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McCrates takes over UL track program

2022 Spring Sports Preview

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor MORRISTOWN — The Union Local boys track team experienced a season that won’t soon be forgotten in 2021. The Jets won the OVAC, District and finished second in the regional as they advanced to the state meet in five events. However, they’ve undergone a coaching change. Todd Blake stepped down following last season, but the Jets didn’t have far to look for his replacement. Former Barnesville head coach Sean McCrate has taken over the reins and has rosters with impressive numbers. “The boys team should be solid in the field, ...

St. John Central Academy track teams making strides

2022 Spring Sports Preview

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor BELLAIRE — The St. John Central Academy track team continues to make strides on the track and in terms of growing its program. Head coach Jamie Hammond returns for her second full season at the helm and has a roster of four girls and one boy. “I am extremely proud of this team. They work so hard and are ready to start the season,” Hammond said. “Being a small school, numbers are a big deal. But I know this team is ready to compete. The coaching staff I have around me makes my job as head coach a lot easier. We have some great ...

St. Clairsville track has 'strength in numbers'

2022 Spring Sports Preview

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor ST. CLAIRSVILLE — If the cliche that ‘there’s strength in numbers’ is accurate, the St. Clairsville varsity track team is in good shape. The Red Devils begin another season under Tony Ciroli’s watch with a roster that’s deep and boasts plenty of talent on both the boys and girls rosters. “We lost some key athletes to graduation who put points on the board, but we’re fortunate to have a lot of younger returnees who also put up points last season and will it again this season,” Ciroli said. “We have some holes to fill, ...

Shadyside boys track and field looking to repeat as OVAC champs

2022 Spring Sports Preview

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor SHADYSIDE – Track and field has been a highly regarded sport at Shadyside High School for many years. The 2022 version of the Tigers track and field teams should certainly be able to hold its own in most meets. Head coaches Jeff Campbell (boys) and Jenna Coyne (girls) welcome back solid groups, including several athletes who competed in the state and/or regional meet last season. BOYS Campbell and his Tigers enjoyed an impressive season, winning the OVAC, MOVL, OVTL and finishing second in the Division III district meet. Most ...

River track teams boast solid mix of veterans and newcomers

2022 Spring Sports Preview

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor HANNIBAL – The River Pilots track team features a solid mix of veterans and newcomers as Coach Mike Flannery begins yet another season at the helm. BOYS The Pilots boast a roster that includes seven lettermen. They are Trenton Bittinger (sprints), Kabel Isaly (hurdles, sprints), Zach Lively (distance), Clee Mitchell (sprints), Maddox Mozena (sprints), Wyatt Ramsay (sprints) and Carson Romick (distance). Those in search of their first letter are Nate Fletcher (distance), Matt Gregg (throws), Hunter Horton (sprints), Ty Long (sprints, ...

Monroe Central track has significant increase in numbers

2022 Spring Sports Preview

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor WOODSFIELD — The Monroe Central track program has battled low numbers the last several seasons. Head coach Derick Shirley, who is beginning his 13th season at the helm, is very excited for this spring as he has 11 boys and seven girls out for the team, both of which are significant increases from 2021. “We feature 14 athletes who are new to high school track and field,” Shirley said. “Half of them are in ninth grade. I am tremendously excited about the future of our program.” BOYS The lone senior on the team is Jake ...