The Mogadore girls track and field team captured the regional championship at the Perry Division III regional last season.

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

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

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Kim Kreiner.

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

2022 Record: Perry Division III regional champions.

State Qualifers: 4×100 relay (Katie Lane, Amber Morris, Brooklyn McIntyre, Julie Tompkins).

Returning Letterwinners (16): Brianne Bell, sr.; Katie Kordinak, sr.; Katherine Holler, sr.; Lauren Holler, sr.; Rachel Whetstone, sr.; Natalie Lane, sr.; Mia Gaetjens, jr.; Ela Kara, jr.; Brooklyn McIntyre, jr.; Katie Lane, jr.; McKenna Louk, soph.; Julie Tompkins, soph.; Amelia Morris, soph.; Ava Miller, soph.; Sydney Fortner, soph.; Emma Quillen, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Brooklyn Beckford, Amber Morris, Zoe Gaatjes, Payton Coughlin.

Team Captains: Brianne Bell, Katherine Holler, Lauren Holler, Katie Kordinak, Natalie Lane, Rachel Whetstone.

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

Julie and Ari Tompkins both return with state experience, while Katherine Holler is a “hard working” athlete that will compete in both the sprints and hurdles to spotlight the group of sprinters.

Others filling out events throughout the season will include freshmen Jane Woods, Eden Cameron and Karlee Snavely, sophomores Amelia Morris, Sydney Fortner and Jennie Barlow, junior Ela Kara and senior Katie Kordinak.

Kreiner said freshman Katy Loughney will have a “great season in both the seated 100 and seated shot put.”

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Senior Rachel Whetstone and juniors Katie Lane and Brooklyn McIntyre all return after splendid 2022 seasons that included trips to Columbus.

“They are looking to repeat with even better results,” Kreiner said.

Junior Mia Gaetjens and freshman Alana Santiago will also be strong contributors.

“Mia is a strong distance runner and Alana will be a great addition to that group,” Kreiner said.

Sophomore Emma Quillen will also be a key piece to the Wildcats’ distance events.

FIELD EVENTS

A number of athletes will fill out the events for Mogadore, including seniors Brianne Bell, Natalie Lane, Lauren Holler and foreign-exchange student Agnese Vizzini; junior Alexa Grossholz; sophomores Ava Miller and McKenna Louk; and freshman Katy Lougney.

“Brianne is a hard worker and great student-athlete,” Kreiner said. “Ava Miller is making some great strides from her freshman year. McKenna is a solid thrower. Natalie has put in lots of off-seaosn work and is looking to have a strong senior season.

“Katy looks like she could set some school records,” Kreiner added. “Lauren, hopefully, will be able to throw late this season after coming off an injury.”

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“Everyone knows how successful and what a fun season we had last year, and they are hungry to do even better this year,” 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)