By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

AURORA GREENMEN

Head Coach: Greg Cicero, 25th year (4th at Aurora).

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

2025 Results: 4-1 Suburban League American Conference, district runners-up.

2025 State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Letterwinners (19): Isabella Cicero, sr.; Kylie Griffis, sr.; Ellie Hanff, sr.; Amelia Kilway, sr.; Isabelle Leindecker, sr.; Olivia Leon, sr.; Brooke Palian, sr.; Ellie Phillips, sr.; Brooke Pierce, sr.; Abigail Rogonjic, sr.; Addyson Rumskey, sr.; Riley Verespej, sr.; Khloe Hayward, jr.; Marcia Hamilton, soph.; Hope Kanouff, soph.; Sydney Langham, soph.; Jules Molnar, soph.; Maddie Parente, soph.; Madaline Williams, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Sydney Langell, Gianna Previte, Felicite Williams.

Season Outlook: “The talent in the running events is the best top to bottom we have had in the last four years,” head coach Greg Cicero said. “A very talented freshman class will mesh well with our seniors to provide strength up and down the lineup. Long jump and pole vault will be areas of strength for our field events, while high jump and throws will welcome some new faces this year.”

SPRINTERS

Cicero listed his sprinters as Kaia Board, Lela Buleski, Isbella Cicero, Kylie Griffis, Amelia Guzik, Isabella Hanus, Khloe Hayward, Peyton Jones, Hope Kanouff, Makenzie Kilroy, Sydney Langham, Isabelle Leindecker, Olivia Leon, Jules Molnar, Addie Mueller, Morgan Newbauer, Mia Paech, Maddie Parente, Ellie Phillips, Brooke Pierce, Madaline Williams.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

According to Cicero, the group will include Misgana Bibza, Emma Chameli, Piper Dierckman, Ellie Hanff, Claire Jenkins, Evelyn Jenkins, Alexa Keyser, Amelia Kilway, Haley Koch, Jenny Kolta, Grace Langell, Audrey Miller, Addie Occhionero, Brooke Palian, Adele Pawlow, Emma Rapko, Abigail Rogonjic, Varnika Velkucheria.

FIELD EVENTS

Leading the group are Jenna Bartolozzi, Myranda Cook, Basia Guzy, Katelyn Hale, Marcia Hamilton, Teagen Keller, Bridget Lumpkins, Addison Okuley, Evelyn Okuley, Addyson Rumskey, Safiya Pathan, Lilly Spiak, Alexis Tice, Riley Verespej, Lila Yurman, according to Cicero.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Claire Jenkins, Evelyn Jenkins, Audrey Miller, Haley Koch, Sydney Langham, Lila Yurman, Addie Mueller, Marcia Hamilton, Lela Buleski, Madaline Williams.

AREA OF STRENGTH

“The running events will be an area where this team is strong, with many athletes having range to run an event or two above or below their main event. The 4×400 and 4×800 relays will be talented with 6-8 athletes competing for those spots.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are extremely young in the hurdle events and throws currently. Experience will be gained early in the season to see who is competing at then end of the season.”

CRESTWOOD RED DEVILS

Team preview will publish at a later time.

FIELD FALCONS

Head Coach: Ed Conroy.

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

2025 Results: 4-3, 4th at Metro Athletic Conference Championships, 6th at Salem District.

2025 State Qualifier: Makayla Norman, discus.

Returning Letterwinners (15): Maddie Adams, sr.; Addy Berthold, sr.; Makayla Norman, sr.; Mollie Mathews, sr.; Nema McAmis, sr.; Raegan Slusser, sr.; Morgan Stoicoiu, sr.; Emmersan Miller, jr.; Raegan Wyszynski, jr.; Riley Docherty, soph.; Bri Sclimenti, soph.; Lauren West, soph.; Kylie Stewart, soph.; Leia Brugler, soph.; McKinley Wetzel, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Olivia Prof, Lauren Schneider.

Season Outlook: I am very excited for how many girl runners we have in the program this year,” longtime coach Ed Conroy said. “There are 41 total and the girls on the team will need to work extremely hard to earn their spot in all areas of competition. The upperclassmen are proving to be strong leaders and are excited to start competing.

“Lead runners and throwers from last year are Mckayla Norman, Nema McAmis, Morgan Stoicoiu, Mollie Mathews, McKinley Wetzel, Emmersan Miller, Raegan Slusser, Maddie Adams, Leia Brugler, Kylie Stewart, Reegan Wyszynski, Bri Sclimenti, Lauren West and Riley Docherty. All of these girls are fantastic examples of hard work and dedication to the sport of track. I believe with a great deal of work, our team should finish in the upper half of all the teams in the MAC.”

SPRINTERS

The Falcons’ 4×100 relay team placed second at the Metro Athletic Conference Championships last season, while the 4×4 group placed fourth.

Raegan Slusser was sixth in the 200 meters and was also a leg in the 4×100 relay team that qualified for regionals, as was Lauren West.

Nema McAmis also returns as a standout in the 100 hurdles. She placed fifth last season in the MAC, while Reagan Wyszynski finished seventh.

“This year, they are both excited and are showing great promise for another successful season,” Conroy said.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Senior Maddie Adams is a returning standout, finishing as the MAC’s runner-up in the 800 meters a year ago. She was also part of the 4×800 relay team that qualified for the Austintown Regional.

“I am excited to see both the 4×400 and 4×800 get stronger throughout the season,” Conroy said.

Freshman Ali Church starts her prep career after earning First Team All-MAC in the fall for cross country.

Church, along with Kylie Stewart, Leia Brugler and Adams will make for a “very strong 4×800 relay, if they can stay healthy,” according to Conroy.

FIELD EVENTS

The team’s lone state qualifier last year, Makayla Norman, returns for her senior season in the discus. She was the MAC runner-up and also was the runner-up at the Salem District.

McAmis, along with Morgan Stoicoiu are also strong in the discus.

For the shot put, senior Mollie Mathews is the top returner. She places second last year at the league meet and Salem District, then was sixth at the regional meet in Austintown.

“Mollie is a hard worker and now with three years of experience, should do well in the league, as well as postseason competition,” throwing coach George Wetzel said.

Also strong in the shot put are McKinley Wetzel and Sophia Confer.

“They have been working hard and learning from Mollie,” Wetzel said. “They both should gain a great deal of experience this season.”

In the high jump, Emerson Miller was fifth at the MAC Championships with a jump of 4-foot-10 last year.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Kenzie Constable, jr.; Audrey Richmond, soph.; Kylie Stewart, soph.; Leia Brugler, soph.; McKinley Wetzel, soph.; Sophia Confer, fresh.; Asa Frost, fresh.; Lainey Harris, fresh.; Maddie Radabaugh, fresh.; Jaylyn Thomas, fresh.; Allison Williams, fresh.; Ali Church, fresh.

GARFIELD G-MEN

Head Coach: Jim Pfleger, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Kelliann Frye, Rick Geye, Matt Pfleger, David Ludick.

2025 Results: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division champions.

2025 State Qualifiers: Elise Edwards, discus; Riley Grace, shot put.

Returning Letterwinners: 22.

Season Outlook: “We’re fortunate to have strong returners in most of our event groups and a talented group of incoming freshmen that will make an impact,” Garfield head coach Jim Pfleger said.

SPRINTERS

A core group of returning standouts include Mandy Cardinal, Emily Seni, Payton Powers, Olivia Kuchenbecker, Abigail Kolar and Kellyn Bartlett-Haberger.

“Olivia Kuchenbecker will be the key in hurdle events, and can help in any event. Becca Evans is moving over from the distance events and will be competing in the hurdles. This group have been some of our key members of our sprint/relay squad over the past few years.”

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Kat McMayon and Nora Yukich spotlight returning standouts.

“Both athletes played a huge role in our league championship last season.”
McMayon a regional qualifier a year ago.

Freshman Lina Kaufman is expected to step in and fill an important role for the G-Men after earning All-Ohio honors in the fall on the cross country team.

“She has competed on the national level throughout her career, so she definitely is not your typical freshman athlete.”

FIELD EVENTS

“We have a nice blend of experienced throwers, and some promising younger athletes.”

Riley Grace and Elise Edwards both qualified for the state championships last season.

“Both have had great early season practices and should pick up where they left off last season.”

Hannah Timmons, who was a regional finalist, also returns.

“I expect all three to have great springs.”

Also added to the mix are freshmen Kiarra Baldwin, Dee Miller and Ava Dobay.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Lina Kaufman, fresh.; Dee Miller, fresh.; Ava Dobay, fresh.; Kiarra Baldwin, fresh.; Emily Penney, fresh.

AREA OF STRENGTH

“We have a great core group of returners in most event areas and promising underclassmen.”

KENT ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS

Head Coach: Kaylie Weigel.

Coaching Staff: Brad McDougal, Al Ehlert, JonMichael WEigel, Richard Parham.

2025 State Qualifiers: Kaidyn Harris, long jump.

Returning Letterwinners (8): Kaidyn Harris, Mahlia Friedman, Lindsay Wills, Maggie Pazderak, Maddy Slack, Allison Castillo, Sophia Richards, Sophia Kellhofer.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Audrey Gregg, London Portis.

Season Outlook: “We are so excited for our season. Our freshman class has some standout athletes and we are excited about some new upperclassmen additions. I think we can have more success in the Suburban League meet this season and are hoping to take more girls to Columbus in June.”

SPRINTERS

The category is highlighted by the 4×200 and 4×100 relay team that includes Kaidyn Harris, Lindsay Wills and Dahlia Friedman.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Sophia Richards will lead the team in the 400 and 800 meters, while Molly Flynn will spotlight the 1,600 and Hannah Hido also in the mile.

FIELD EVENTS

Kaidyn Harris returns as a state qualifier in the long jump. She is also the school record-holder in the event with a jump of 17 feet, 7 inches.

Sophia Kellhofer will be the top high jumper.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Molly Flynn, Stella Haines, Allison Castillo, Maggie Pazderak.

AREA OF STRENGTH

“Our strong freshman distance class.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our lack of depth within the sprints.”

MOGADORE WILDCATS

Head Coach: Kim Kreiner.

Coaching Staff: Ann Murphy, Mike Murphy, Jim Woods.

2025 Record: 5-0 Portage Trail Conference champions.

2025 State Qualifiers: Ari Tompkins, 400 meters, 4×200, 4×400; Julie Tompkins, 4×200, 4×400; Emma Quillen, 1,600 meters; Kasey Bolyard, 4×400; Jessica Holler, 4×200, 4×400; Ava Murphy, 4×200.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Kasey Bolyard, Hayli Clester, Ava Murphy, Jessica Holler, Kaylee Brady, Emalynn Hayes, Lillian Wicks.

Letterwinners Lost (7): McKenna Louk, Jennika Barlow, Amelia Morris, Ari Tompkins, Julie Tompkins, Emma Quillen, Ava Miller.

Season Outlook: “We return some really good athletes, who have lettered and been to state, so experience is on our side,” head coach Kim Kreiner said. “Not being in a conference will be a challenge this year, but we believe we have plenty of meets for our athletes to prepare to make a run at qualifying for the state meet this year.”

SPRINTERS

The group will be led by Hayli Cluster, Jessica Holler, Ava Murphy, Celeste Hayes, Cambri Morales and Gabi Krueger.

Clester, Holler and Murphy wre all key runners in the team’s 4×200 and 4×400 relay teams that qualified for the state championships.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

State qualifier Kasey Bolyard, as well as Emalynn Hayes, are the leaders of the pack.

FIELD EVENTS

According to Kreiner, the categories will be filled by Lillian Wicks, Grace Stefan, Ava Groubert, Hayli Clester and Kaylee Brady.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Jessica Holler, Ava Murphy, Kaylee Brady, Emalynn Hayes, Celeste Hayes, Gabi Krueger, Cambri Morales.

AREA OF STRENGTH

“These girls are an absolute blast to work with and work hard each and everyday. Although they may dread some running workouts, they are always positive and give us 100 percent. We couldn’t ask for a better group to work with. We are looking forward to seeing just what these girls are capable of and how many of their goals they run/throw down this year.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our numbers are very low this year, and we will not be able to cover all of the events.”

RAVENNA RAVENS

Team preview will publish at a later time.

ROOTSTOWN ROVERS

Head Coach: Kyle Rodstrom, 19th year, 96-44-1 dual-meet record.

Coaching Staff: Kasidy Smith, Jeff Kavali, Denny Pickens.

2025 Results: 4-5 overall, 4-1 Portage Trail Conference.

2025 State Qualifiers: None.

Retiring Letterwinners (18): Cloe Bengston, Hannah Crandell, Ella Derr, Dana Little, Mia Damicone, Bailey Kidd, Naomi Polack, Sophi Smith, Gianna Copen, Valeri Derteen, Cara Crandell, Addie Curall, Gwen Horning, Ceci Krieger, Amber Lucas, Addison Pownall, Bailey Taylor, Addison Walker.

Letterwinners Lost (13): Brooke Dixon, Allison Krieger, Kayla Nicholas, Sasha Nichols, Alex Biggin, Addie Biggin, Kelsey Bittecuffer, Nadia Lough, Autumn Riemenschneider, Lilly Boland, Natalie Hermes, Ella Ward, Elliott Smallfield.

Season Outlook: “We have over 40 ladies again this year, which provides us with a lot of depth on the team, veteran coach Kyle Rodstrom said. “The ladies are willing to try new events, which then allows us to have a tremendous amount of flexibility at meets. I think that being in a new league, Crestwood and Kirtland pose the biggest challenges to the league title, while Berkshire and Wickliffe have quality athletes as well. All in all, I look forward to the new league and to competing against new schools.”

SPRINTERS

“This season we have a talented group of sprinters.”

The group is anchored by veterans Mia Damicone, Dana Little, Colbie Curall, Sophi Smith, Cloe Bengtson, CeCi Krieger and Bailey Taylor.

Additionally, Amorah Colwell, Gianna Copen, Addie Curall, Amber Lucas, Naomi Polack, Brooke Arato, Lili Bevelacqua will all provide quality depth and speed in meets.

Newcomers Summer Lucas, Paisley Day, Chloe Bell-Carpenter, Ella Hayn, Emma Haws, Alli Osborne, Nicolette Copen, Adison Byers, Elley May Delaney, Elise Casto and Hannah Tullas will all be an “integral part of the sprint group as we plan for a great season,” according to Rodstrom.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

The group is led by Cara Crandell and her sister Hannah Crandell.

Brynn Bird and Bailey Kidd are two more quality runners to bolster the group.

Furthermore, Rodstrom expects freshmen Abby DeLotell, Sammy Smolk, Savannah Stephan, Ava-Elizabeth Bell, and Josie App will be major contributors to the team as well.

FIELD EVENTS

Gwen Horning is ready for a breakout year, especially in the discus, while shot put throwers Ella Derr and Valeri Derteen are also solid contributors.

Others to keep an eye on, according to Rodstrom, are Kassadie Denison, Addison Pownall and Harley Ruiz, who have had a “great spring of training” thus far.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Paisley Day, fresh.; Summer Lucas, fresh.; Chloe Bell-Carpenter, fresh.; Bailey Taylor, soph.; CeCi Krieger, soph.; Cara Crandell, soph.; Gwen Horning, soph.

AREA OF STRENGTH

“I think our biggest strength is that our team is a well rounded team with quality performers in each event. That is very beneficial when it comes to the league meet and having the flexibility to move athletes around to maximize points.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Injuries are always a concern for us. If we can stay healthy throughout the season, we will be poised to make a run in the state tournament. Additionally, finding the right meet lineup to maximize points at the league meet will be a challenge, but we certainly have the athletes to do it.”

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

Head Coach: Melinda Furr, 7th year.

Coaching Staff: Becky Dunn, Christian Kainrad.

2025 Results: 6-0 MVAC Grey Division; 2nd MVAC Championships; Lakeview Relays championship; 4th at district meet.

2025 State Qualifiers: Julia Wheeler, 3,200 meters.

Returning Letterwinners (17): Savannah Bailey, sr.; Haylaigh Blackmon, sr.; Rachael Bresky, sr.; Sarah Craver, sr.; Miley Mejia, sr.; Donna Mounts, sr.; Maggie Rodenbucher, sr.; Julia Wheeler, sr.; Daizy Zinz, sr.; Jenna Canale, jr.; Leila Evans, jr.; Reyna Ripley, jr.; Isla Linz, jr.; Kristen Dillon, soph.; Sammy Morgan, soph.; Summer Thompson, soph.; Grace Wheeler, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Clarie Dillner, Julia Frick, Kristen Campbell, Lillian Massrock, Savannah O’Donnell, Payten Vrudney.

Season Outlook: “We have a strong group of veterans, who bring a lot of talent and experience to the team,” head coach Melinda Furr said, “along with the addition of a very talented group of freshmen. We have high expectations to compete in the regular season and continue to achieve greatly at invitationals and OHSAA tournaments.”

SPRINTERS

Sarah Craver returns as a leader in the hurdles and short relays.

Savannah Bailey and Reyna Ripley return to help lead the short sprints and relays.

“We are counting on them to lead the way.”

Leila Evans will also be a key contributor.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Julia Wheeler returns for her senior season to cap a decorated career.

Wheeler finished fifth in the state last year in the 3,200 meters. She will also be the team leader in the 800 and 1,600.

Jenna Canale is the highlight in the mid-distance events.

“She is extremely versatile and can compete for us in multiple events.”

Sammy Morgan is back after a strong sophomore year.

FIELD EVENTS

Craver is the leader in the long jump and Evans in the high jump.

Throwers Isla Zinz, Rachel Bresky, and Daisy Zinz have “stepped up their game to compete at a high level,” according to Furr.

Adding depth in the high jump are Savannah Bailey and Hayleigh Blackmon.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Jillian Schaffner, fresh.; Emma Smith, fresh.; Eva Corll, fresh.; Elanore Clint, soph.; Vayda Stelzer, fresh; Hannah Thols.

AREA OF STRENGTH

“We have great numbers with 33 girls on the team, talented, tough, hard working ladies, who push each other daily. Our mixed group of veterans and rookies are really meshing well and bring a lot of talent to the team.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We lack short speed and a dominant thrower.”

STREETSBORO ROCKETS

Head Coach: Robert Kidd, 27th year (8th as head coach).

Coaching Staff: Phil Starks, Ryan Stoller, Autumn Zitkewicz.

2025 Results: 6-1 Metro Athletic Conference.

2025 State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Letterwinners (19): Kendall Epple, sr.; Olivia Johnson-Wilson, sr.; Meredith Mattmuller, sr.; Sydney Sullivan, sr.; Briana Hushion, sr.; Kenzie McIntosh, sr.; Sonia Downing, sr.; Willow Bessum-Asu, sr.; Jennaba Fall, jr.; Kaelyn Malloy, jr.; Carmen Marcini, jr.; Morgan Vales, jr.; Emma Chamberlain, jr.; Sunni McKenzie, jr.; Sara Koyan, jr.; Bria Robinson, soph.; Kylie Sladky, soph.; Cara Thomson, soph.; C’Niyah Ivory, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Sydney Abbuhl, Raegan Hendon, Madi Genovese, Kenzie LaGuardia, Harmony Brown.

Season Outlook: “We have a good amount of youth. Our strength, however, will be our returning veterans,” head coach Robert Kidd said. “We have a wealth of experience and abilities that should make us a very competitive team. We will look to compete in the league and make a strong push to compete for a district title and qualify many to a Regional level and from there push to make finals and continue our quest for state qualifiers.”

SPRINTERS

Kendall Epple, Jennaba Fall, Olivia Johnson-Wilson, Carmen Marcini, C’Niyah Ivory, Bria Robinson, Kylie Sladky, Kenzie McIntosh stand out as returning sprinters with experience and great accomplishments from last season, according to Kidd.

“Our speed should stand out in many events and bring excitement to our league and postseason push. We have many young and new runners that should be noticeable as well.”

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Kaelyn Malloy, Meredith Mattmuller, Cara Thomson, Sonia Downing, Briana Hushion, Morgan Vales and Audrina Russo lead the way.

“They are becoming such a significant part of our team’s success, and we look forward to showing off their hard work and dedication and impact at invites and postseason events.”

FIELD EVENTS

Jenna Fall, Alivia Simmons, Sara Koyan, Emma Chamberlin, Carmen Marcini will lead a group of improving girls.

Kidd said he expects to see remarkable improvements in throws and jumps.

“There are several exciting newcomers competing to lead our team as well.”

AREA OF STRENGTH

“Our returning veterans, several with state experience will lead a great group, who should be very strong. The kids’ leadership, work ethic and dedication are among many strengths of this year’s team. We will have contributions coming from every event.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our focus continues to stay 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.”

WATERLOO VIKINGS

Head Coach: Greg Mercer, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Sue Martin, Dawn Freeland.

2025 Results: 6th at MVAC Scarlet Division Championships.

2025 State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Letterwinners (3): Leah Chaffee, jr.; Marissa Eisenbraun, jr.; Alexis Henry, soph.

Season Outlook: “We are a young team of seven athletes, working to build numbers and enthusiasm moving forward.”

SPRINTERS

Mercer said that the group includes Jade Martins, Alexis Henry, Johanna King, Lexi Huffman and Willow King.

FIELD EVENTS

Leah Chaffee, Marissa Eisenbraun and Huffman spotlight the group.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Johanna King, soph.; Alexis Henry, soph.; Lexi Huffman, fresh.; Willow King, fresh.

AREA OF STRENGTH

“We have a core group of dedicated athletes whose hard work will bring success.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We have a small roster and lack depth.”