By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Portage County high school boys track and field previews for the 2024 season.

AURORA

Head Coach: Chris Radtke, 8th year.

Coaching Staff: Greg Cicero, Mark Dingman, Brendan Gallagher, Dave Kindall, Alexus Loze, Tom Nalepa, Jenna Schadle, Megan Watt.

2023 Record: 3-1 Suburban League American Conference, 4th at Suburban League Championships, four state qualifiers.

Returning Lettermen (14): Alex Hanff, sr.; Tommy Ploskunak, sr.; Jaxson Rhea, sr.; Leonel Sesuraj, sr.; Andrew Snyder, sr.; Robbie Will, sr.; Peyton Duguay, jr.; Connor Flynn, jr.; Kyle Lancaster, jr.; Zack Ploskunak, jr.; Athan Salgado, jr.; Ishaan Shaik, jr.; Nathan Eminian, soph.; Quincy John, soph.

Lettermen Lost (8): Max Bailey, Ben Stockdale, Zach Nemet, Zach Zabell, Drew Walton, Madon Ganzhorn, Kyle Cook, Tyler Ertle.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We have some outstanding returner Greenmen, who are going to lead and set a positive example of hard work and commitment to excel. We are a younger team that will come to rely far more on underclassmen than we have in the past. Luckily, some of those younger runners gained some valuable experience last season and will be ready to step up to provide the necessary depth to compete in the always tough American Division of the Suburban League.”

SPRINTERS

Leo Sesuraj is the team’s returning MVP and was the top point-scorer from last season.

He competes in the long jump, high hurdles, 300 hurdles and runs a leg of the 4×400 relay.

“He is our most accomplished sprinter and looks to build upon the success he had last season.”

Snyder began his pole-vaulting career last season and worked hard in the off-season to train and improve, but is also a valuable sprinter for the team.

Duguay was a first-time hurdler last season and began late in the year, but Radtke said he feels Duguay is “ready to take what he learned in that brief time and continue to get better.”

“He is one of our best examples of hard work and leading by example.”

Salgado was one of Aurora’s strongest long sprinters last season. He was a key performer in the 400 and 4×400 relay.

Quincy John is described by Radtke as a “natural born sprinter, who loves the sport.”

“His spring mechanics are impeccable. He learned to high jump last year and became our best jumper.”

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Will has been a consistent point producer for the last three seasons, and nothing shows that 2024 will be different. He will compete in the 800 and 1,600 meters.

Tomm Ploskunak made gains in the fall during the cross-country season, as did Zack Ploskunak, who was just short of being in the top 10 for points as a sophomore last year as the team’s strongest runner in the 3,200 meters.

Flynn’s top races are the 400 and 800 and is another runner that returns after very nearly cracking the top 10 in points a year ago.

FIELD EVENTS

Jaxson Rhea was a first-time track participant last year, but emerged as a key contributor.

“He loves the throws and has become a real student of those events. He will be hard to beat this season.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Frank Berendt, jr.; Jack Berendt, jr; Nathan Eminian, soph.; Dorian Gooden, soph.; Brady Stenger, fresh.; Cooper Ertle, fresh.; Guy Goedert, fresh.; Luke Hilditch, fresh.; Luke McGovern, fresh.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“I’m optimistic each season when I see the determination and work ethic of the numerous young men that are part of our program. The weather has been favorable to getting a lot of work done on the track and it seems we may be a bit ahead of schedule because of that.

“While we do have some veteran leadership, it is the underclassmen that are going to have to come through for us this year in order for the team to have sustained and overall success.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“There have been a few nagging injuries that some of our runners have had difficulty shaking, but it is early and they are doing everything in their power to get healthy in order to contribute. A little down time with Spring Break coming up may be just what our trainers ordered as a way for the healing process to finish just a s the season begins.”

CRESTWOOD

Head Coach: Jack Blasiole, 2st year.

Coaching Staff: Jake Lieberth, Tom Divis, Jim Schweickert.

2023 State Qualifiers: Hunter Yoder (high jump).

Returning Lettermen (12): Nate Blasiole, Augie Schweickert, James Durham, Mason Satterlee, Charlie Schweickert, Bryce Giel, Jake Eyerman, Sam Russo, Dan Doering, Hans Seibold, Gracen Sandwald, Keven Vechery.

Lettermen Lost (3): Hunter Yoder, Henry Hoover, Francesco Gasparini.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We are very optimistic about this upcoming season. We have some very experienced letterwinners returning, and we are also bringing in a big group of freshmen that are acclimating to our system and will add great depth for our team.”

SPRINTERS

Durham, a junior, is the returning league champion in the 110 hurdles.

“I know he has been working on his own to get stronger and faster, and we expect him to do great things this year.”

Satterlee, another junior, is a strong performer in the 300 hurdles and was the runner-up in the event at the CVC meet last year.

Blasiole is one to watch in the 400 meters, and he is also a valuable member of the relay teams.

“We have high hopes for Bryce Giel, Charlie Schweickert and many incoming freshmen, who are battling for their place among the sprinters.

DISTANCE

The Devils will be paced by the quartet of juniors Augie Schweickert and Vechery, while Seibold, a senior, as well as sophomore Garrett Byers.

Seibold has grown tremendously as a runner since his freshman season and placed eighth in the 3,200 at last year’s league meet.

“We can always count on Hans to bring a great attitude and humor to practice. He has been working really hard, and he has a lot of potential to have a great season. He is a runner that we can place in any event and know that he will give it his best. He constantly reminds the coaches that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.”

Schweickert had success last year, winning the district title in the 800, as well as placing 2nd at the CVC meet in the 400 and ninth at regionals in the 800.

“We look forward to seeing what Augie can do this year.”

Byers made “big improvements” last year, according to Blasiole.

“This season, he is in the front of the pack for practice. He always has a positive attitude and never complains about the workouts or the runs. He is going to have a good season, and we look forward to the improvement he has made already.”

Vechery finished seventh at the league meet a year ago in the 3,200. He brings versatility to the lineup and is capable of running any event from the 400 to the 3,200.

“He has been working very hard in the off-season. He is a great tribute to our relays.”

FIELD EVENTS

Dan Doering has the potential to compete for a CVC title in both the discus and shot put.

“He has put a ton of time into the weight room this off-season, and he has been extremely coachable and wants to get better. He has the potential to really improve on his marks from the previous two seasons in both events.”

Angelo Dinardo is working his way back into action from a football injury, which forced him to miss the entire basketball season.

“He has put a ton of time into the weight room to get stronger and more athletic. I think he is poised to have a big season this year. He is only a sophomore, and he has the chance to be a good one in our league.”

Eyerman is another competitor with plenty of potential.

“Jake is coming off a successful basketball season, so he really is just now getting back into track mode. He is another one of our sophomores, who has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Sam Roosa spent last season making steady improvements and Blasiole said that hard work is translating.

“He has a great chance to compete this year and is another sophomore with a bright future.”

TEAM CAPTAINS

Dan Doering, Nate Blasiole, Augie Schweickert.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Austin Wurm, Gio Brock, Everett Baynes.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We have a pretty large team this year, and we have a large pool of athletes to field our events.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“We are a young team.”

FIELD

Head Coach: Ed Conroy.

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

2023 Record: 4-3 overall; 4th place in Metro Athletic Conference; 9th at Salem Districts; zero state qualifiers.

Returning Lettermen (14): Brady McCoy, sr.; Sean Silk, sr.; Billy Silk, sr.; Tyler Ebie, sr.; Lucas Pollard, jr.; Camden Redeschi, jr.; Mason Wetzel, jr.; Parker Shutty, jr.; Zane Burger, jr.; Isaac Czaplicki, jr.; Michael Church, jr.; Cedric Martin, soph.; Evan Pruszynski, soph.; Mason Prusha, soph.

Lettermen Lost (8): Ammon Hottensmith, Joe Crawford, Christian Gressman, Trey Shanafelt, Rowen Smith, Camden Buckley, Domynik Dilley, Keegan Kunkle.

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.

“The 4×400 and 4×800 relays should have an exciting year if everyone can stay healthy. Coach (James) “Dutch” has a large sprint group that will require time to find the athletes who earn their spot on the 4×100 and 4×200. I’m confident these boys will compete well in our league this season.”

SPRINTS

Martin, still an underclassman as a sophomore, is expected to be a major asset in all of the team’s relays, according to Dutched.

Pollard is the team’s top returner in the hurdles after placing sixth at the MAC Championships in the 110 hurdles and third in the 300 hurdles last year. He was also third at districts and 10th at regionals.

“I am excited to see how Lucas does this season as a junior,” Conroy said. He is a hard-working athlete that is always helping the younger runners.”

A pair of freshmen, Logan Border and Casey Tate, have shown great promise early.

“I am looking forward to watching their progress throughout the season,” Conroy said.

DISTANCE

Sean Silk leads the distance group after a third-place finish in the league last year in the 1,600 meters. His brother, Billy Silk, along with Shutty, will be strong contributors for points.

“Both Billy and Parker were top-five runners on the state-qualifying cross country team.”

Shutty is expected to focus on the 3,200 meters, while Billy Silk will be featured in the 800 meters.

Tristan Hogan is a freshman who has emerged as a “hard-working athlete that is learning a great deal from our upperclassmen,” according to Conroy.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Brady McCoy, Mason Wetzel, Billy Silk, Sean Silk.

FIELD EVENTS

Trevor Dixon has returned from an injury and will spotlight the team’s high jump.

Camden Redeschi was the league runner-up last year in the discus and was sixth at the district meet. He was also third at the league meet in the shot put and sixth at districts.

GARFIELD

Head Coach: Matt Pfleger.

Coaching Staff: Jim Pfleger, Kelliann Collins.

2023 Record: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference champions.

State Qualifiers: Conner Hunt, a freshman a year ago, was a state champion in three seated events — 100, 400 and 800 meters.

Returning Lettermen (15): Leo Grandizio, sr.; Conner Hunt, sr.; Derek Blunk, sr.; Mike Huebner, sr.; Richie Shackelford, sr.; Dakota Stanley, sr.; Nick Edic, sr.; Simon Fergis, sr.; Daniel Kepich, sr.; Christian Gallagher, sr.; Aaron Rodhe, sr.; Keegan Sell, sr.; Deacon Sommer, sr.; Jonathan Wiczen, sr.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The G-Men return from a 2023 season that was a great success.

It was so successful that head coach Matt Pfleger admitted he could talk about it for a long time.

“I could seriously write line after line on the great athletes that we have coming out for track this season,” he said. “We have an extremely talented and hard-working group. We are fortunate to have great senior leaders and a great group of underclassmen that do not back down from a challenge.

“We have close to 100 athletes out between the boys and girls rosters and with the opening of our brand new track and field facility, it should be a very exciting and competitive year.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Ollie May, jr.; William Simon, soph.; Derik Stanley, soph.; Collin McGranahan, fresh.; Devin Bates, fresh.; Cole Porter, fresh.; Emery Simones, fresh.; Griffin Kline, fresh.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Jon Wiczen, Aaron Rodhe, Christian Gallagher.

KENT ROOSEVELT

Head Coach: Andrew Murray, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Al Ehlert, Brad McDougal, Richard Parham, Amber Hamilton, John Michael Weigel, Kayliie Weigel, Ken Claypool.

SPRINTS

The Rough Riders are expected to be led by Jaiden Portis, Micah Sheller and Adam Springer.

The three returnign lettermen should “play a major role competing with the conference and district,” according to first-year head coach Andrew Murray.

DISTANCE

Four runners spotlight the distance events for the Riders: Cor Asp (3,200 meters), Carter Slack (400 and 800), Carter Stevenson (800 and 1,600) and Dean Foster (400 and 800).

FIELD EVENTS

Standouts include Jeremy Reiger in the pole vault, Anthony Coffman and Max Foreman in the shot put and discus and Kyle McQueen in the high jump.

TEAM CAMPTAINS

Micah Sheller, Cor Asp, Carter Slack.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Jaiden Portis, Sevyn Jones, Carter Stevenson.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We are optimistic that we have athletes capable of competing and contributing at the conference level in nearly every event.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“We are a relatively small team numbers wise. Our top athletes will be running a full slate of events. Depth will be a concern as we get into the latter part of the season.”

RAVENNA

Head Coach: DeMonte Powell, 2nd year.

Coaching Staff: Dominic Jones, Ceon Kelly, Xavier McShan, Laddie Fair, Imoni Long.

2023 Record: Sixth in Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (11): LaDarion Askew, Diego Jasson, Kaelan Edwards, Marcus Hutchison, Robert Melzer, Mason Scott, KeShan Talbert, Bryant Thompson, Tykwon Ward, Malachi Prisby, Michael Myers.

Lettermen Lost (1): Pavel Henderson.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We seem to be versatile this year, with a decent group of both upperclassmen and some talented underclassmen. Losing (state qualifier) Pavel (Henderson) hurts in the hurdle department, but we look to be strong in the field.”

SPRINTERS

Ceon Kelly, a Woodridge graduate, steps in to coach the sprinters and has “given me the opportunity to overlook other areas,” coach Powell said.

“We brought back pretty much both teams in the 4×1 and 4×2 and a more experienced 4×4,” Powell said. “We are excited to have Diego back for his last year. He came a long way for us in the 400 last season. Our sprints unit seems to be competitive this year, with no one really separating themselves as the guy yet.”

DISTANCE

Myers returns as a key performer and underclassman Mason Scott is now healthy, so he will also be a point-producer.

“We believe Mason will compete at a high level with the best of the best in the 800 this year.”

FIELD EVENTS

Melzer is the Ravens’ leader in the shot put and discus.

“We expect him to win the conference in the shot put. Consistency is something we are working on with him, but he seems locked in this season.”

Edwards was the top high-jumper last year and just missed an opportunity to advance to the regionals.

“He seems hungry to pick up where he left off last year in hopes to break the school record and punch a state-title berth.”

TEAM CAPTAINS

Bobby Melzer.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

D’Anthony Allen, Amric Crisp, Mark Miller, Kohen McPeak, LaDarion Askew, Marcus Hutchison, Ke’Shan Talbert.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We have a mixture of old and new guys, but no real bonafide leadership. Going into year two, the kids understand our expectations, but it is still trial and error for us.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“Having to rely on inexperienced kids to produce right now and also our lack of depth.”

ROOTSTOWN

Head Coach: Larry Bailey, 40th year, 225-152-6 career record.

Coaching Staff: Kassidy Smith.

2023 Record: 8-2 overall, 5-0 Portage Trail Conference, Portage Trail Conference champions.

State Qualifiers: Brady Fillmore, 400 meters.

Returning Lettermen (18): Aiden Rodstrom, sr.; Brady Fillmore, sr.; Gavin Cone, sr.; Trent Gauer, sr.; Dominic Siglow, sr.; Derek Schindler, sr.; Eric Baughman, jr.; Owen Burrell, jr.; Dylan Wilfong, jr.; Mason Fleck, jr.; Mason Marik, jr.; Gianni Damicone, jr.; Damien Reuting, soph.; Wyatt Shenal, soph.; Jake McGown, soph.; Carson Cutright, soph.; Mason Lisi, soph.; Jacob Sturm, soph.

Lettermen Lost (7): Dylan Furry, Simon Halaszi, Caleb Cutright, Ben Kreitzburg, Linden White, Trent Gierke, Anthony Yin.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We should be in the mix for the league championship. We hope to be competitive at the district and regional level, as well.”

SPRINTS

Fillmore returns to spotlight the group. He is the reigning league champions and district champion in the 400 meters.

Rodstrom also returns as a league champion, winning the high hurdles a year ago.

There are plenty of other key performers for the Rovers, including McGown, Cutright, Fleck, Gauer, Lisi, Schindler, Marik, Damien Reuting and Burrell, along with newcomers Logan Brooks, Blake Mullaly, Caleb Fillmore, Anthony Pratt and Kyle Reuting.

Pratt joins the high-school program as the PTC’s middle-school 400-meter champion.

DISTANCE

“We have a very solid group of distance runners and several were on our cross country team.”

The group includes Baughman, Burrell, Brady Fillmore, Damien Reuting, Shenal, Wilfong and Sturm, along with newcomers Brayden Dougherty, Shawn Gill, Isaac Simkanin, Tycho Smock and Jamie Lee.

FIELD EVENTS

Damicone has been the Rovers’ scoring leader the past two seasons, while Siglow was identified by Bailey as a much-improved performer last season.

Others in the mix include Tony Karp, Branden Wright, Ben Kline, Nigel Wright, Jackson Heckert, Kiel Reuting, Ryan Wolf, Brandon Wolf and Trevor Stump.

In the long jump and high jump, the Rovers will be led by Pratt, Damicone, Brady Fillmore, Caleb Fillmore, Mullaly, Brooks, Rodstrom, as well as Dean Abdlrasul and Zach Hays.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Dominic Siglow, Aiden Rodstrom, Brady Fillmore.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Damien Reuting, Blake Mullaly, Caleb Fillmore, Logan Brooks, Dean Abdlrasul, Brayden Dougherty, Tycho Smolk, Isaac Simkanin, Mason Lisi, Branden Wright, Anthony Pratt, Carson Cutright, Shawn Gill, Wyatt Shenal, Jacob Sturm.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We return 18 seasoned lettermen, mixed in with an outstanding freshmen group and many new additions like Tony Karp and Branden Wright — and excellent improvement from athletes like Ben Kline and Logan Brooks.”

STREETSBORO

Head Coach: Robert Kidd, 25th year at Streetsboro (6th as head coach).

Coaching Staff: Phil Starks, Mark Bindus, Isabella Wagner, Autumn Zitkewicz.

2023 Record: 6-1 overall.

State Qualifiers: 4×800 Relay (Eric Tiller, Zach Vales, Charles Ivory, Mario Puleo); 4×200 Relay (Micah Schuster, Garrett Tiller, Kylan Rue, Omari Steve); Micha Schuster (400 meters); Kevin Murphey (300 hurdles).

Returning Lettermen (13): Preston Hopperton, sr.; Kylan Rue, sr.; Eric Tiller, sr.; Job Gibson, sr.; Mario Puleo, sr.; Garrett Tiller, sr.; Devon White, jr.; Charles Ivory, jr.; Tim Harkelroad, jr.; Marcus Peters, jr.; Preston Laryea, jr.; Ethan Laryea, soph.; Cooper Richmond, soph.

Lettermen Lost (6): Micah Schuster, Kevin Murphey, Zach Vales, Chris Labedz, Colin Swanson, Omari Steve.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“Both our boys and girls teams have a tremendous amount of youth. Combining that youth with several key returners provides us with a good sense of optimism, as well as a positive projection for the future.”

SPRINTS

Experienced standouts include Hopperton, White, Ethan Laryea, Garrett Tiller, Rue and Chad Levert.

“They all return and should have great seasons. We have many young and new runners that should be noticeable, as well.”

DISTANCE

The group of Puleo, Harkelroad, Peters, Ivory, Eric Tiller, Jake Marshall, Hayden  Brown and Braden Hodge are expected to “continue their great careers this season,” according to Kidd.

FIELD EVENTS

Kidd lists Gibson, Levert, Richmond, Jacob Cruz and Trevor Kamlowsky as “outstanding throwers and jumpers” that return to the Rockets’ lineup this year.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Ryan Roscoe, Ramon Curry, Ty Zipprich.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“Our youth, returning veterans, work ethic and coaching experience gives us great reasons to be optimistic.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“Our focus is positive, so if I had to focus on a concern, I would look to the power and yearly successes of all the track programs in our league. This league has great coaching and outstanding athletes.”