By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The high school girls track and field preview for the Crestwood Red Devils for their upcoming 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Karlie Poole, 5th year.

Coaching Staff: Josh Jakacki (sprints, hurdles, long jump); Jim Schweickert (high jump), Jake Lieberth (throws), Jack Blasiole (sprints, relays).

2022 Record: 3rd in Chagrin Valley Conference.

State Qualifiers: None.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Audrey Fusci, soph.; Abby Guyette, soph.; Elaine Guyette, sr.; Taylor Larch, soph.; Grace Lesnak, sr.; Delaney McMahon, soph.; Reagan Mory, sr.; Kennedy Rhodes, soph.; Elena Kristoff, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Ava Mory, Jynx Bretz, Valerie Wright.

Team Captains: Elaine Guyette, Reagan Mory.

Underclassmen to Watch: Abby Guyette, Becca Brady, Erin Hallis, Audrey Fusci.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We are very optimistic about the numbers on the girls team,” head coach Karlie Poole said. “Last year, we hardly had enough to fill out a lineup, but this year we have roughly 40 girls. Many of our girls are new to the sport, but they are athletic, excited and eager to compete. We are hoping to be competitive within the CVC again — against some tough teams such as Beachwood and Hawken.”

SPRINTERS

Reagan Mory finished third in the 100 hurdles and second in the 300 hurdles at last spring’s Chagrin Valley Conference tournament meet. She was also a member of the Red Devils’ 4×400 relay team, which placed third at the CVCs.

“Reagan has worked very hard in the off-season and has begun looking strong in workouts,” Poole said. “We are excited to see her beta her times from last year.”

Grace Lesnak was third in the 400, fifth in the 200 and also part of the 4×400 team at the CVC tournament.

“Grace trained very hard over the off-season and ha been looking great in workouts.”

Audrey Fusci placed eighth in the 100 hurdles and 100 meters at last year’s league meet and she “will be a key component to our spring relays and open sprints (this year),” according to Poole.

Taylor Larch, who was sixth at the CVC tournament last year, is also a member of the team’s 4×400 and 4×800 relay teams.

“She is stronger this year than she was last year and is sete to have a great season,” Poole said.

DISTANCE RUNNERS

Abby Guyette returns as a league-championship member of the Devils’ 4×800 relay team. She also placed second overall in the 1,600 meters and third in the 800 meters at the league meet. She was also a member of the team’s third-place 4×400 relay group.

“She ran cross country and qualified to the regional meet,” Poole said. “She has been looking strong and is an incredible competitor. She has major goals set for this season.”

Elaine Guyette was another member of the Devils’ 4×800 league-championship group. She was also the runner-up at the CVCs in the 3,200. In the fall, she was a regional qualifier for the cross country team.

“She is a true competitor. We are looking forward to seeing her achieve her goals this season.”

Erin Hallis will compete in the 800, 1,600 and also the 4×800.

“She is new to high-school track, but she had a great cross-country season.”

Kennedy Rhodes will add depth for the Devils in the 3,200, which she placed fourth overall at last year’s league meet.

FIELD EVENTS

Lily O’Bryant may be new to track, but she has “been looking strong,” according to Poole.

Hannah Ward is another newcomer and will compete in the high jump and long jump.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We are very pleased with our numbers and the amount of underclassmen that came out for track this season,” Poole said. “We have a tone of athletes who haven’t discovered their full potential just yet. We are looking forward to a competitive season.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our team is young and inexperienced, but with the leadership and talent we have, we are hoping for a successful season.”

SCHEDULE

March 28: vs. Southeast

April 1: at Cardinal Invitational

April 4: vs. Rootstown, Berkshire

April 8: Don Faix Invitational

April 14: at Aurora Invitational

April 19: vs. Kirtland

April 21: at East Palestine Relays

April 25: at Cardinal, Osborne

May 2: at Independence

May 6: at Woodridge Wrap Up

May 9: at CVC Tournament (at Berkshire)

May 11: at CVC Tournament (at Berkshire)