By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The girls track and field preview for the Streetsboro Rockets’ 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Rob Kidd, 5th year (24th year coaching track at Streetsboro).

Coaching Staff: Coaching Staff: Phil Starks (sprints), Mark Bindus (distance), Isabella Wagner (high jump and hurdles), Autumn Zitkewicz (throws).

2022 Record: 4-3 Metro Athletic Conference.

State Qualifiers: Milena Sobie (seated 100 meters, 400 meters and 800 meters).

Returning Letterwinners (8): Cortney Morgan, sr.; Sydney Carmen, jr.; Madelyn Hajec, jr.; Kaleigh Lilly, jr.; Milena Sobie, jr.; Cara Tiller, jr.; Samyra Smith, jr.; Laniya Lindsey, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Jada Paul, Abbi Novotny, Kylee Malloy, Mariah Embry.

Team Captains: Courtney Morgan.

Underclassmen to Watch: Kendall Epple, Livv Johnson-Wilson.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“Both teams, the boys and girls, have a tremendous amount of youth,” head coach Rob 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

Sophomore Milena Sobie returns after qualifying for the state championships in three seated-sprint events.

Additionally, Laniya Lindsey, Courtney Morgan, Samyra Smith and Sydney Carmen are standouts in the sprints, according to Kidd.

Kidd said he also expects a number of underclassmen to make a noticeable impact throughout the season.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Cara Tiller, Madelyn Hajec and Sobie bring the most experience to a group that is emerging with talent.

FIELD EVENTS

Kaleigh Lilly leads a group on the rise, which Kidd expects to make remarkable improvements.

“There are several exciting high jumpers and long jumpers that will be competing to lead our team as well,” Kidd said.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

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

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“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.”

SCHEDULE (incomplete)

March 28: at Rootstown

April 11: vs. Field

April 15: at Austintown Fitch

April 25: vs. Springfield