By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

BELLAIRE — Like all track teams, the Bellaire Big Reds are excited to be back on the oval this spring.

As Shawn Valloric prepares his boys and girls teams for the 14th consecutive spring, the veteran head coach likes the make up of his squads, especially a boys team that finished as OVAC runner-up in 2019.

“We have a solid core group of returners we feel really good about,” Valloric said. “We should be able to score in more events this year than we have in the past. If the young guys and new guys who are out for us this year perform well, and stay healthy, we could have a very successful season.”

The Big Reds feature one of the area’s premier distance runners in senior Jacob Defibaugh, who is coming off an All-Ohio finish in cross country.

In the field, junior Colt Sechrest returns after a splendid freshman campaign. He’ll be one of the top scorers in the discus and shot put.

Sophomore sprinter Ray Ray Pettigrew is primed to make his presence felt in the short sprints and 400.

The balance of the roster includes: seniors Jadon Bellville, Aric Coffman, Brennan Craig, Marshall Fish, Ryan Hicks, Andrew Masciarelli and Cody Slater; juniors Aidan Frazier, Nick Materkoski and Nico Piergallini.; sophomores Chase Corbett, Terrin Frazier, Talon Hughes, Stefan Palenicek and Devin Schramm; freshman Khalil Kimbro, Mayson Sochor and Landon Taylor.

GIRLS

The Big Reds are seeking continued improvement that they started to show in 2019.

“Our goal this year is for our kids who competed well two years ago to continue to improve,” Valloric said.

The Big Reds will be led by thrower Katelyn Hart in the discus and shot put. Ashley McCarthy is another to keep an eye on in the throwing cirles.

Junior Bethany McElfresh will lead the Big Reds’ distance contingent.

The entire roster consists of seniors Lauren Klempa, Ashley McCarthy, Madison Kosky and Shayleigh Sochor; junior Jadyn Dowling; sophomores Bethany Bonar, Abby Craig, Jacqulynn Gill, Tyrie Lucien; freshmen Kaiya Metcalf, Abby Pethel and Constance Stewart.

Valloric has an experience coaching staff that includes: Chris Arno, Jayson Keyser, Paul Xenakis, Tyler Stewart and Cody LaRoche.