By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The girls track and field preview for the Southeast Pirates’ 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Melinda Furr, 4th year.

Coaching Staff: Becky Dunn, Christian Kainrad.

2022 Record: 2-3 Portage Trail Conference; 4th at PTC Championships.

State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Letterwinners (12): Aaliyah Braddy-Bardelli, sr.; Kate Campbell, sr.; Remie Stammitti, sr.; Tonja Bradley, jr.; Lauren Carver, jr.; Samantha Lemmon, jr.; Tori Sales, jr.; Jalynn Witchey, jr.; Julia Frick, soph.; Savannah O’Donnell, soph.; Gabby Perez, soph.; Payten Vrudney, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Lexi Messina.

Team Captains: Aaliyah Braddy-Bardelli, Kate Campbell, Remie Stammitti.

Underclassmen to Watch: Julia Frick, soph.; Julia Wheeler, fresh.; Savannah Bailey, fresh.; Sarah Craver, fresh.; Donna Mounts, fresh.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We have returned all but one girl from last year’s team, so we are one entire year ahead in experience and growing as track athletes at a much faster rate,” head coach Melinda Furr said. “Adding to that an extremely talented freshmen group, and we have much more speed and athleticism across all areas. It is very exciting to have options from meet to meet.

“The girls challenge each other daily,” Furr added. “This level of talent has increased our competition, increased our work ethic and focus. Our expectations for this season are much higher.”

SPRINTERS

Senior Aaliyah Braddy-Bardelli returns and is the team leader in the sprint events.

“Her growth as an athlete and young lady has been tremendous,” Braddy said. “She has really stepped up as a leader for us.”

Sophomores Payten Vrudney and Savannah O’Donnell will run the hurdles.

The Pirates then benefit from an influx in talent from their freshmen class, including Savannah Bailey, Hailey Blackmon, Sarah Craver, Haley Cvrk, Donna Mounts and Miley Mejia.

The underclassmen group will “add more speed to our relays and overall team performances,” according to Furr.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

The Pirates showcase a very balanced collection of distance runners, with seniors Kate Campbell and Remie Stammitti highlighting the group.

Depth is provided by Julia Frick and Claire Dillner, along with freshman Julia Wheeler.

“They add a tone of talent and versatility to our distance squad,” Furr said.

FIELD EVENTS

Jalynn Witchey returns as the team’s leader.

“She really finished strong last year in her first varsity season,” Furr said. “We look forward to big things for her.”

Three returning juniors — Lauren Carver, Tori Sales and Lucy Reynolds — are hard workers and should create consistency for the group.

In the high jump, Sam Lemmon and Rebekah Craver return, while sophomores Savannah O’Donnell and Gabby Perez return to lead the long jump.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We return all but one athlete from last year,” Furr said. “We have an extremely talented class of freshmen, and we have addd talent and depth to all areas. They are a very hard working group of young ladies.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are still very young. We have 35 girls on our team and the majority of them are ninth and tenth graders,” Furr said. “So we are very young and will look to grow from meet to meet.”

SCHEDULE

March 28: at Crestwood

April 1: at Newton Falls Tiger Invitational

April 11: at St. Thomas Aquinas

April 14: at Ugly Jug Neighborhood Battle

April 18: at Mogadore

April 20: at Bob Strangle Relays

April 25: at Rootstown

April 28: at Wildcat Invitational

May 2: at Lake Center Christian

May 10: PTC Championships at Mogadore

May 12: PTC Championships at Mogadore