By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

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

AURORA

Head Coach: Greg Cicero, 24th year (2nd at Aurora).

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

2023 Record: 3-1 dual meets, 3rd place Suburban League American Conference, 5th place at districts.

State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Letterwinners (17): Kassidy Fry, sr.; Eva Logan, sr.; Sydney Langell, jr.; Felicite Williams, jr.; Carolyn Jakosh, jr.; Gianna Previte, jr.; Lucy Bonnet, soph.; Ella Cicero, soph.; Juliana Huth, soph.; Amelia Kilway, soph.; Isabelle Leindecker, soph.; Olivia Leon, soph.; Ellie Phillips, soph.; Brooke Pierce, soph.; Abigail Rogonjic, soph.; Addyson Rumskey, soph.; Riley Verespej, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Hannah Rogge, Grace Barto.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We had a good season last year for a young team without much high-school experience, winning two invitationals and taking a good contingent to regionals. While we return many of those athletes, the expectations rise this year. Even though the team is still comprised of mainly underclassmen, experience is not an issue anymore.”

Cicero believes that one of his team’s keys to success this year will be in the field events, especially during league competitions.

“We have added some depth in the sprints and field events so if the girls do what is capable, a top-two finish at the league and district is possible.”

SPRINTS

Aurora features a talented group, which is highlighted by a strong set of seniors, as well as incoming freshmen that add depth and improve the relays.

Cicero mentions a long list of names that will all contribute throughout the season, including, Julieanne Barto, Jenna Bartolozzi, Kaia Board, Ella Cicero, Myranda Cook, Cali Edgar, Kassidy Fry, Kylie Griffis, Alaina Hawes, Khloe Hayward, Ali Johnson, Isabelle Leindecker, Olivia Leon, Ava Marino, Ellie Phillips, Brooke Pierce, Gianna Previte, Lilly Raab, Addyson Rumskey, Hannah Salgado, Ollie Salgado, Iris Smith, Addison Stask and Riley Verespej.

DISTANCE

Training sessions have already looked great for Aurora’s distance group, according to Cicero.

“Many of these athletes had a great fall season in numerous sports and will continue to excel this season.”

Similar to his group of sprinters, Cicero lists many contributors that will include Lauren Baka, Andi Barnhouse, Juliona Bennington, Grace Berendt, Emma Chameli, Ellie Hanff, Juliana Huth, Alexa Keyser, Mikaela Kilroy, Amelia Kilway, Sydney Langell, Eva Logan, Chloe Lors, Ellyse Popa, Abigail Rognjic, Lilly Strok, Mithra Vankatesh, Maya Volf and Brooke Zeid.

FIELD EVENTS

Another large contingent of competitors fill out the field events for the Greenmen. 

Throwers include Lucy Bonnet, Amanda Chmielewski, Carolyn Jakosh, Bridget Lumpkins, Evelyn Okuley, Kendall Ware and  Felicite Williams.

Jumpers include Kassidy Fry, Iris Smith, Cali Edgar, Alaina Hawes, Kaia Board, Khloe Hayward, Carolyn Jakosh, Riley Verespej, Ollie Salgado, Kendall Ware, Maya Volf, Olivia Leon and Brooke Pierce.

“This is going to be our biggest challenge, getting consistent placers out of the field events to supplement the running.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Ella Cicero, soph.; Isabelle Leindecker, soph.; Abigail Rogonjic, soph.; Amelia Kilway, soph.; Riley Verespej, soph.; Olivia Leon, soph.; Brooke Pierce, soph.; Juliana Huth, soph.; Khloe Hayward, fresh.; Kaia Board, fresh.; Lilly Raab, fresh.; Maya Volf, fresh.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We return almost our entire varsity lineup and top-point scorers from a year ago. The additions of Ollie Salgado, Hannah Salgado and Cali Edgar will offset the loss of Hannah Rogge and improve the depth of the sprinting crew.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“There is not a lot of depth in our field events, which will be counted on to score more than last season.”

CRESTWOOD

Head Coach: Maria Conant, 1st year.

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

2023 Record: 3rd place Chagrin Valley Conference.

State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Letterwinners (5): Lilly O’Bryant, Erin Hallis, Abby Guyette, Audrey Fusci, Kennedy Rhodes.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Kelsey Downs, Elaine Guyette, Grace Lesnak, Reagan Mory.

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

The returning group of sprinters is small for the Red Devils, but does include Fusci, who was named First Team All-CVC last year.

“She is showing great strides so far this year.”

Freshman Liv Martini has emerged as a key performer already.

“She has been showing her dominance in practice so far. She has raw talent and is super fast.”

Another freshman, Jackie Blasiole, will stand out in the hurdle events.

Sophomores Meredith Carroll and Mari Plank are also expected to make an impact.

DISTANCE

Guyette returns with the most experience and has run to success during her first two years in the program. Last year, she was fourth in the 1,600 and third in the 800.

She ran a leg in the league-champion 4×4 relay team and was part of the 4×8 team that placed third at the league meet.

Guyette was also a regional qualifier in three events (1,600, 4×400 and 4×800).

“She is a great tribute to our distance relays, and we can always count on her to give 100 percent in a race.”

Complementing Guyette will be a pair of new faces in Madie Grace Gonczy and Piper Seibold.

Both are freshmen and both ran cross country in the fall.

“I had the privilege of coaching Maddie in middle school for one year. She has the potential to compete for both the 800 and mile at the CVC meet. I look forward to watching her have a successful season.”

Seibold nearly made the cross country state championships in the fall.

“She has the potential to go far this track season with dedication and grit. She will be a good addition to our distance relays also.”

FIELD EVENTS

Lilly O’Bryant and Maddy Sheridan are the standouts.

O’Bryant began her career as a thrower last year as a junior and has spent the off-season working to prepare for her senior season.

“She has the chance to compete for league titles in both the discus and shot. She has been a great leader this season, being our only senior for the girls.”

Sheridan “really came into her own last year toward the end of the year,” according to Conant. 

“She stepped up in a lot of meets, especially the league meet.”

TEAM CAPTAINS

Lilly O’Bryant, Abby Guyette, Audrey Fusci.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Liv Martini, Piper Seibold, Jackie Blasiole, Madi Grace Gonczy.

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 dual meets, 4th place Metro Athletic Conference, 8th at Salem  Districts.

State Qualifiers: Michaela Herendeen (discus).

Returning Letterwinners (14): Raegan Daugintis, s.; Julia Potts, sr.; Eamma Norman, sr.; Savannah Rahe, sr.; Kristen Toepke, sr.; Brie Ramsey, sr.; Olivia Prof, jr.; Maddie Adams, soph.; McKayla Norman, soph.; Mya Kramer, soph.; Nema McAmis, soph.; Raegan Slusser, soph.; McKensey Shaffer, soph.; Lauren Schneider, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Payton Slusser, Alexis Carr.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“I am very excited for how many young runners we have in the program this year. There are 14 new freshmen that are working hard and excited to learn from the upperclassmen, who are proving to be strong leaders and are excited to start competing.

“I believe that with a great deal of work, the girls should finish in the upper half of all the teams in the MAC.”

SPRINTERS

Emma Norman spotlights the group as a two-time league champion as a member of the 4×100 relay.

Prof was fifth at the district meet in the 100 meters.

McAmis is expected to continue growth in both hurdle events after a successful freshman season.

DISTANCE

Adams had a strong sophomore season a year ago. She was fifth in the 1,600 meters at the MAC Championships, then was second in the same event at districts and was 10th at regionals.

Potts was fourth in the districts last year, as well, in the mile.

Conroy also said that he was excited to see how both the 4×400 and 4×800 relays “get stronger throughout the season.”

FIELD EVENTS

Last season as a freshman, Kramer placed fourth at the MAC league meet in the long jump.

Sophomore Mollie Mathews is the top returning shot-put thrower after a seventh-place finish last year at the MAC Championships.

“She is a hard worker and now with a year of experience, should do well in the league and district competition,” throws coach George Wetzel said.

The top returning discus thrower is Daugintis, who was a regional qualifier after placing third at the league meet and fourth at districts.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Raegan Daugintis, Emma Norman, Savannah Rahe, Kristin Toepke.

GARFIELD

Head Coach: Matt Pfleger.

Coaching Staff: Jim Pfleger, Kelliann Collins.

2023 Record: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference champions.

Returning Letterwinners (25): Camille Arana, sr.; Kellyn Bartlett-Habeger, sr.; Mandy Cardinal, sr.; Elise Edwards, sr.; Riley Grace, sr.; Kat McMayon, sr.; Olivia Rowe, sr.; Lily  Shay, sr.; Jocelyn Sommer, sr.; Taylor Wade, sr.; Tori White, sr.; Chrysten Prinkey, sr.; Serena Blohm, sr.; Kyla Grace, sr.; Abigail Kaufman, sr.; Hannah Kernig, sr.; Kylee Neer, sr.; Loreal Puleo, sr.; Ruby White, sr.; Leah Bailey, sr.; Kourtney Brahler, sr.; Zoey may, sr.; Grace Scirocco, sr.; Lille Shackelford, sr.; Rylie Turner, 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

Kylene McMayon, frsh.; Abby Kolar, fresh.; Madison Sterrett, fresh.; Becca Evans, fresh.; Hannah Timmons, fresh.; Eva VonBergen, fresh.; Selena Groves, fresh.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Rylie Turner, Kourtney Brahler, Lille Shackelford.

MOGADORE

Head Coach: Kim Kreiner.

Coaching Staff: Matt Bogner, Ann Murphy, Mike Murphy, Nick Page, Jim Woods.

2023 Record: 2nd in Portage Trail Conference.

State Qualifiers: 4×800 Relay (Rachel Whetstone, Brooklyn McIntyre, Katie Lane, Ari Tompkins); 4×400 Relay (Whetstone, McIntyre, Lane, Tompkins), Katie Lane (800 meters), Ari Tompkins (400 meters), Katy Loughney (seated shot put, seated 100).

Returning Lettermen (18): Eden Cameron, Kai Gaetjens, Mia Gaetjens, Amelia Morris, Karlee Snavely, Jane Woods, Katie Lane, Brooklyn McIntyre, Emma Quillen, Ari Tompkins, Julie Tompkins, Alexa Grossholz, Ela Kara, McKenna Louk, Ava Miller, Jennika Barlow, Katy Loughney.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Rachel Whetstone, Brianne Bell, Katherine Holler, Lauren Holler, Katie Kordinak, Natalie Lane.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We should have a solid season. We have a lot of returning letterwinners, and we have some young talent. It should be a fun season.”

SPRINTERS

Kreiner lists Hayli Clester, Kaitlyn Clester, Sydney Fortner, Cameron, Kai Gaetjens, Morris, Snavely, Woods and Loughney as contributors.

DISTANCE

The events will be spotlighted by Kasey Bolyard, Lane, McIntyre, Quillen, Ari Tompkins and Julie Tompkins.

FIELD EVENTS

Points will come from Barlow, Mia Gaetjens, Grossholz, Ava Groubert, Kara, Lewis, Houk, Miller, Destiny Ritchie and Lily Wicks.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Kasey Bolyard, Hayli Clester, Kaitlyn Clester.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We have a very talented group of girls this season. We have depth at more events than we have in years past and our upperclassmen are taking the lead and pushing the younger runners, although, at times, those younger runners do flip the script and push the upperclassmen. We have plenty of girls who compete outside the fence as well. Field events are also represented with some talented girls. We should be a well-rounded team this year, so we are looking forward to see what we can accomplish.”

ROOTSTOWN

Head Coach: Kyle Rodstrom, 17th year, 86-38-1 career record.

Coaching Staff: Kasidy Smith, Denny Pickens.

2023 Record: 10-0 overall, 5-0 Portage Trail Conference, 4th at Norwayne District.

State Qualifiers: Carlee Clifford (100 hurdles) and Brooklynn McIntyre (shot put).

Returning Letterwinners (16): Mallory Butcher, sr.; Brooklynn McIntyre, sr.; Alaina Huebner, sr.; Melanie Plecko, sr.; Allison Fisher, sr.; Porter Smith, sr.; Brooke Dixon, jr.; Allison Krieger, jr.; Sasha Nichols, jr.; Autumn Riemenschneider, jr.; Hannah Crandell, soph.; Colbie Curall, soph.; Ella Derr, soph.; Anna Drago, soph.; Cloe Bengston, soph.; Dana Little, soph.; Alex Biggin, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (15): Carlee Clifford, Sydney Munger, Kelsie Hamrick, Courtney Taylor, Aubrey Kline, Grace Welch, Lauren Krieger, Rylee Durbak, Jordan Ely, Addy Germann, Cami Rhodes, Violet Puin, Nella Strebler, Reise Thomas, Addie Biggin.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We look to have another successful season. We have quality athletes in many events that can compete at a high level. Many of the schools in our league also have tremendous talent on their squads.

“Lake Center has a good group of distance and sprinters, Southeast has quality runners in the distance events with some strong jumpers. Mogadore has tremendous talent, as well, in the distance and mid-distance events that are state-caliber athletes. It is going to be a very competitive season in the PTC.”

SPRINTS

The Rovers are deep with sprinters, with Plecko leading the way.

Plecko broke the school record in the 200 meters last year and returns as one of the region’s fastest.

“We look for her to help carry the team and earn a trip to the state meet.”

Alli Fisher is finally healthy and is considered to be a great team leader, according to Rodstrom.

Myers provides “great leadership to the younger runners and works hard,” according to Rodstrom.

Smith very nearly qualified for the state championships in the 300 hurdles, which is a goal she has set for herself this season.

“She works tremendously hard and is a positive influence on the younger athletes.”

Brooke Dixon had a great season a year ago and made it to the district final in the 400.

Little posted an impressive cross-country campaign in the fall and will impact the team in the 400, 800 and 4×400.

Nichols is described by Rodstrom as a “tremendous talent.”

“She will be incredibly helpful to us in the sprints and relays. She has the ability to help some relay teams earn a spot to the state meet.”

Biggin has emerged with the potential to be the program’s next great hurdler.

Bengston has potential in the jumps, but will also provide depth to the sprints.

Curall is another competitor that Rodstrom feels will have a special year in the jumps and hurdles.

Others expected to provide depth and points are Gianna Copen, Tempie Barthol, Nina Gill, Sophi Smith, Mia Damicone, Naomi Polack, Haley Dick and Val Wiener.

DISTANCE

Butcher brings the most experience and has been one of the Rovers’ most consistent runners and leaders.

“She is one of the most positive influences on the team.”

Krieger and Crandell had strong off-seasons, running over 400 miles each, which has Rodstrom feeling like they are poised for breakout seasons.

Kelsey Bittecuffer is a new member of the program, but has already shown a tremendous ability and will “contribute greatly,” according to Rodstrom.

Grace Hunt, along with Bailey Kidd, will also offer depth for the Rovers.

FIELD EVENTS

McIntyre qualified for the state championships a year ago and is expected to be one of the region’s top competitors.

“She is disciplined, and we are excited to see her commitment pay off in both the shot put and discus.”

Huebner has proven to be a dedicated worker and has put in the work.

“She provides great senior leadership to the young throwers.”

Nadia Lough has not been throwing long, but her coachability has allowed her to catch up quickly.

Depth and positive contributions throughout practices are being provided by Lily Boland, Natalie Hermes, Autumn Riemenschneider, Kayla Nicholas, Ella Derr, Gianna Giulitto and Savanna King.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Haley Dick, Nina Gill, Gianna Giulitto, Bailey Kidd, Savanna King, Naomi Polack, Sophi Smith and Valeria Wiener.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We have a tremendous group of ladies, who have a ton of big-meet experience. They know how to compete and know how to run well in big races. We also have a group who are willing to do events outside their comfort zone for the team.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“Our numbers are a bit down and having depth is a cause for concern for us. Also, staying healthy will dictate how the season goes.”

SOUTHEAST

Head Coach: Melinda Furr, 5th year.

Coaching Staff: Rebecca Dunn, Christian Kainrad.

2023 Record: 3-2 dual meets.

State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Letterwinners (15): Jalynn Witchey, sr.; Lucy Reynolds, sr.; Beech Craver, sr.; Tonja Bradley, sr.; Claire Dillner, jr.; Julia Frick, jr.; Savannah O’Donnell, jr.; Payten Vrudney, jr.; Gabby Perez, jr.; Savannah Bailey, soph.; Sarah Craver, soph.; Haylee Blackmon, soph.; Miley Mejia, soph.; Donna Mounts, soph.; Julia Wheeler, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Aaliyah Braddy, Katie Campbell, Remie Stammitti.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We expect to compete this year with our experience, athleticism and versatility. With more talent comes higher expectations. We foresee top performers and expect our relays to compete at a high level.”

The Pirates also have a new all-weather track for the first time in a long time.

“We are loving our new home. It has been so nice to have for workouts and coaching details without having to travel to other locations for practices. We have been productive getting things done at home, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

SPRINTS

Vrudney and O’Donnell are setting the pace in the hurdles, while Perez is the standout in the sprints and relays.

Haley Cvrk and Sarah Craver are also key performers in the hurdles.

Savannah Bailey is expected to be key in the sprints and high jump.

“It is a hardworking group, who have really been pushing each other to get better.”

DISTANCE

The team’s returning team MVP is Wheeler, who won the league championship as a freshman in the 3,200 meters.

Furr said she thinks Frick has made “huge progress” leading into the season.

“We expect big things from her.”

Bradley brings senior experience, wisdom and a great work ethic, while Dillner is a mid-distance standout who is poised for a strong season.

FIELD EVENTS

Witchey and Reynolds both return with experience and leadership, with underclassmen Lilly Massrock, Aubree Varga and Rachel Bresky all making huge gains, according to Furr.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Kristen Campbell, jr.; Donna Mounts, soph.; Sarah Craver, soph.; Jenna Canale, fresh.; Elise Kennedy, fresh.; Isla Zinz, fresh.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We have a strong roster of 33 girls, and we return a lot of experience. Along with some new additions to our team. Our athleticism and versatility is the greatest that we’ve had in several years. The team has worked very hard in the off-season and has continued that work ethic into the preseason.”

REASON TO BE CONCERNED

“More than half of our roster are freshmen and sophomores, so we are still very young.”

STREETSBORO

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

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

2023 Record: 5-2 dual meets, 3rd in Metro Athletic Conference.

State Qualifiers: Milena Sobie (seated 100, 400, 800 and shot put state champion).

Returning Letterwinners (12): Madelyn Hajec, sr.; Kaleigh Lilly, sr.; Melina Sobie, sr.; Cara Tiller, sr.; Kenzie LaGuardia, sr.; Samyra Smith, sr.; Laniya Lindsey, jr.; Sydney Abbuhl, jr.; Madi Campbell, soph.; Sonia Downing, soph.; Kendall Epple, soph.; Olivia Johnson-Wilson, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Courtney Morgan.

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

Sobie is the reigning state champion in the seated 100, 400 and 800 meters and returns for her senior season.

Johnson-Wilson, Abbuhl, LaGuardia, Lindsey, Smith and Epple all look like they will be standout returners for the Rockets, bringing experience and great accomplishments from last year.

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

DISTANCE

This is an emerging set of events for the Rockets, with Campbell, Downing, Briana Hushion, Meredith Mattmuller, Cara Tiller and Hajec all helping make that happen.

FIELD EVENTS

Lilly leads a group of improving girls, who Kidd said he expects will see a remarkable improvement this season.

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

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Jenna Fall, Carmen Marcini, Kaelyn Malloy, Morgan Vales, McKenzie Sunni.

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.”