejia, sr.; Antonio Mejia, sr.; Matt Fields, sr.; Brice Schoenbachler, sr.; Owen Bowers, sr.; Dylan Evans, jr.; Payton Donovan, jr.; Michael Simmons, jr.

Lettermen Lost (4): Gavin Bertka, Carter Evans, James Potter, Austin Gonzales.

Season Outlook: “This is our first year in a new league, so we are hoping to compete.”

Sprinters: The group includes Austin Mejia, Sundarius Davis, Donovan and Carter Oyster, with Fields running the hurdle events.

Distance: Evans and Micah Craver will highlight the group.

Field Events: Jack Muldowney will compete in both throwing events, as well as the high jump, while Antonio Mejia will be in the high jump and Austin Mejia in the long jump.

Underclassmen to Watch: Tyler Shaw, fresh.; Micah Craver, fresh.; Sundarius Davis, soph.

Source of Optimism: “We have a good mixture of athletes, and we will be able to compete.”

Cause of Concern: “This is our first year in a new league, and we are not sure what to expect.”

STREETSBORO ROCKETS

Head Coach: Robb Kidd, 26th year overall (7th as head coach).

Coaching Staff: Phil Starks, sprints; Mark Bindus, distance; Collar Clendenning, jumps and hurdles; Autumn Zitkewicz, throws.

2024 Record: 4-3 overall; 4th at Metro Athletic Conference Championships.

State Qualifiers: Garett Tiller, 100 meters, 200 meters; 4×200 relay (Garret Tiller, Kylan Rue, Devon White, Preston Hopperton).

Returning Lettermen (12): Devon White, sr.; Charles Ivory, sr.; Mar Fall, sr.; Tim Harkleroad, sr.; Preston Laryea, sr.; Chris Daniels, jr.; Ethan Laryea, jr.; Brayden Pocek, jr.; Cooper Richmond, jr.; Hayden Rudd, soph.; Ty Zipprich, soph.; Liam McDonough, soph.

Lettermen Lost (6): Garett Tiller, Eric Tiller, Job Gibson, Preston Hopperton, Mrio Puleo, Kylan Rue.

Season Outlook: “The boys have a tremendous amount of youth,” Kidd said. “Combining this youth with several key returners provides us with a good sense of optimism, as well as a positive projection for the future.”

Sprinters: White, Fall, Ethan Laryea, Preston Laryea, Hayden Rudd and Zipprich were identified by Kidd as returning sprinters that have proven to stand out accomplishments and experience.

“We have many young and new runners who should be noticeable, as well.”

Distance: Ivory, Daniels, Harkleroad, along with Ares Miller, are expected to spotlight the group.

“They should continue their great careers this season and make significant team contributions.”

Field Events: There are several veterans returning in the long jump and high jump, while White, Pocek, Richmond, Rudd, McDonough and Preston Laryea are all considered “outstanding throwers and jumpers,” according to Kidd.

Source of Optimism: “Our youth, returning veterans, work ethic and coaching experience gives us a great reason to be optimistic.”

Cause for Concern: “The power and yearly successes of all the track programs in our league. This league has great coaching and outstanding athletes.”