By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school girls track and field previews for the 2025 season:

AURORA GREENMEN

Head Coach: Greg Cicero, 24th year.

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

2024 Record: 2nd at Suburban League Championships; 2nd at district.

State Qualifier: Isabella Cicero, 400 meters.

Returning Letterwinners (16): Sydney Langell, sr.; Gianna Previte, sr.; Felicite Williams, sr.; Carolyn Jakosh, sr.; Juliona Bennington, sr.; Ella Cicero, jr.; Isabelle Leindecker, jr.; Ellie Phillips, jr.; Amelia Kilway, jr.; Abigail Rogonjic, jr.; Addyson Rumskey, jr.; Olivia Leon, jr.; Juliana Huth, jr.; Brooke Pierce, jr.; Ellie Hanff, jr.; Lilly Raab, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Kassidy Fry, Hannah Salgado, Ollie Salgado, Eva Logan, Cali Edgar.

Season Outlook: “We would like to build on the success of last year and will have the opportunity to do so,” Cicero said. “We return the core of the team in points and expect to see an upgraded field event squad, with points in all events on a consistent basis.

“The relay teams will be a work in progress throughout the season as we have a lot of competition for open spots. The team is composed of athletes who have been successful in track and other sports, we need to capitalize on that experience to lead us through the difficult meets. The coaches believe that the key to success is the quality work we do in practice and in the weight room.”

Sprinters:  The sprint and hurdle group is led by Previte, Cicero and Leindecker.

“All three are versatile athletes, who are a threat to score in any event they compete in.”

Pierce, along with Kylie Griffis, Ellie Phillips, Khloe Hayward, Lilly Raab, Sydney Langham and Tallulah Mackey will all contribute key roles in the open events and relays throughout the season.

“The girls thrive off good competition, and we changed the schedule to maximize that this year. Based on the success of these athletes as individuals, when they come together for a common goal we should see great things.”

Distance: There is plenty of experience led by Langell, Rogonic, Bennington and Kilway.

“With solid cross country seasons and winter training, this group will contribute more throughout the season.”

Grace Langell and the return of Brooke Palian will help add depth to the distance group.

Field Events: The field events are led by Williams, Jakosh, Verespej and Leon, who have built a solid base the previous few years.

“They will be counted on to get the team off to a good start at each meet.”

Freshmen Hope Kanouff, Jules Molnar, Marcia Hamilton and Morgan Newbauer will also contribute in the field events throughout the season.

Underclassmen to Watch: Morgan Newbauer, Marcia Hamilton, Maddie Parente, Hope Kanouff, Jules Molnar, Sydney Langham, Lilly Raab, Khloe Hayward.

Source of Optimism: “The underclassmen are willing to jump in and help the team in any event, filling gaps in the relays and more technical events.”

Cause for Concern: “The relay events lost a lot with the departure of last year’s seniors, we need to find the right fit for a successful season.”

CRESTWOOD RED DEVILS

Head Coach: Maria Conant, 2nd year.

Coaching Staff: Jake Lieberth, throws; Tom Divis, sprint; Jim Schweickert, assistant.

2024 Record: 1st at Chagrin Valley Conference Championships.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Erin Hallis, Abby Guyette, Audrey Fusci, Kennedy Rhodes, Livia Martini, Piper Seibold, Piper Freedline, Madie Grace Gonzy, Myla Simpson.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Lily O’Bryant.

Season Outlook: “We are very optimistic about this season,” Blasiole said. “We have some very experienced lettermen returning. We also are bringing in a big group of freshmen, who are acclimating to our system and will add great depth for our team.

“We hope to repeat as CVC champs this year. As far as the state meet, we have a couple kids who could make a run with hard work and dedication,” Conant said. “Our strength will be our willingness to get better and buy into the training — and our older athletes helping the younger ones adjust. Our weakness will probably be our youth, but that being said, do not underestimate their grit and determination.”

Sprinters: Martini returns as the league’s MVP after a superb 2024.

She was a regional qualifier in the 100, 200 and 400. She also set new school records in the 100 and 200.

Fusci is another standout returnee in the lineup, and she has been a standout for the previous three years.

“There is also a good group of underclassmen who are showing potential and will fight for starting spots.”

Distance: Guyette is a standout senior flanked by three standout sophomores in Gonczy, Seibold and Freedline.

“Abby is a girl that we can always count on to run whatever we need her to. We are excited to watch her run her senior year.”

Guyette ran legs in multiple relays last year in the 4×200, 4×400 and 4×400, while also competing in the open 800.

Seibold very nearly qualified for the state championships in cross country.

“She has the potential to go far this season with some dedication and grit. She is a necessary part of our distance relays.”

Gonczy is another runner who had a very solid cross-country season, and she will be a key component in the 4×4 and 4×8.

Freedline made significant improvement from last cross-country season and also continued to make strides during the indoor track season.

“She shaved multiple seconds off her two-mile time from last outdoor season. She is going to have a good season, and I can’t wait to watch her run.”

Field Events: Maddy Sheridan returns as the team’s top thrower.

“She had a really good sophomore season for us last year and worked hard in the off-season.”

Sheridan finished ninth in the regionals last year in the shot put.

Izzy Brugmann, a sophomore, will be a strong competitor in the discus.

“She has steadily grown and is really starting to hit an upward trajectory in her progress.”

Maddie Dustman is a newcomer to the team. She is a senior and is described by Conant as “a tremendous athlete.”

Victoria Clapp will also contribute in both the shot put and discus.

Underclassmen to Watch: Livia Martini, Myla Simpson, Madie Grace Gonzi, Piper Freedline, Piper Seibold.

Source of Optimism: “We have a lot of returning strong athletes who placed at the league meet. We know this group will take the underclassmen under their wings and help guide them.”

Cause for Concern: “We don’t have the numbers we had last year, which puts limitations on our depth.”

FIELD FALCONS

Head Coach: Ed Conroy.

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

2024 Record: 4-3 overall; 4th at Metro Athletic Conference Championships; 8th at Salem District.

State Qualifiers: Raegan Daugintis, discus.

Returning Letterwinners (14): Olivia Prof, sr.; Lauren Schneider, sr.; Maddie Adams, jr.; Addy Berthold, jr.; McKayla Norman, jr.; Mya Kramer, jr.; Mollie Mathews, jr.; Nema McAmis, jr.; Raegan Slusser, jr.; McKensey Shaffer, jr.; Carter Shutty, jr.; Tempy Smith, jr.; Kami Eader, soph.; Emerson Miller, soph.; Raegan Wyszynski, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Brie Ramsey, Leah Kramer, Julia Potts, Emma Norman, Savannah Rahe,Kristin Toepke.

Season Outlook: “I am very excited for how many young runners we have in the program this year,” Conroy said. “There are 16 new freshmen that are working hard and excited to learn from the upperclassmen. The upperclassmen are proving to be strong leaders and are excited to start competing. I believe with a great deal of work the girls’ team should finish in the upper-half of all the teams in the MAC.”

Sprinters: Last year’s 4×100 finished second in the MAC, while the 4×400 relay team was third.

The group will be led by Prof, along with relay standouts Slusser, Kramer, McAmis and Norman.

In the hurdles, McAmis was 5th in the league in the high hurdles, as well as the low hurdles.

Morgan Stoicoiu, a junior, who is a newcomer to the team this year, will also compete in the hurdles, along with Lena Wymer and Wyszynski.

Distance: Adams is the leader of the group, competing in the 800, 1,600 and a leg in the 4×800.

She finished fifth in the MAC last year in the 1,600.

Other key performers will be Berthold, Eader and Lily Mighton.

Field Events: The throwers are a young group, but are led by Mathews, who is a junior.

Mathews placed fifth at the league meet and also at the district tournament.

“She is a hard worker and now with two years of experience, she should do well in the league.”

There are six new freshmen throwers.

“They all should gain a great deal of experience this season.”

In the discus, Schneider is the leader returning after a fourth-place league finish a year ago. She also qualified for the Austintown Regional after placing fourth at the Salem District.

Other strong throwers returning are McAmis and Norman, while Morgan Stoicoiu will also join the group as a newcomer who has shown “great potential,” according to Conroy.

Kramer will be the team’s top long jumper.

Underclassmen to Watch: Leia Brugler, Caylor Shutty, Riley Docherty, Lillian Mengon, Brielle Sclimenti, Hydra Vanderpool, Lauren West, Emily Wheeler, Brooklyn Wilson, Jocelyn Day, Jillian Graukaus, Zoe Kramer, Thea Rebeck, McKinley Wetzel, Mackenzie Williams, Kylie Stewart, Rylee Stoicoiu.

GARFIELD G-MEN

Head Coach: Matt Pfleger, 4th year.

Coaching Staff: Jim Pfleger, Kelliann Fry, Trey Shirkey.

2024 Record: 1st at Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Championships; 1st at Salem District.

Returning Letterwinners (23): Kellyn Bartlett, Izzy Blohm, Serena Blohm, Mandy Cardinal, Sophia Dahlen, Elise Edwards, Becca Evans, Riley Grace, Hannah Kernig, Abby Kolar, Kat McMayon, Kylee Neer, Chrysten Prinkey, Loreal Puleo, Olivia Rowe, Emily Seni, Lily Shay, Madison Sterrett, Hannah Timmons, Eva VonBergen, Taylor Wade, Ruby White, Tori White.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Kourtney Brahler, Ryland Turner, Zoey May, Grace Scirocco, Lille Shackelford.

Season Outlook: “We are coming back from an impressive season last year,” Pfleger said. “We are hoping to pick up right where we left off and have even more success this year. We have a lot of returners coming back, along with some outstanding freshmen athletes who will be able to fill some of the voids from the seniors that graduated last year.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Becca Evans, Nora Yukich, Eva VonBergen, Abby Kolar, Madison Sterrett, Hannah Timmons, Olivia Kuchenbecker, Payton Powers.

MOGADORE WILDCATS

Head Coach: Kim Kreiner.

2024 Record: 5-0 Portage Trail Conference.

State Qualifiers: 4×400 relay (Katie Lane, Brooklyn McIntyre, Ari Tompkins, Julie Tompkins); 4×200 relay (Hayli Clester, Ari Tompkins, Julie Tompkins, Brooklyn McIntyre); 4×800 relay (Katie Lane, Brooklyn McIntyre, Emma Quillen, Kasey Bolyard); Ari Tompkins, 400; Julie Tompkins, 400; Katie Lane, 800.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Kasey Bolyard, Hayli Clester, Kaitlyn Clester, McKenna Louk, Amelia Morris, Ava Miller, Emma Quillen, Ari Tompkins, Julie Tompkins.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Katie Lane, Mia Gaetjens, Alexa Grossholz, Ela Kara, Brooklyn McIntyre.

Season Outlook: “We are looking pretty strong across the board — in all events,” Kreiner said.

Sprinters: There are plenty of speedsters amongst the group, including returning state qualifiers and twin sisters Ari and Julie Tompkins, and Clester.

Other strong standouts are Jessica Holler, Kaitlyn Clester, along with Ava Murphy, Emma Moledor and Morris.

Distance: The group will be led by Bolyard, Quillen, the Tompkins twins, as well as Emalynn Hayes.

Field Events: Competitors include McKenna Louk, Lily Wicks, Grace Steffan, Audrey Garner, Miller, Ava Groubert, Morris, Kaitlyn Clester, Hayli Clester, Moledor, Holler, Kaylee Brady and Jennika Barlow.

Underclassmen to Watch: Jessica Holler, Emma Moledor, Ava Murphy, Liliana Fruscella, Kaylee Brady, Emalynn Hayes.

Source of Optimism: “We can cover all event areas and most of our girls are very versatile, so we can put them in different events each and every meet. The girls come in confident from winning the league championship last year, and a good chunk of our girls have come in on fire having qualified and competed at the state level in cross country and basketball already this year.”

Cause for Concern: “I have no real concerns about this year.”

RAVENNA RAVENS

Head Coach: Ceon Kelly, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Talley, hurdles; Caleb, distance; Xavier, throws; Fair, jumps; Davon, hurdles.

2024 Record: 2-5 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (5): Julia Stratton, sr.; Darya Olefir, sr.; Taylor Brown, sr.; Adelina Wunderle, soph.; Matty Brode, soph.

Season Outlook: “This girls team is young with talent, and we are looking to push for a top-three finish this year in the league,” Kelly said. “We cover the spread well in every event and our field events look to carry the team.

Sprinters: The group will be led by Kamryn Clark, Jaylynn Walker and freshman Janiyah Carter.

Clark will run in the 200, while also running a leg in the 4×2, while Walker will also run the 200 in addition to the 100.

Kelly said he expects Carter to be able to pull points in a variety of events throughout the season, including the 100, 200, 400, 4×100, 4×200, 4×400, long jump and shot put.

Linda Woods will also be a key standout in the 100 meters, while Nichole Treadway and JanAsia Morr will compete in the hurdles.

Wunderle will be the team’s top performer in the open 400, along with Olefir.

Distance: Stratton, a team captain, will be the group leader in the distance, with Olefir also being a strong runner.

Field Events: Brown will be the team’s primary long-jumper and has a current personal record of 16 feet, 8 inches.

Morr will be a top performer in the high jump, already clearing 5 feet, with Treadway and Olefir also in the mix for high jump.

Brode is the leader in the shot put.

Underclassmen to Watch: Nichole Treadway, Nevaeh Marstiller, Linda Woods, Janiyah Carter, Matty Brode, Sonoma White.

Source of Optimism: “We are young, but talented, and we are very deep with skill.”

Cause for Concern: “The stage may be too big for how young we are.”

ROOTSTOWN ROVERS

Head Coach: Kyle Rodstrom, 18th year, 92-39-1 career record.

Coaching Staff: Denny Pickens, jumps; Kasidy Smith, throws; Jeff Kavali, distance.

2024 Record: 6-1 overall; 3-1 Portage Trail Conference; 7th at Norway District; 10th at Norway Regional.

State Qualifiers: Brooklynn McIntyre, shot put (3rd) and discus (5th).

Returning Letterwinners (17): Kelsey Bittecuffer, sr.; Brooke Dixon, sr.; Nadia Lough, sr.; Allison Kreiger, sr.; Kayla Nicholas, sr.; Sasha Nichols, sr.; Cloe Bengston, jr.; Alex Biggin, jr.; Addie Biggin, jr.; Hannah Crandell, jr.; Ella Derr, jr.; Dana Little, jr.; Mia Damicone, soph.; Gianna Giulitto, soph.; Bailey Kidd, soph.; Naomi Polack, soph.; Sophi Smith, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (11): Mallory Butcher, Allison Fisher, Brooklynn McIntyre, Melanie Plecko, Porter Smith, Colbie Curall, Alaina Huebner, Nina Gill, Val Wiener, Grace Hunt, Savanna King.

Season Outlook: “We look to have another successful season,” Rodstrom said. “We have quality athletes in many events that can compete at a high level. Additionally, we have 22 new athletes to the program who will help fill in gaps that we may have.

“Many of the schools in our league also have tremendous talent on their squads as well. Lake Center has a good group of distance and sprinters. Finally, 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 our final year in the PTC.”

Sprinters: Featured performers in the group are Damicone, Little, Dixon, Nichols, Smith Nicholas.

In the mix are Gianna Copen, Polack and Ward.

In the high and low hurdles is Alex Biggin, who has been dominant over the previous two seasons.

Distance: Kreiger, Bittecuffer and Crandell lead the group that Rodstrom said appears ready to “improve over last year’s performances.”

Kidd provides depth to the group.

Field Events: Lough and Nicholas will be the spotlight athletes.

Giulitto, Derr and Autumn Riemenschneider, along with Lilly Boland and Natalie Hermes are all expected to also be positive contributors.

Bengston, Dixon and PTC champion Addie Biggin are the high jumpers, while Smith is the key long jumper.

Underclassmen to Watch: CeCi Krieger, Addison Walker, Ellianna Shepherd, Elliott Smallfield, Ali Cole, Addison Curall, Leah Hagan, Amber Lucas, Lani Stoltz, Bailey Taylor, Amora Colwell, Olivia Pope, Haley Wiggs, Hannah Wiggs, Lily Bevelacqua, Cara Crandell, Brooke Arato, Gwen Horning, Valeri Derteen, Kassidie Dennison, Addison Pownall.

Source of Optimism: “We have a tremendous group of ladies, who are willing to do events outside of their comfort zone for the team. With our big number of new athletes, we look to develop them into quality athletes for the program, which will translate into positive things for the future.”

Cause for Concern: “As always, with every year, staying healthy is always a major concern. Also, with the high numbers of newcomers, experience could be an issue when it comes to big meets.”

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

Head Coach: Melinda Furr, 6th year.

Coaching Staff: Becky Dunn, Christian Kainrad.

2024 Record: 3-3 overall; 3-2 PTC; 3rd at PTC Championships.

State Qualifier: Julia Wheeler, 3,200 meters (7th).

Returning Letterwinners (13): Kristen Campbell, sr.; Claire Dillner, sr.; Julia Frick, sr.; Lilly Massrock, sr.; Abigail Mix, sr.; Payten Vrudney, sr.; Savannah Bailey, jr.; Hayleigh Blackmon, jr.; Sarah Craver, jr.; Miley Mejia, jr.; Julia Wheeler, jr.; Jenna Canale, soph.; Leila Evans, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Tonja Bradley, Rebekah Craver,  Lucy Reynolds, Jalynn Witchey.

Season Outlook: “We have 31 members on our track and field team, which consists of 21 returning members,” Furr said. “Many multi-sport athletes, who were MVPs in their respective sports. Their athleticism, work ethic and competitiveness really ignite our team. They bring their best every day to better themselves and encourage one another in a positive manner. We have a balanced roster and feel we can compete at a high level in each event with our depth and experience.”

Sprinters: The returning group is large and so is their experience.

Campbell is the leader of the group, competing in the 200, 800 and any of the four relays.

Bailey and Evans will be key performers, while the hurdles will be led by Vrudney and Craver.

“They all have worked really hard, and we expect them to lead the way.”

Freshman Natalie Campbell brings good energy, athleticism and grit, according to Furr. She will be able to compete in the 100, hurdles and relays.

“Her versatility is impressive and she adds another level to our squad.”

Distance: Wheeler, a state qualifier, returns as the spotlight athlete.

She recently won the OATCCC’s indoor state championship in the mile.

Kristen Campbell, along with Frick, Dillner and Canale, all will be standouts.

Field Events: The team’s throwers will be Massrock, Mix and Aubrey Varga.

Bailey, Evans and Blackmon will be in the high jump, with Craver, Mejia and Savannah O’Donnell in the long jump.

Underclassmen to Watch: Natalie Campbell, fresh.; Sammy Morgan, fresh.; Grace Wheeler, fresh.; Jenna Canale, soph.; Leila Evans, soph.; Reyna Ripley, soph.

Source of Optimism: “We have extremely driven, hard working, experienced young ladies, who push each other on a daily basis. They are coachable, have positive attitudes and enjoy being around each other. A really fun group to coach and bring out the best in each other.”

Cause for Concern: “We need to remain healthy and be consistent through the season preparing for a strong finish during our league and district championships.”

STREETSBORO ROCKETS

Head Coach: Robb Kidd 7th year.

Coaching Staff: Phil Starks, sprints; Mark Bindus, distance; Coular Clendenning, jumps/hurdles; Autumn Zitkewicz, throws.

2024 Record: 5-2 overall; 3rd at Metro Athletic Conference Championships.

State Qualifiers: Olivia Johnson-Wilson, 300 hurdles; Milena Sobie, 100 seated, 400 seated, 800 seated, seated shot put.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Sydney Abbuhl, sr.; Raegan Hendon, sr.; Madi Campbell, jr.; Kendall Epple, jr.; Olivia Johnson-Wilson, jr.; Meredith Mattmuller, jr.; Sydney Sullivan, jr.; Jenna Fall, soph.; Kaelyn Malloy, soph.; Carmen Marcini, soph.; Morgan Vales, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Madelyn Hajec, Kaleigh Lilly, Samyra Smith, Milena Sobie, Cara Tiller.

Season Outlook: “Both teams, boys and girls, have a tremendous amount of youth,” 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: Epple, Fall, Hendon, Johnson-Wilson, Marcini and Sullivan were all highlighted by Kidd as sprinters with “experience and great accomplishments from last season.”

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

Distance: Campbell, Malloy, Mattmuller and Vales are all standouts to lead the group.

Field Events: “This is a group who should see remarkable improvements. There are several exciting newcomers competing to lead our team, as well.”

Simmons, Abbuhl, along with Emma Chamberlin, Saniya Tucker, Harmony Brown, Aniyah Jones and Marcini will be leaders.

Source of Optimism: “Our youth, returning veterans, work ethic and coaching experience gives us great reason to be optimistic.”

Cause for Concern: “Our focus is positive, 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.”