GIRLS

Northeast Ohio Conference

Elyria Pioneers

COACH: Jackie Below (19th year, includes first stint from 1988-94)
ASSISTANTS: Jeannine Feldkamp (hurdles, distance), Keith Rivers (throws)
2007 RECORD: 5th Pioneer Conference, 9th Amherst district (Division I), 29th Amherst regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (17): Jessica Buckey, jr. (hurdles); Alexis Filiaggi, jr. (hurdles, jumps); Cassy Gouge, so. (distance); DaVonna Hollis, sr. (sprints); Marija Ilievska, sr. (distance); Brittnae Isom, so. (throws); Burgundy Jones, so. (sprints); Stacee King, jr. (sprints, high jump); Holly Klesta, jr. (sprints); Torri Miller, sr. (sprints); Teresa Pesch, jr. (distance); Sierra Russele, jr. (sprints, jumps); Katelyn Siwierka, so. (distance); Danielle Spurling, jr. (throws); Marci Strickler, jr. (sprints, high jump); Jessica Sykes, jr. (distance); Rachel Zimmerly, so. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Meghan Mitchell, jr. (hurdles); Kara Newton, jr. (hurdles); Britni Wilson, jr. (sprints, jumps)
SCOUTING REPORT: Miller, Hollis and Jones were 2007 regional qualifiers as members of the 400 relay. Miller was the 2006 district 100-meter champ at Amherst. Hollis (100) also qualified individually to regionals in ’06. Isom (shot put) advanced to regionals as a freshman.

North Coast League

Elyria Catholic Panthers

COACH: Amy O’Brien (fourth year)
ASSISTANTS: Chuck Lynch (high jump),
Dan LaRocca (throws)
2007 RECORD: 9th NCL, 12th Midview district (Division II)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (15): Erin Buterbaugh, so. (throws); Michelle Clark, jr. (distance); Erin Doran, sr. (sprints); Amy Grisa, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Morgan Gundlach, so. (distance); Evann Heidersbach, jr. (middle distance); Mary Beth Milchen, jr. (distance); Laura Pierce, sr. (middle distance); Andrea Price, so. (distance); Stephanie Recko, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Liz Rock, so. (middle distance); Gia Tony, jr. (sprints, jumps); Meredith Traxler, so. (middle distance); Audrey Welch, jr. (hurdles); Marion Zaworski, jr. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Paige Benson, fr. (sprints); Kristin Concheck, fr. (distance); Grace Dill, fr. (middle distance, jumps); Kelly O’Dell, fr. (sprints); Alex Rick, fr. (distance); Sara Schneider, so. (sprints, throws)
SCOUTING REPORT: Clark, Pierce, Rick and Rock were ninth (10:36.05) in the 3,200 relay at the Division II-III state indoor meet. Rick also finished 13th in the 800. Doran (800 relay) is a returning regional qualifier in outdoor track. Heidersbach, eight-time All-Ohio in swimming, hopes to build off her swim success. She was fourth in the 800 at last year’s NCL meet. The Panthers should be improved in the sprint, middle distance and distance events.

Lake Erie League

Admiral King Admirals

COACH: Karen Pfeiffer (first year)
ASSISTANTS: Preston Tyler (sprints), Jeremy Wright (throws), Nora Wright (jumps)
2007 RECORD: 5th LEL Lake Division, 15th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): Christi Bolinger, jr. (sprints); Talina Bracy, jr. (middle distance, discus); Jasmine Garcia, so. (sprints); Cody Hardy, so. (sprints); Dominique Higginbotham, jr. (high jump); Shakyla LeGard, so. (sprints, long jump); Sheral Robinson, so. (sprints, hurdles);
KEY NEWCOMERS: Tierra Ammons, fr. (sprints); Ariel Charles, so. (throws); Brenda Coleman, so. (throws); Heidi Galliway; Diana Hammond, sr. (distance); Heather Harkless, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: Bolinger (100) was a 2006 regional qualifier as a freshman. She also qualified to 2006 regionals as a member of the 400 relay.

Southview Saints

COACH: Donovan Wilson (third year, 11th year overall)
ASSISTANTS: Desmond Carter (hurdles), Mark Feldman (distance), Alma Merritt (throws), Alisha Nieves (sprints, jumps)
2007 RECORD: 4th LEL Erie Division, 8th Amherst district (Division I), 19th Amherst regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (8): Nikki Armstrong, sr. (hurdles); Lashanda Arnold, so. (distance); Shawta DeChant; Jennifer Dispenza, sr. (throws); Alecia Jeffrey, sr. (throws); Breanna Middlebrooks, jr. (distance); Alexis Washington, jr. (sprints); Ashley Williams, so. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Deandra Bryant, fr. (sprints); Ashley Evans, so. (sprints); Valencia Frymier, so. (distance); Paris Grubbs, so. (sprints); Destiny Harbin, so. (throws); Princess Nixon, fr. (sprints); Shanique Ogle, fr. (throws); Breanna Pulliam, fr. (sprints); Sanita Quinn, fr. (throws); Allena Smith, fr. (distance); Alba Torres, fr. (distance); Micaela Valentin, jr. (sprints); Tameila Whitfield, so. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Washington was a regional finalist in both the 100 and 200. She was also a member of the state-qualifying 400 relay. Arnold also returns from last year’s 400 relay. Armstrong was second team All-LEL last year in the hurdles. Middlebrooks (3,200) was All-LEL honorable mention. Evans and Valentin are expected to have an impact as newcomers.

Patriot Athletic Conference

Stars Division

Black River Pirates

COACH: Corey Kline (fourth year, seventh overall)
ASSISTANTS: Tim Burns, Adam Laskos
2007 RECORD: 1st PAC, 10th Orrville district (Division II)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (11): Alicia Altenburger, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Autumn Carter, sr. (sprints); Krystal Coffman, jr. (sprints, jumps); Chelsey Calhoun, sr. (sprints, jumps, discus); Brianna Foster, sr.; Krissy Gillahan, sr. (sprints, high jump, pole vault); Courtney Grove, jr.; Raichel Herte, so. (sprints, hurdles); Amber Humphries, jr. (sprints, jumps); Megan Keathley, sr. (sprints, hurdles, pole vault); Kylie Vozar, so. (sprints, high jump); Sarah Wagner, sr. (middle distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Alex Bowman, fr.; Alissa Brown, fr. (distance); Jessie Cupchick, jr. (sprints); Judi Givanetti, fr.; Stephanie Henry, fr. (throws); Rebecca Herte, fr. (sprints); Katie Hozan, jr.; Tasha Norman, so. (throws); Jeanie Pipher, so. (throws); Ashley Rochford, fr. (sprints); Amber Wacker, so. (distance); Julia Wade, fr. (distance); Cassondra Zumack, fr. (sprints, jumps)
SCOUTING REPORT: Last year, Black River won its first conference title since taking home the 1990 Firelands Conferennce crown. Herte is conference record-holder in the 300 hurdles (49.9). She was also second in the 100 hurdles (16.6) and 100 meters (12.9) at the PAC championships. Vozar is also a co-holder of the PAC record in the high jump (5-2). Herte (100 hurdles) and Vozar (high jump) are also returning regional qualifiers. Keathley is defending conference champ in pole vault.

Brookside Cardinals

COACH: Scott Graham (fourth year, sixth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Mason Cooley (sprints, jumps), Jon Pippert (throws)
2007 RECORD: 8th PAC, 12th Midview district (Division II)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (6): Ali Gendron, jr. (sprints); Anne Gray, jr. (throws); Hollace Kesterske, jr. (sprints); Madeline Rouhier, sr. (distance); Tina Smith, jr. (distance); Chelsea Welch, so. (middle distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Layelle Al-Ghaben, jr. (throws); Claire Brezinski, fr. (sprints, jumps); Rachel Brown, fr. (jumps, throws); Morgan Campbell, so. (middle distance); Kayla Chrosniak, fr. (middle distance); Nicole Greenhill, fr. (throws); Kristina Guisti, so. (throws); Misty Kersletter, so. (sprints, throws); Savannah Klingshirn, jr. (middle distance); Torie Kozyk, so. (sprints, jumps); Sarah Meno, so. (middle distance); Casey Pawloski, so. (throws); Kayla Rudoff, fr. (throws); Kelsey Tilberg, jr. (sprints, jumps); Hillary Verlato, fr. (sprints, throws); Taryn Zira, fr. (throw)
SCOUTING REPORT: Gendron (high jump, in 2007) and Kesterske (100, in 2006) are returning regional qualifiers. The Cards are inexperienced with 13 of 22 team members either freshmen or sophomores.

Keystone Wildcats

COACH: Jeff Holzhauer (fourth year, ninth overall)
2007 RECORD: 3rd PAC, 12th Orrville district (Division II), 38th Lexington regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): Nikki Blair, so. (distance); Erin Gallagher, jr. (throws); Mara Gordon, so. (hurdles); Chloe Irish, jr. (sprints, jumps); Kristen King, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Ashley Lenzer, so. (sprints); Ashley Malinkey, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Holly Waldecker, sr. (throws); Lindsay Watts, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Melanie Bastock, so. (middle distance); Bre Benjamin, so. (sprints, jumps); Shelby Cyrus, so. (sprints); Megan Heckathorn, so. (distance); Amanda Jones, sr. (multi-events); Karli Sturgill, fr. (sprints, pole vault)
SCOUTING REPORT: Irish (long jump) is a two-time regional qualifier and 2006 PAC champ. She also finished third in the PAC and fifth at the Orrville district for the 100 meters. The Cats’ numbers are up (30) from last year (25). However, Holzhauer remains short-staffed without any assistants. It’s the only program in the conference without an assistant coach.

Wellington Dukes

COACH: Jim Rollence (eighth year, 14th overall)
ASSISTANT: Megan Kauffman
2007 RECORD: 7th PAC, 13th Orrville district (Division II)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Katey Barker, sr. (throws); Katy Bowman, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Rachelle Eye, so. (hurdles); Jerrica Frye, sr. (sprints, hurdles, long jump); Molly Kulp, jr. (sprints);
KEY NEWCOMERS: Erica George, fr.; Monique Hyde, fr.; Courtney Kurtz, fr.; Gina Logar, so.; Shannon Swope, jr.; Emily Touma, jr.
SCOUTING REPORT: Bowman, Frye and Kulp were PAC champs in the 800 relay. The Dukes’ numbers are up (32, from 26 last year). Wellington hasn’t won a conference track title in nearly 30 years (1978) when the girls last won it.

Stripes Division

Clearview Clippers

COACH: Scott Sloboda (first year, seventh overall)
ASSISTANTS: Don Collier (sprints), Tom McCardle (throws), Jason Steadman (distance)
2007 RECORD: 2nd PAC, 10th Midview district (Division II), 16th Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (7): Alexis Davis, so. (throws); Olivia Gardner, jr. (sprints, jumps); Brianna Hancock, sr. (throws); Teayrmyia Bason, so. (sprints); Alexis Pastor, so. (sprints); Brianna Schullik, jr. (distance); Brianna Shaw, jr. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMER: Jasmine Comstock, fr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Shaw (800) has twice barely missed all-state honors (top eight), finishing ninth at Columbus each of the last two years. Hancock (shot put) won the PAC title by over four feet. The Clipppers missed the PAC title last year by a point to Black River, 117-116.

Columbia Raiders

COACH: Ross Madak (sixth year, seventh overall)
ASSISTANTS: Andrew Custar (throws), Kathy Maxwell (distance, long jump)
2007 RECORD: 6th PAC, 7th Norwayne district (Division III), 21st Navarre regional, 42nd state
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (12): Liz Bailey, sr. (distance); Sara Borhello, so. (distance); Lisa Brasdovich, so. (sprints); Emily Donovan, jr. (sprints); Alexa Dorricott, sr. (sprints, hurdles, pole vault); Alex Ellis, so. (sprints, high jump); Tara Gorman, so. (sprints, pole vault, long jump); Rachel Gray, so. (sprints); Nadia Husien, sr. (distance); Stephanie Lehane, so. (distance); Chelsea Schabo, jr. (sprints, throws, jumps); Becky Verbas, so. (sprints, hurdles, high jump)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Caitlyn Calvey, fr. (sprints); Erica Castro, fr. (throws); Ciara Delahunty, fr. (distance); Domenique DeMaria, fr. (throws); Rose Gorse, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: Dorricott (pole vault) goes for her second straight All-Ohio finish. Bailey is a two-time regional qualifier in the 3,200. Brasdovich (100, 200) was a regional qualifier in both of her events after sweeping PAC titles in each one. She also teamed with Borhello, Donovan and Gray for another regional spot in the 400 relay.

Lutheran West Longhorns

COACH: Joe King (29th overall)
ASSISTANTS: Paul Bruhn (sprints, jumps), Doug Glass (hurdles)
2007 RECORD: 5th PAC, 10th Independence district (Division III)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (8): Megan Brown, so. (distance); Mandy Culley, jr. (distance); Sarah Gettinger, jr. (sprints); Christen Hawks, sr. (sprints, long jump); Sarah Jackson, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Caroline Menhennett, jr. (sprints); Mickey Rogers, jr. (distance); Kourtney Schultz, so. (sprints); Hannah Spacek, jr. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Nicole Beckman, so. (sprints); Kristen Geye, so. (sprints); Emma Kunimoto, fr. (sprints); Stephanie Moore, so. (sprints); Amber Voytovich, fr. (distance); Megan Thornhill, jr. (throws); Courtney Zanotti, fr. (middle distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: Jackson was a regional qualifier in the 100 hurdles. Hawks, the team MVP in 2006, is back after missing last year with a torn ACL from soccer season. Culley was All-PAC in cross country. The team’s strength is in sprints, hurdles and relays.

Oberlin Phoenix

COACH: Anthony Brown (first year, eighth overall)
ASSISTANT: Tabatha Watson-Brown
2007 RECORD: 7th PAC, 16th place Norwayne district (Division III)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (4): Honesty Jackson, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Heidi Hawk, so. (throws); Zaire Mincy, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Maya Wyman, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Lakeia Barbee, sr. (throws); Taelor Jones, fr.; LeAundra Richards, so.; Kayla Miller, fr.; Marissa Miller, fr.; Anna Morton, so. (middle distance); Jacinda Owens, fr.; Jazlyn Segarra, fr.; Kayrissa Walker, fr.
SCOUTING REPORT: Wyman was a 2006 regional qualifier as a member of the 400 relay and 800 relay. She was also a 2006 PAC champ as a member of the 400 relay and took second in the PAC the same season in the 800 relay. Jackson, Mincy and Hawk are other team veterans. Morton should be a good asset in the middle-distance events.

Southwestern Conference

Amherst Comets

COACH: Rob Glatz (third year)
ASSISTANTS: Darline Elsasser (sprints), Dorian Green (sprints), Michelle Kamczyc (sprints, high jump), Terry Kemp (distance), Monty Parrish (long jump, hurdles), Mike Lugar (sprints, jumps), Alan Roark (pole vault), Mark Valenti (throws)
2007 RECORD: 5th SWC, 5th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): Brooke Arthur-Mensah, jr. (sprints, long jump); Jessica Bartholomew, jr. (distance); Megan Byrne, sr. (distance); Kara Kasper, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Erica Kelly, so. (distance); Jane Lehman, jr. (distance); Michele Molnar, sr. (distance); Mary Odafe, so. (sprints); Melissa Overman, sr. (throws); Lauren Percival, jr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMER: Hailey Dziak, fr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Lehman (3,200) finished 14th at the state indoor meet. Arthur-Mensah (long jump) and Kasper (100 hurdles) were regional qualifiers last year. Bartholomew (3,200) was a regional qualifier in 2006. Bartholomew and Lehman, along with Byrne, Kelly and Molnar, were members of last fall’s state-qualifying cross country team. Defending SWC champ in the 100 and 200, Odafe is out for the season after injuring her knee in summer basketball. Dziak (200) broke the school indoor record.

Avon Lake Shoregals

COACH: Yvonne Saul-Craigo (second year, fourth overall)
ASSISTANT: Jeff Arra
2007 RECORD: 7th SWC, 11th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (25): Katie Adams, sr. (distance); Maddie Bauer, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Syndi Becker, jr. (sprints, long jump); Michelle Bottini, so. (sprints, hurdles); Lauren Bruss, so.; Leslie Cislo, jr. (high jump); Alyssa Fernald, so. (distance); Janelle Gabriel, sr.; Bridget Green, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Ashley Hackett, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Kelsey Hayas, sr. (sprints); Melissa Hayton, jr. (sprints); Emily Hudson, so. (distance); Bri Kenny, sr. (distance); Courtney Koeth, sr. (throws); Becky Lightfoot, sr. (middle distance); Bridget Lyons, so. (throws); Alyssa Molnar, sr. (distance, high jump); Tracy Moor, so. (distance); Jena Parker, sr. (pole vault); Bridget Patten, so. (sprints); Claire Storer, jr. (sprints); Selena Ventura, jr. (distance); Miranda Weed, so. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Courtney Citro, fr.; Sarah Hudson, fr.; Taylor Kuhar, so.; Lauren Leduc, so.; Ann Maltbie; Megan Marzec, fr.; Stephanie Mauer, so.; Summer Seiple, fr.; Morgan Srail, fr.
SCOUTING REPORT: Hayas was a regional qualifier last year as a member of the 1,600 relay. Bruss, Cislo, Moor and Storer are all closing in on 5-0 to 5-2 in the high jump. Weed was the No. 1 runner on the cross country team last fall.

Berea Braves

COACH: Roy Moore (fifth year, 25th overall)
ASSISTANTS: Wil Avery (sprints), Bob Butler (throws), Barb Hunter (distance)
2007 RECORD: 7th SWC, 11th place Amherst district (Division I), 33rd Amherst regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (13): Tiara Bailey, jr. (sprints); Natalie Fadenholz, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Ashley Futo, jr. (sprints); Megan Gulley, jr. (throws); Jasmine Hart, sr. (sprints); Courtney Herrman, jr. (sprints, jumps); Rachael Kolp, jr. (long jumps); Alexandra Martinson, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Aymie Pochatek, sr. (sprints); Venice Rich, sr. (sprints); Stephanie Robinson, jr. (distance); Tanya Sipos, sr. (sprints, long jump); Bryell Skinner, jr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Staci Bohanon, fr. (sprints, long jump); Alli Carabello, fr. (sprints); Brittany Dickens, jr. (distance); Kristen Haslett, fr. (distance); Nicole Kollis, so. (sprints); Nadia Konyk, fr. (distance); Ashley Kozak, so. (sprints, long jump); Claire Macosko, sr. (distance); Sarah Magnani, so. (sprints, jumps); Riikka Purovesi, sr. (sprints); Brittany Rossi, so. (sprints); Elena Santora, fr. (sprints, hurdles); Kayla Schiemer, fr. (sprints, long jump); Allissa Strnad, fr. (sprints); Sarah Stuart, so. (sprints, high jump); Cory Waldron, fr. (sprints); Megan Wade, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: A good base to work from, but the Braves may need some help filling out field events.

North Olmsted Eagles

COACH: Lisa Pochatek (1st year, 10th overall)
ASSISTANTS: Paul Arundel (throws), Tom Jenkins (high jump, pole vault), Erika Kleinholz (hurdles), Michelle Sanborn (long jump)
2007 RECORD: 5th SWC, 9th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (16): Andria Bazilevich, jr. (distance); Carla Bittner, sr. (throws); Brittany Busse, sr. (distance); Philly Dixon, so. (distance); Kara Gut, sr. (distance); Stephanie Heim, sr. (hurdles); Christine Kanis, sr. (throws); Theresa Madden, sr. (throws); Sarah Martynowski, so. (middle distance); Tiffany Platko, so. (pole vault); Morgan Pochatek, jr. (sprints); Jordan Sowecke, so. (distance); Stephanie Sutton, sr. (sprints); Amanda Taylor, jr. (throws); Ann Tomko, sr. (high jump)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Meghan Drews, fr. (sprints); Vanessa Gut, so. (distance); Melanie Trefny, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: North Olmsted slipped to fifth in the SWC last year after four straight second-place finishes. Kanis (shot put) was a 2007 regional finalist and missed state by seven inches. Morgan Pochatek aims to bounce back from hip surgery last November. She was a regional qualifier in the 100 meters and placed second at the SWC meet as a member of the 400 relay. Sutton was also a member of last year’s 400 relay. Sutton was all-state in gymnastics in vault. Kara Gut was a regional qualifier as a member of the 3,200 relay. Platko (pole vault) was second at the SWC meet. She was a state diving qualifier.

Olmsted Falls Bulldogs

COACH: John Novotny (fourth year, fifth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Matt Celaschi (throws), Rory Fabian (sprints), Dave Godfray (pole vault, hurdles), Kelly Henton (distance), Katrina Lallo (high jump), Erika Wyman (sprints, long jump)
2007 RECORD: 3rd SWC, 6th Amherst district (Division I), 7th Amherst regional, 63rd state
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (16): Shannon Carney, sr. (hurdles); Sam Delfing, sr. (distance); Jenna Funk, sr. (hurdles); Jackie Griswold, so. (throws); Annie Guido, jr. (throws); Alexis Henton, jr. (middle distance); Jessica Jurcak, so. (hurdles); Sam Mastantuono, jr. (sprints); Katie Nageotte, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Sarah Radeff, jr. (pole vault); Calli Roberts, sr. (sprints, jumps); Brittany Snider, jr. (high jump); Kalie Stallard, jr. (hurdles); Julie Trapp, sr. (distance); Breanna Vedda, so. (pole vault); Marissa Wood, sr. (sprints, hurdles)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Brianna Carney, fr. (pole vault); Alaina Clark, fr. (distance); Megan Coughlin, fr. (middle distance); Megan Johnson, fr. (distance); Sarah McClain, fr. (sprints, pole vault); Danya Roberts, fr. (sprints, throws); Sarah Robertson, fr. (sprints); Anastasia Souris, fr. (sprints, hurdles)
SCOUTING REPORT: Snider (high jump) is a two-time state qualifier. Nageotte (pole vault) placed sixth at the Division I state indoor meet. Henton (400) and Griswold (discus) were regional qualifiers last year. Wood and Roberts were 2006 regional qualifiers as members of the 1,600 relay.

Westlake Demons

COACH: Duane Miller (22nd year, also coached in 1980 and from 1986-2001)
ASSISTANTS: Bob Curtis (sprints), Paul Hammond (throws), Travis Haselswerdt (distance, pole vault)
2007 RECORD: 1st SWC, 3rd Amherst district (Division I), 14th Amherst regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (29): Natalie Bechtel, so. (sprints); Jenna Daghstani, so. (throws); Brittany Daniels, so. (middle distance); Megan Davis, so. (middle distance); Hanna Dixon, jr. (sprints); Megan Dunlap, so. (distance); Julia Fulton, so. (middle distance); Maeva Goede, jr. (middle distance); Bridget Hays, jr. (distance); Alex James, jr. (hurdles, jumps); Sophia Kopasakis, so. (distance); Lauren Ledek, sr. (middle distance); Bridget McNeill, jr. (throws); Beth Moroney, jr. (middle distance); Megan O’Neill, jr. (sprints); Grace Pophal, so. (pole vault); Lydia Puccini, so. (pole vault); Kristen Ricker, jr. (pole vault); Liz Stark, jr. (sprints); Amelia Serrat, sr. (middle distance, high jump); Sarah Solarz, sr. (hurdles, long jump); Emily Stephenson, jr. (throws); A.J. Suever, so. (sprints); Lauren Tafuri, sr. (distance); Jen Tomasch, sr. (distance); Katie Vivona, (throws); Julie Wang, so. (distance, jumps); Ashle Williams, so. (throws); Hannah Zapfe, sr. (middle distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: The Demons are talented with good depth. Serrat (high jump) and McNeill (discus) are returning state qualifiers. Individually, Kopasakis (1,600 and 3,200), Dunlap (1,600) and James (long jump) are regional qualifiers. Ledek, Fulton and Dunlap are back from last year’s regional-qualifying 3,200 relay. Fulton, Bechtel, Davis and O’Neill were regional qualifiers in the 1,600 relay.

West Shore Conference

Avon Eagles

COACH: Tara Gruskiewicz (second year, third overall)
ASSISTANTS: Bill Fishleigh (sprints), Dick Garvelinks (throws), Matt Nortz (distance)
2007 RECORD: 3rd WSC, 2nd Midview district (Division II), 26th Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (11): Kenzie Berkheimer, so. (throws, high jump); Melissa Bruno, so. (sprints); Christina Herbst, jr. (throws); Kaitlin Hopkins, so. (sprints, pole vault); Cassie Jensen, sr. (sprints); Emily Michelich, jr. (distance); Mary Mullins, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Elisabeth Neumann, so. (sprints); Megan Repas, so. (sprints, jumps); Samantha Schmidt, jr. (sprints); Erin Schneider, so. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Nicole Armstrong, fr. (sprints); Bailey Basen, fr. (sprints); Sammy Bender, fr. (sprints); Ali Fisher, fr. (sprints); Brianne Kistler, fr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Eagles have seven athletes with regional experience. Herbst is a two-time regional qualifier in shot put and was the 2007 Midview district champ in discus. She missed qualifying to state in shot put by three-quarters of an inch. Repas (long jump) and Schneider (1,600) were regional qualifiers last year. Bruno, Neumann, Mullins and Jensen qualified to regionals in the 400 relay. Bruno, Jensen and Schneider advanced to regionals in the 1,600 relay. Schneider also earned a regional ticket in the 3,200 relay.

Bay Rockets

COACH: Kirsten Millet (seventh year, eighth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Danielle Harkins (sprints), Jeff Petrulis (throws), Shelley Brewer (jumps), Rick Voiers (pole vault)
2007 RECORD: 5th WSC, 4th Midview district (Division II), 15th Ravenna regional, 25th state
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (16): Kelsey Barnes, so. (sprints); Stephanie Black, sr. (middle distance); Sarah Chen, so. (sprints, long jump); Mackenzie Clark, jr. (sprints, jumps); Maryhelen Cook, sr. (middle distance); Hannah Farver, sr. (distance); Jessica Gale, jr. (distance); Molly Gorie, sr. (distance); Lisa Griebel, jr. (distance); Lauren Marosi, jr. (jumps); Hope O’Brien, so. (throws); Megan O’Brien, jr. (distance); Peggy Olson, jr. (middle distance); Kelsey Poisson, jr. (middle distance, long jump); Dayna Rohlke, jr. (high jump); Carmen Rush, so. (distance, hurdles)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Bridget Doughty, fr. (sprints, hurdles)
SCOUTING REPORT: Doughty was third in the 60-meter hurdles at the Division II-III state indoor meet on March 15. Black was fourth at the indoor state meet for both 800 and 1,600. Rohlke (high jump) is a returning outdoor state qualifier, taking 11th at Columbus. She was fifth at the state indoor meet. Farver (3,200) is a two-time regional qualifier and was All-Ohio for cross country (top 25) in 2005. Gorie was an WSC champ and regional qualifier in the 800.

Firelands Falcons

COACH: Greg Northeim (19th year, includes stint from 1980-86)
ASSISTANTS: Bob Donelson (hurdles, long jump), Jason Perkins (sprints), Ken Searight (sprints), Julene Woods (middle distance)
2007 RECORD: 8th WSC, 11th Lakewood district (Division II), 31st Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (2): Jessica Fields, jr. (throws); Christine Jessel, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Heather Arndt, fr. (distance); Erika Bursken, fr. (throws); Ashley Smith, fr. (middle distance); Kayleigh Vogel, fr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Depth is improved from a year ago. This year’s team numbers 23, up seven from the end of last year.

Midview Middies

COACH: Steve Hayhurst (fourth year, sixth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Angela Meikle (hurdles, jumps), Josh Moore (sprints, middle distance), Ryan Tansey (hurdles, jumps, pole vault), Rory Scarvelli (throws)
2007 RECORD: 7th WSC, 12th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (11): Brianna Adams, so. (distance); Anicia Gamble, sr. (sprints); Charnae Halstead, so.; Lauren Hutka, so.; Theresa Hutka, sr. (middle distance); Raelyn Johnson, jr.; Catherine Pavell, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Brianna Schnur, sr.; Hilary Sturgeon, jr.; Danielle Wise, jr. (hurdles, jumps); Jennah Wise, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Leslie Booher, fr. (throws); Grace Demyan, fr. (throws); Hannah Hughes, jr. (distance); Alexa Katrinchak, fr. (sprints, hurdles); Katie Shamblin, fr.; Alycia Woodman, fr. (throws)
SCOUTING REPORT: Pavell (300 hurdles) was a 2006 district finalist, placing sixth. She clocked 49.4 last year, missing the school record by a half-second. Katrinchak should give the Middies a good 1-2 punch in the hurdles. Gamble and Jennah Wise lead a talented group of sprinters. If the Middies can stay healthy, they hope to finish among the top half in the WSC.

North Ridgeville Rangers

COACH: Dan Rademaker (16th year, 21st overall)
ASSISTANTS: Kevin Drapcho (distance), Walt Laveen (throws), John Piechalski (sprints)
2007 RECORD: 6th place WSC, 13th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (17): Jessica Ambs, sr. (hurdles); Rachel Beckett, so. (high jump); Michelle Bing, jr. (throws); Maggie Byrne, sr. (sprints); Kari Cook, so. (distance); Dawn Dunlap, sr. (hurdles); Amy Frederick (throws); Pammy Hess (sprints); Megan Keller, jr. (throws); Becca Lamb, so. (distance); Jamie Martin, jr. (sprints); Jill Quintana (sprints); Chelsea Rose (high jump); Brittany Schneider, so. (sprints); Alice Shoemaker, sr. (distance); Alyssa Vah (distance); Kayla Vidoni, so. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Nikki Bowden (sprints); Danielle Daveant (high jump); Deirdre Lanigan (distance); Kemmi Osundina; Erica St. John (field events)
SCOUTING REPORT: Ambs (100 hurdles) was a regional qualifier. Byrne was an WSC champ as a member of the 800-meter relay. A good turnout (44) marks the program’s largest participation level in 10 years.

Vermilion Sailors

COACH: Kristy Edmison (eighth year, ninth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Brett Colahan (sprints), Jim Klein (hurdles, jumps, pole vault), Nikki Anderson (throws)
2007 RECORD: 2nd WSC, 3rd Midview district (Division II)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Amanda Bowles, sr. (distance); Beth Chasse, jr. (hurdles); Lindsay Forconi, sr. (sprints, jumps); Lauren Habermehl, sr. (distance); Anne Hamilton, jr. (throws); Sarah Horan, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Chelsey Lantsberry, so. (sprints, hurdles); Alyssa Rodriguez, so. (sprints, jumps); Lauren Zientarski, jr. (throws)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Melody Bayer, jr. (jumps, throws); Kara Cremean, fr. (distance); Nikki Dyke, fr. (sprints); Breanna Graham, fr. (hurdles); Jamie Gregory, fr. (sprints); Miriam Hole, sr. (sprints); Marissa Lassen, fr. (distance); Mallory Montgomery, jr. (distance); Kelsi Neidler, so. (sprints); Emily Onderko, fr. (sprints, throws); Heather Perry, so. (sprints, jumps); Danielle Smyers, fr. (sprints); Ciara Strittmather, jr. (distance); Betsy Thayer, fr. (hurdles); Kelsie Tucker, so. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: The Sailors have some experience, but are much younger than the past two years. Hamilton (shot put) is a two-time regional qualifier and won the district as a sophomore. Forconi has a been a regional qualifier in the 100 meters, as well as the 400- and 800-meter relays. Rodriguez was also a member of both regional-qualifying relays.

Independents

Lake Ridge Lions

COACH: Bill Crowell (3rd year, 23rd year overall)
ASSISTANTS: Keeon Gregory, Danielle Parrish (hurdles, high jump), Andy Wright (throws, pole vault)
2007 RECORD: 11th Norwayne district (Division III)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (3): Megan Leake, jr. (sprints, hurdles, high jump, pole vault); Amanda Seidel, so. (sprints, jumps); Sarah Wright, jr. (hurdles, discus, pole vault)
SCOUTING REPORT: Seidel was 10th in the 400 and 16th in the high jump at the Division II-III state indoor meet. Seidel was the team’s leading scorer last year. Leake qualified to regioinals in the 300 hurdles as a sophomore. She is the school record-holder in the pole vault (9-0) and 300 hurdles (50.1).

Open Door Patriots

COACH: Gary Christofferson (third year)
2007 RECORD: 14th Norwayne district (Division III); 36th Navarre regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (11): Olivia Boaz, jr. (middle distance, long jump); Deb Carmany, sr. (sprints, long jump); Amy Christofferson, jr. (sprints, jumps); Courtney Dunckel, jr. (hurdles); Courtney Gillberg, jr. (middle distance); Rachel Hetrick, jr. (distance); Jackie Pence, jr. (sprints, discus); Chelsea Pyle, jr. (hurdles, long jump); Mimi Samuel, jr. (distance); Rachel Schumick, sr. (middle distance); Alyssa Slone, so. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sarah Hetrick, fr. (distance); Amanda Notley, jr. (sprints, throws); Hannah Schumick, fr. (sprints); Ashley Stanford, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: Rachel Schumick was a regional qualifier last year in the 800 and has a personal-best time of 2:24.7. She is a two-time regional qualifier in cross country. The Patriots should be strong in the middle-distance events, as well as the 1,600- and 3,200-meter relays.

BOYS

Northeast Ohio Conference

Elyria Pioneers

COACH: Deryl Nalle (14th year — also served as head coach from 1983-90, 33rd overall)
ASSISTANTS: Craig Aulisio (distance); Jeannine Feldkamp (sprints, hurdles); Tim Johnson (sprints, hurdles); Keith Rivers (throws)
2007 RECORD: 5th Pioneer Conference, 9th Amherst district (Division I), 29th Amherst regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Tyler Almeida, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Ben Baptiste, so. (distance); Aaron Grimm, sr. (distance); Mychael Martin, sr. (sprints); Keith Novarese, so. (distance); Ian Oskins, sr. (pole vault); Dave Robinson, sr. (sprints); Greg Shotwell, sr. (sprints); Josh Taylor, so. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Lyndon Anderson, so. (sprints); Brett Godfrey, jr. (middle distance, pole vault); Josh Grant, so. (sprints, long jump); Thomas Merrell, jr. (throws); Chris Runkle, so. (throws)
SCOUTING REPORT: Oskins (pole vault) is the Elyria boys’ first regional qualifier in pole vault since 1973. Martin (400 relay) was also a regional qualifier. In general, Elyria should be strong in sprints and pole vault. Distance and other field events are still developing.

Lake Erie League

Admiral King Admirals

COACH: Kelvin Jackson (first year, 17th overall)
ASSISTANTS: Preston Tyler (sprints); Jeremy Wright (throws); Nora Wright (jumps)
2007 RECORD: 2nd LEL Erie Division, 10th place Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (3): Adam Maholic, sr. (hurdles); Mike McConnell, sr. (distance); Jeremy Taylor, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Terrance Adkinson, sr. (sprints); Josh Cortez (sprints, long jump); John Eiland, fr. (hurdles); Davente Gibbs, so. (sprints); Rayshawn Morgan, so. (throws)
SCOUTING REPORT: The Admirals are a young team and must rebuild. Jackson takes over the boys’ helm following the retirement of Pat McGill. Jackson was head coach for the King girls from 2004-07.

Southview Saints

COACH: Sue Patterson (second year)
ASSISTANTS: Doug Lewis (sprints); Lanny Navarro (throws)
2007 RECORD: 6th LEL Erie Division, 15th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): Andre Burt, so. (sprints, hurdles); Luis Castro, so. (middle distance); Ricky Earl, so. (sprints); Demea Edwards, so. (sprints); Bruce Lovett, sr. (sprints); Jeremy Silva, sr. (sprints, long jump); Joel Taylor, sr. (sprints); Kalvin Windham, sr. (sprints, long jump); Kevin Williams, sr. (sprints); Blake Witherspoon, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Joseph Cuevas, fr. (middle distance); Nicholas Cruz, fr. (middle distance); Charles Ferris, fr. (sprints, high jump); Eugenio Fontaze, fr. (throws); Josh Hexcox, fr. (jumps); Lynwood McGrier, fr. (sprints, hurdles); Denzel Palmer, fr. (sprints, long jump); Jose Rodriguez, fr. (throws); Ruben Soto, fr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Witherspoon clocked 22.1 in the 200 meters this winter for indoor track. He also teamed with Lovett, Silva and Kevin Windham for a 1:38 in the 800 relay. Earl ran a 10.9 (hand-timed) for the 100 meters as a freshman. Silva and Palmer are potential 20-foot long jumpers. Castro is expected to lead in the distance events.

North Coast League

Elyria Catholic Panthers

COACH: Tim Kuhman (ninth year, includes first stint from 1979-81)
ASSISTANTS: Dan LaRocca, Chuck Lynch
2007 RECORD: 5th NCL, 9th Midview district (Division II), 29th Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (12): Richie Baker, sr. (sprints); Andrew Bir, sr. (sprints); Marty Coolidge, so. (distance); Pat Flanagan, sr. (sprints); Evan Foreman, so. (middle distance); Jayson Graham, sr. (sprints); Andy Kuhman, sr. (distance); Vinnie Piero, sr. (distance); Jim Russell, sr. (distance); Dane Szente, sr. (throws); Steve Wisniewski, so. (middle distance); Jimmy Zambo, so. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Pat Foreman, fr. (distance); Dan Kuhman, fr. (distance); Ryan Lynch, fr. (distance); Matt Wiehe, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: The 400 relay won districts for the first time since winning back-to-back titles in 1979 and ’80. Bir, Graham, Baker and Flanagan clocked 44.05, just missing the 1980 school record of 44.0. The relay advanced to the regional finals before being eliminated. Bir barely missed repeating as district 100-meter champ, taking second by a hundreth of a second. Coolidge, who finished 10th as the top sophomore at the state cross country meet, aims for a state berth in the 3,200. Piero and Zambo (3,200 relay) are returning regional qualifiers.

Patriot Athletic Conference

Stars Division

Black River Pirates

COACH: Mike Nye (fourth year, sixth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Tim Burns, Adam Laskos
2007 RECORD: 2nd PAC, 8th Orrville district (Division II), 37th Lexington regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (24): Robert Altenburger, sr. (distance); Michael Bowling, so. (distance); Ethan Carver, jr.; Josh Derrick, jr.; Brandon Freeman, sr. (sprints); Brett Gentile, jr. (distance); Greg Hartman, sr. (sprints, long jump); Derek Hauff, so.; Jon Hokes, jr. (distance); Matt Hunsucker, jr.; Neil Jones, so.; Dave Kindall, so. (distance); Ryan King, sr. (hurdles); Vincent Lee, so.; Jim Randolph, sr. (middle distance); Thor Reep, jr.; Josh Reinhardt, so. (sprints); Jay Seneff, so. (sprints); Joe Seneff, so. (sprints); Corey Spooner, jr.; Obrey Steinbrunner, jr. (jumps); Patrick Twining, sr. (distance); Anthonie Williams, so. (jumps); Dan Wilson, jr. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable
SCOUTING REPORT: Altenburger (3,200) is a defending event champ. Derrick (pole vault) was second at last year’s conference meet.

Brookside Cardinals

COACH: Jeff Keith (first year)
ASSISTANTS: Mason Cooley (sprints, jumps); Jon Pippert (throws)
2007 RECORD: 8th PAC, 13th Midview district (Division II); 35th Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Brandon Arroyo, sr. (middle distance); Chris Chrosniak, so. (middle distance); Pat Kimmich, sr. (distance); Adam Thompson, sr. (throws); Chris Welch, sr. (middle distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Craig Beese, sr. (distance, throws); Josh Bender, fr. (sprints, jumps); Eric Bradley, jr. (distance); Jacob Bullington, fr. (throws); Brad Calvert, fr. (sprints, throws); Patrick Frankiewicz, fr. (sprints, throws); Bryce Keller, fr. (sprints, jumps); Jon Prokay, so. (sprints); Robert Taw, fr. (throws); Paul Thorne, fr. (middle distance); Chaston Williams, fr. (jumps, throws)
SCOUTING REPORT: The Cardinals are short on experience. Ten of the team’s 18 members are either freshmen or sophomores.

Keystone Wildcats

COACH: Bruce Broad (seventh year, 11th overall)
2007 RECORD: 6th LCC, 16th Orrville district (Division II), 29th Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Alex Boydo, sr. (sprints); Andy Chizmadia, so. (throws); Brad Cromer, sr. (distance); Woody Melton, sr. (throws); Tony Nelson, jr. (middle distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable
SCOUTING REPORT: Nelson finished third in the 1,600 at last year’s PAC meet. He’s the Wildcats’ only significant scorer returning from the league championships. Keystone tries to rebuild with the help of 20 non-lettermen (25 overall).

Wellington Dukes

COACH: Jim Rollence (eighth year, 14th overall)
ASSISTANT: Megan Kauffman
2007 RECORD: 3rd LCC, 15th Lakewood district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Mark Calhoun, sr. (distance); Jerry Herman, jr. (sprints); Steve Simonson, jr. (sprints, high jump); Austin Smith, so. (sprints); Ken Wulfhoop, jr. (throws)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Kinter, sr.; Cory Linden, sr.; Brendan Rinehart, so.; Cody Smith, so.
SCOUTING REPORT: Herman was a 2006 regional qualifier as a member of the 800- and 1,600-meter relays. He was also a conference champ the same year as a member of the 1,600 relay. Calhoun was runner-up in the PAC last year for both the 1,600 and 3,200. He placed eighth at districts in the 1,600. Simonson (high jump) was second in the PAC and eighth at districts. Overall, numbers are up (33, versus 29 last year).

Stripes Division

Clearview Clippers

COACH: Scott Sloboda (first year, seventh year overall)
ASSISTANTS: Don Collier (sprints); Tom McCardle (throws); Jason Steadman (distance)
2007 RECORD: 5th PAC, 15th Midview district (Division II)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Teayrmichael Bason, sr. (sprints); Jordan Celestino, jr. (sprints, middle distance); Anthony Hitchens, so. (sprints, middle distance); Collin Owens, so. (high jump); Angel Senquiz, jr. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMER: Darius Thompson, sr. (sprints/Avon transfer)
SCOUTING REPORT: Head coach for the Brookside boys program for the last six years, Sloboda takes over the boys and girls programs at Clearview. Also an assistant football coach, Sloboda was able to attract some football players to bolster the track program. A good freshman class should also help things out. Numbers have doubled (30, versus 15 last year).

Columbia Raiders

COACH: Ross Madak (sixth year, seventh overall)
ASSISTANTS: Andrew Custar (throws); Kathy Maxwell (distance, jumps)
2007 RECORD: 7th PAC, 12th Independence district (Division III), 35th Navarre regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): William Bailey, so. (distance); Tim Brophy, sr. (distance); Cody Dean, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Joey Durant, jr. (sprints); Matt Glynn, jr. (sprints, jumps); Aric Gordon, so. (distance, jumps); Eric Painting, so. (distance); Anthony Silva, jr. (sprints, long jump); Brad Taphous, sr. (distance, long jump); Ricky Wake, sr. (hurdles, middle distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Richie Bics, sr. (sprints); Ethan Garofolo, jr. (throws); Jacob Scharf, sr. (throws); Steven Selage, jr. (sprints); Jeff Shaffer, sr. (sprints, long jump); Max Snow, fr. (distance); Forrest Wright, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: The Raiders improved last year and should continue to get better. Glynn, Durant and Dean lead the sprinters. Brophy and Taphous are the team’s top distance runners. Scharf is a senior newcomer who will try to help in the throws. Wake should be an asset in middle distance and hurdles.

Lutheran West Longhorns

COACH: Joe King (29th overall)
ASSISTANTS: Paul Bruhn (sprints, long jump); Doug Glass (hurdles)
2007 RECORD: 4th PAC, 4th Independence district (Division III), 35th Navarre regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Dan Bailey, jr. (sprints, long jump); Marty Beckman, jr. (throws); Austin Blackburn, sr. (hurdles); Cory Blackburn, jr. (middle distance); Marc Brueggemann, sr. (middle distance); Paul Fackler, jr. (sprints); Bo Heinemann, so. (sprints, high jump); Chad Schmitt, sr. (hurdles); Stephan Wagner, jr. (sprints, hurdles)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Kyle Bailey, fr. (hurdles); Ethan Beastrom, so. (shot put); Mike Berardinis, jr. (middle distance); Colin Grenig, jr. (sprints); Jakob Hamlescher, so. (throws); Jon McElhannon, sr. (discus); Colin McHugh, sr. (throws); James Ranc, fr. (distance); Brad Watson, fr. (middle distance); Jim Ziegan, sr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: Last year’s team MVP, Brueggemann was a regional qualifier in the 800- and 1,600-meter relays. Schmitt (300 hurdles) and Fackler (1,600 relay) also return with postseason experience. The Longhorns cover nearly all the running events and have good balance in the field events.

Oberlin Phoenix

COACH: Anthony Brown (first year, eighth overall)
ASSISTANT: Tabatha Watson-Brown
2007 RECORD: 10th LCC, 11th Norwayne district (Division III)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (3): Michael English, sr. (sprints, jumps, pole vault); Austin Pinkston, sr. (sprints, jumps); Glen Smith, jr. (sprints, jumps)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Robert Anderson, fr.; Anthony Johnson, sr. (sprints); Morgan Jones, jr. (sprints); Caleb Kudlo, so. (distance); Robert McGhee, so.; Derrick LaRiche, sr. (field events); Benji Partin, sr. (sprints, pole vault); Lewis Wade, fr.; Terrance Wright, fr.
SCOUTING REPORT: Last season, the Phoenix failed to qualify anyone to regionals for the first time in more than 10 years. But things look better already. Pinkston, English, Smith and Jones finished 15th at the Division II-III state meet in the 800-meter relay. Anthony Brown, a 1990 Oberlin High graduate, attempts to turn the fortunes around for his alma mater. He competed in track for Youngstown State and has seven years experience coaching track, including most recently as an assistant for Admiral King.

Southwestern Conference

Amherst Comets

COACH: Rob Glatz (third year)
ASSISTANTS: Darline Elsasser (sprints); Dorian Green (sprints); Michelle Kamczyc (sprints, high jump); Mike Lugar (sprints, jumps); Monty Parrish (long jump, hurdles); Alan Roark (pole vault); Mark Valenti (throws)
2007 RECORD: 1st SWC, 3rd Amherst district (Division I), 5th Amherst regional, 24th state
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10):  Shawn Chrapczynski, sr. (sprints); Brandon Colvig, sr. (throws); Gary Haglund, jr. (distance); Kevin Haroff, sr. (distance); Adam Kalivoda, jr. (pole vault); Brandon Kish, jr. (sprints); Kyle Lowry, jr. (distance); Max Mason, sr. (distance); Gerard Odafe, sr. (sprints); Justin Stump, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMER: Miles Pittak, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: Kish (200) is a two-time regional qualifier. He was fifth at regionals last year after winning the district crown. Chrapczynski (200) was 14th at the state indoor meet. Both also qualified to regionals in the 800 relay. Lowry (3,200) won the SWC meet and qualified to regionals. Odafe was a regional qualifier in the 1,600 relay. Kalivoda (pole vault) missed a regional berth on a tiebreaker.

Avon Lake Shoremen

COACH: Keith Kauffman (12th year, 13th overall)
ASSISTANTS: Doug D’Amico (pole vault); Bob D’Andrea (throws); Rob Juergens (distance); Tim Stuebner (sprints, hurdles)
2007 RECORD: 6th SWC, 8th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (17): Jimmy Adams, so. (distance); Tony Bartolotta, sr. (distance); Nick D’Amico, sr. (sprints, pole vault); Logan Crist, so. (pole vault); Souhail Frances, sr. (jumps); Zac Kisselle, sr. (sprints, jumps); Ben Kovach, sr. (sprints, jumps); Matt Link, so. (distance); Mike Mansnerus, so. (sprints); Jordan Market, so. (sprints); Sean McCann, jr. (throws); Cole Musial, jr. (distance); Drew Parker, sr. (sprints); Adam Robertson, jr. (distance); Ryan Scherer, sr. (sprints); Jeff Tell, sr. (sprints, jumps); Dan Uptmor, sr. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable
SCOUTING REPORT: Tell was a 2006 regional qualifier as a member of the 800 relay. Kisselle, Mansnerus, Market and Scherer should also factor in the sprints. Kovach (mono) is sidelined and may miss a good portion of the season. McCann (shot put) finished third at the SWC meet. Francis (high jump), Adams (distance) and Link (distance) should also be key contributors. Its postseason experience is very limited, but Avon Lake has the largest turnout (80) in Kauffman’s tenure for the second straight year. Last year’s team numbered 77.

Berea Braves

COACH: Ryan Nigro (10th year)
ASSISTANTS: Wil Avery (sprints, long jump); Bob Butler (throws); Barb Hunter (distance); Dan Rapp (hurdles, high jump)
2007 RECORD: 7th SWC, 11th place Amherst district (Division I), 33rd Amherst regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (23): Brandon Avery, jr. (sprints, jumps); Phil Bassani, sr. (throws); Mike Berkey, so. (sprints); Josh Buckner, sr. (sprints); Joe Dziedziak, jr. (distance); Phil Gore, sr. (hurdles, long jump, pole vault); Chez Hair, so. (hurdles); Tyler Harris, so. (sprints); Dave Helsel, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Dan Herwerden, so. (distance); Ian Hlavin, jr. (throws); Eddie Holecko, so. (distance); Mike Leffard, sr. (throws); Mike Lewis, so. (sprints); Aaron Schuschu, sr. (distance); Derick Schwedt, so. (sprints); Steve Sensel, jr. (hurdles, high jump); Joe Snyder, sr. (distance);  Anthony Tarrant, so. (sprints); Chris Wade, sr. (sprints); Tommy White, so. (distance); Aaron Young, so. (middle distance); Chris Ziska, sr. (throws)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Cortland Clements, jr. (sprints, jumps); Josh Fadenholz, fr. (sprints); Carl Malone, jr.; Devin Virola, fr. (sprints); Mike Williams, jr.; Jordan Woods, fr. (hurdles)
SCOUTING REPORT: Gore (pole vault) and Sensel (high jump) are returning regional qualifiers. Gore finished fifth at the regional. Avery should be tough in long jump, as should Young in the middle distance events. Lewis clocked 11.3 in the 100 as a freshman. Wade (distance), Campbell (distance), Sopko (middle distance) and Buckner (sprints) should also be forces.

North Olmsted Eagles

  COACH: Mike Ptacek (sixth year, 19th overall)

ASSISTANTS: Mike D’Alessandro (distance); Tom Jenkins (high jump, pole vault); Steve Thomas (throws)
2007 RECORD: 3rd SWC, 4th Amherst district (Division I), 21st Amherst regional, 33rd state
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (20): Josh Allen, jr. (distance); George Andrews, sr. (distance); Chris Arlinghaus, sr. (high jump); Griffin Beach, jr. (pole vault); Brett Belda, sr. (sprints); Dan Bullard, jr. (distance); Jordan Hoppel, jr. (sprints, long jump); Steve MacDonald, sr. (sprints, long jump); Cory Molnar, sr. (hurdles); Jacob Moorman, sr. (discus); Josh Price, so. (hurdles, high jump); Alex Ramos, jr. (hurdles); Johnnie Rodriguez, so. (middle distance); Zach Rybarczyk, sr. (hurdles); Tom Shroka, sr. (sprints); John Taylor, jr. (throws); Phil Tomko, jr. (pole vault); Keith Troyer, sr. (sprints); Nate Wiles, sr. (pole vault); Dano Tolusso, sr. (throws)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Rodney Dukes, jr. (sprints); Alec Neundorfer, fr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: A third-place finisher at the 2007 state meet, MacDonald (long jump) starts the season on the injured list and could miss the entire year. Arlinghaus (high jump), Belda (800 relay) and Hoppel (200, 800 relay) are regional qualifiers. Depth and balance, especially in sprints, hurdles and jumps, make the Eagles one of the favorites in the SWC.

Olmsted Falls Bulldogs

COACH: John Novotny (fourth year, fifth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Matt Celaschi (throws); Rory Fabian (sprints); Dave Godfray (pole vault, hurdles); Kelly Henton (distance); Katrina Lallo (high jump); Erika Wyman (sprints, long jump)
2007 RECORD: 5th SWC, 7th Amherst district (Division I), 33rd Amherst regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (16): Ethan Arnold, so. (sprints); John Atkinson, jr. (hurdles); Jake Bevilaqua, jr. (sprints); Brian Budic, jr. (distance); Owen Coughlin, so. (middle distance); Jared Early, jr. (sprints); Matt Jurcak, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Will Major, so. (sprints); Zach Miller, jr. (pole vault); Justin Rockhold, jr. (high jump); Brandon Russo, jr. (sprints, long jump); Mike Sisko, sr. (distance); Ian Sparks, so. (sprints, pole vault); Matt Stenger, so. (pole vault); Robbie Van Zandt, jr. (sprints); Mike Varga, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Bockmore, fr. (sprints); Grant Budic, fr. (sprints); Mike Coury, fr. (distance); Adam Harder, jr. (sprints); Alex Kobasic, fr. (hurdles); Jeremy Ortiz, fr. (sprints, hurdles); Brian Pongallo, fr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Jurcak was eighth in the 60-meter hurdles at the Division I state indoor meet. He was also second in the 110 highs at the 2007 SWC meet. Coughlin was a 2007 regional qualifier as a member of the 1,600 relay. How well the Bulldogs fare this season depends on how quickly the underclassmen develop.

Westlake Demons

COACH: Rick Marinelli (first year, ninth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Dan Berkheimer (throws); Tim English (sprints); Ray Harris (pole vault, hurdles, high jump); Jake Shober (distance)
2007 RECORD: 8th SWC, 14th Amherst district (Division I),
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (13): Hamed Abu Hamden, jr. (sprints); Steve Anderson, sr. (distance); Scott Bechtel, sr. (hurdles, jumps); Jack English, sr. (sprints); Chris Katsaros, sr. (throws); Neal Kelly, sr. (distance); Steve Maat, sr. (throws); Dwayne Myhre, sr. (middle distance); Farres Sarrouh, sr. (throws); Cameron Screen, sr. (sprints); Travis Simoncic, jr. (distance); Ryan Udris, sr. (sprints); Dave Weisbarth, sr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Alexander Cahill, fr. (pole vault); Hanford Dixon Jr., fr. (sprints, jumps); Austin Mazurik, jr. (hurdles, jumps); Mason Meek, so. (sprints, jumps); Aaron Perkins, so. (sprints/Euclid transfer); Alex Schultz, fr. (sprints, jumps); Jack St. Marie, fr. (distance)
SCOUTING REPORT: A strong freshman class buoys Westlake’s hopes this season. Westlake won the SWC middle school title in 2007 and broke a number of school records. It should offset the loss of some athletes to the school’s lacrosse program, which went from a club sport to a varsity program this year. Last spring, the Demons scored their fewest points (six) at the SWC meet since 1978. Marinelli, an assistant at Chardon since 2003, replaces long-time veteran coach Gary Simpson.

West Shore Conference

Avon Eagles

COACH: Scott Lanham (eighth year, 10th overall)
ASSISTANTS: Bill Fishleigh (sprints), Dick Garvelinks (throws), Matt Nortz (distance)
2007 RECORD: 6th WSC, 11th Midview district (Division II), 31st Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (16): Craig Berger, sr. (throws); Adam Bevins, so. (distance); Alex Bushong, sr. (high jump, throws, pole vault); Dustin Cranford, so. (sprints); Tim Gibson, sr. (distance); Chase Hughes, sr. (throws); Tyler Irwin, sr. (sprints, long jump); Matt Kaczmarek, sr. (sprints); Collin Krebs, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Jared Lawrence, so. (distance); Justin Masin, sr. (throws); Zach Ogden, sr. (distance); Ryan Roberts, so. (distance); Dan Smith, sr. (distance); Andy Ventura, jr. (distance); Zak Wearsch, so. (sprints, hurdles)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Brett Jensen, jr. (sprints); Bryant Robertson, jr. (sprints); Emery Rowe, jr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Bushong (discus) and Smith (1,600) were regional qualifiers last year. Team is in much better shape than last year in terms of experience. Avon has 14 seniors, versus last year when it had only five.

Bay Rockets

COACH: Kelly McCrone (third year, ninth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Shelly Brewer (jumps); Danielle Harkins (sprints); Jeff Petrulis (throws)
2007 RECORD: 8th WSC, 12th place Lakewood district (Division II), 37th Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): Aaron Adkins, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Todd Bauknecht, sr. (throws); Bryan Boss, jr. (sprints); Nolan Covano, jr. (sprints, jumps); Ricky Duffield, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Jordan Hawkins, jr. (middle distance); Jeff Kantor, so. (sprints, jumps); Evan Mutch, jr. (sprints, jumps, pole vault); Dan Ward, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Brian Zeuch, so. (distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Nathan Baumgard, fr. (sprints); Mike Brajdic, fr. (distance); Owen Dalton, so. (sprints, jumps); Brian Harrel, jr. (sprints)
SCOUTING REPORT: Last fall, Brajdic led the Bay cross country team to regionals and an WSC title. A 2007 regional qualifier, Mutch pole vaulted a personal-record 12-6 this winter. Adkins and Duffield lead the way in the hurdles, as does Bauknecht in the discus. Baumgard, Dalton and Harrel add depth in the sprints.

Firelands Falcons

COACH: Greg Northeim (19th year, includes stint from 1980-86)
ASSISTANTS: Bob Donelson (hurdles, long jump); Jason Perkins (sprints); Ken Searight (sprints); Julene Woods (middle distance)
2007 RECORD: 4th WSC, 10th Midview district (Division II)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (8): Nick Forrider, sr. (throws); Paul Garcia, so. (sprints, long jump); Brendan Hale, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Ben Jaworski, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Nick Jeffers, jr. (distance); Cory Lamar, jr. (sprints); Kyle Nimon, jr. (distance); Nate Slack, jr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Kreig Hozalski, jr. (sprints, jumps); Clay Karp, so. (throws)
SCOUTING REPORT: The Falcons improved from sixth in 2006 to fourth last year in the WSC with a very young team. Lamar (400) is a two-time Division II regional outdoor qualifier and was fifth (50.5) at the 2007 Division II-III state indoor meet. A pulled hamstring the first week of the outdoor season at the Nelson Howe meet hampered him the rest of the season. Jeffers and Nimon were district qualifiers last fall in cross country. Overall, numbers are down seven (28) from last year, but the quality should be decent.

Midview Middies

COACH: Steve Hayhurst (fourth year, sixth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Angela Meikle (hurdles, jumps); Josh Moore (sprints, middle distance); Ryan Tansey (hurdles, jumps, pole vault); Rory Scarvelli (throws)
2007 RECORD: 5th WSC, 12th Amherst district (Division I), 18th Amherst regional, 33rd state
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): Matt Borsz, sr.; Rob Catalano, sr. (throws); Drew Ebersole, sr. (throws); Josiah Holt, so.; Jake Klamut, so.; Greg Norton, jr. (sprints, middle distance);  D.J. Saylor, jr. (hurdles, jumps); Dave Siefker, sr. (distance); Chris Stefek, sr. (hurdles, jumps); Jared Wise, jr.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Josh Ayers, fr. (distance); Aaron Etzler, so. (throws); Mike Schmittle, jr. (sprints); Jordan Stephenson, jr. (distance/Elyria transfer)
SCOUTING REPORT: Ebersole (discus) placed third at the 2007 Division I state outdoor meet and third in shot put last month in the state indoor meet. Siefker and Stephenson lead the way in the distance events.

North Ridgeville Rangers

COACH: Lucky Varouh (23rd year, includes stint from 1980-94)
ASSISTANTS: Kevin Drapcho (distance); Walt Laveen (throws); John Piechalski (sprints)
2007 RECORD: 1st WSC, 13th Amherst district (Division I)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (13): Taylor Abraham, so. (hurdles); Jordan Akdogan, jr. (throws); Wes Arndt, sr. (throws); Lucas Bowers, sr. (distance); Travis Bowers, sr. (distance); John Flesher, so. (throws); Justin Fletcher, sr. (pole vault); Mike Hale, so. (sprints); Branden Heck, jr. (middle distance); Tim Ice, sr. (distance); Joe Klein, sr. (sprints, hurdles, throws); Tyler Templeton, jr. (middle distance); Josh Winkleman, jr. (long distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable
SCOUTING REPORT: North Ridgeville goes for its third straight WSC. The Bowers brothers were WSC champs for the second straight year in 2007 as members of the 3,200 relay. Lucas Bowers also finished second in the 800 at the WSC meet. Middle distance, distance, hurdles and pole vault are Ridgeville’s apparent strong suits.

Vermilion Sailors

COACH: Todd Lawson (second year, eighth overall)
ASSISTANTS: Brett Colahan (sprints); Jim Klein (jumps); Nikki Anderson (throws)
2007 RECORD: 2nd WSC; 2nd Midview district (Division II); 32nd Ravenna regional
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (14): Chris Bacisin, jr. (distance); Scott Burger, so. (distance); Nate Cremean, sr. (distance); Jake Figueroa, sr. (throws); Todd Hathaway, jr. (distance); Cory James, so. (distance); Ryan Kohl, so. (sprints, long jump); Nate Kwilecki, sr. (sprints, throws); Danny Nicoll, jr. (distance); Andy Pena, jr. (sprints); Robert Prete, sr. (hurdles, pole vault); Nate Rodriguez, jr. (distance, discus, pole vault); Ian Suszko, sr. (hurdles); Mike Virgin, jr. (sprints)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Ray Anthony, jr. (sprints); Anthony Budka, fr. (sprints, hurdles); Adam Kitchen, fr. (distance); Taylor Patterson, fr. (sprints); Justin Turner, jr. (sprints, long jump)
SCOUTING REPORT: Vermilion barely missed taking the 2007 WSC title. North Ridgeville held off the Sailors, 139-137. Cremean is a two-time regional qualifier in the 1,600. He is also a two-time Division II state qualifier in cross country. Rodriguez was also a state cross country qualifier last fall. Cremean, Rodriguez, Nicoll and Hathaway were regional qualifiers as members of the 3,200 relay.  Individually, Pena (200), Kohl (long jump) and Figueroa (discus) were also regional qualifiers. Kohl and Pena were regional qualifiers as members of the 400 relay.

Independents

Lake Ridge Lions

COACH: Bill Crowell (first year, 23rd year overall)
ASSISTANTS: Keeon Gregory; Danielle Parrish (hurdles, high jump); Andy Wright (throws, pole vault)
2007 RECORD: 12th Norwayne district
RETURNING LETTERWINNER (1): Nathan Katify, jr. (middle distance)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable
SCOUTING REPORT:  Katify is the program’s lone returning letterwinner. Last year, Kafity qualified to regionals in the 1,600. Crowell, who has coached the boys’ program in the past, assumes the head role from Gregory. Gregory, head coach the past three years, steps down to serve again as assistant.

Open Door Patriots

COACH: Steve Wallace (11th year — also head coach from 1989-97)
2007 RECORD: 16th Norwayne district (Division III)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Josh Dent, so. (sprints); Zach Henderson, jr. (throws); Jared O’Keefe, sr. (distance); Zeke Miller, jr. (throws); Dave Wallace, so. (sprints, throws)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Brown, so. (sprints, middle distance); Dave Carratola, fr. (middle distance); Mike Ogle, fr. (distance); Abe Valentine, fr. (sprints, jumps)
SCOUTING REPORT: A team with good potential. O’Keefe is a two-time regional qualifier in cross country. He missed most of last fall’s cross country season due to a stress fracture. The team’s top thrower last year, Dave Wallace looks to be strong again. Ogle hopes to build off a good cross country season. Valentine hopes to duplicate some of the success he enjoyed in basketball season.

TOP GIRLS

Alexa Dorricott, Columbia: Pole vaulter was 2007 All-Ohio in Division III, placing fifth at Columbus.
Bridget Doughty, Bay: Freshman was third in the 60-meter hurdles at the state indoor meet. Her sister, Rachel, was second in the 100 high hurdles.
Brianna Hancock, Clearview: Her late mom was All-Ohio in long jump. Brianna wants to do the same in shot put.
Bridget McNeil, Westlake: Won the Southwestern Conference discus title and was second at districts and finished 10th at the state.
Katie Nageotte, Olmsted Falls: Placed sixth in Division I pole vault for both the indoor and outdoor state meets.
Brianna Shaw, Clearview: Twice just missed all-state honors in the Division II 800 meters, finishing ninth at Columbus each of the last two years.
Brittany Snider, Olmsted Falls: Two-time state qualifier in high jump.
Alexis Washington, Southview: District champ and regional finalist in the 100 and 200, anchored Saints’ 400 relay at last year’s state meet.

TOP GIRLS TEAMS

Westlake Demons: Led by Bridget McNeill and Amelia Serrat, the Demons should be in good shape to defend their SWC title.
Avon Eagles: Very young squad, but talented in nearly all events.
Southview Saints: Saints look very tough in the sprints.

TOP BOYS

Andrew Bir, Elyria Catholic: Tries to win back the district 100-meter title and lead EC’s 400 relay to state.
Mike Brajdic, Bay: Just a freshman, finished right behind Coolidge at state cross country in 11th place.
Marty Coolidge, Elyria Catholic: Comes off a banner cross country season. It included a 10th-place All-Ohio finish at Columbus.
Nate Cremean, Vermilion: Measured up well at state indoor meet, placing in both the 1,600 and 3,200. Can he come through in the outdoor season?
Drew Ebersole, Midview: Ready, aim, fire. Ace goes for state discus title.
Jordan Hoppel, North Olmsted: The Eagles need a hot Hoppel in order to win the SWC.
Matt Jurcak, Olmsted Falls: Indoor state finalist in the 60-meter hurdles. He’s primed for the outdoor season.
Brandon Kish, Amherst: District champ and regional finalist in the 200 tries to keep the Comets rolling.

TOP BOYS TEAMS

North Olmsted Eagles: The Eagles haven’t won a conference title since 1982, but should battle Midpark for the top spot.
Amherst Comets: The Comets have won three straight Southwestern Conference titles and still should be very tough with Brandon Kish, Shawn Chrapczynski and Gerarde Odafe.
Vermilion Sailors: Behind Nate Cremean and Andy Pena, the Sailors have the potential to win the West Shore Conference and score well at districts.

TOP MEETS

April 18, Midview Relays: Middie boys discus and shot put relays aim for school records.
April 26, 53rd Comet Relays: Amherst, Elyria and Westlake try to pick up the pace and steal some headlines.
May 3, Avon Relays: A big surprise to be announced.
May 14 and 16, West Shore Conference meet: North Ridgeville goes for its third straight title.
May 15 and 16, Southwestern Conference meet: Host North Olmsted goes for its first SWC title since 1982.
May 22 and 24, Division II district: Elyria Catholic and Vermilion should put on a great show.
June 6 and 7, state meet: The 101st anniversary of the state meet will hopefully include Lorain County’s first champ after a two-year hiatus.

 

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