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By SETH STASKEY
Times Leader Sports Editor
MARTINS FERRY -- The Martins Ferry track teams had their fair share of ups and downs last season.
Head coach Greg Steele believes if the hard work that his Purple Riders have demonstrated in the preseason continues, his teams can be a surprise this spring.
"Overall, our attitudes have been outstanding and we've received great leadership from our seniors," Steele said. "Our major goal, for both teams, is to advance more athletes to the regional and hopefully a few to the state meet. With the continued hard work of our athletes, and a little luck, I'm sure we will attain those goals."
BOYS
The Purple Rider boys don't have the greatest numbers with just 22 athletes on the team.
However, they have some talented pieces with which to work.
Leading the way is senior middle distance ace Francis Toohey, who was a regional finalist in the 400 last year. He advanced to the state cross country meet in the fall.
The long distance racers will be led by Trent Lewis. Ryan Theaker and Nathan Luong
In the field, Steele is high on Zak Dobson, who was an All-Ohioan in wrestling, and Peyton Hores in the throwing events. Carter Bennett returns in the pole vault.
Some of the sprinters include: Tev'n Williams, Mitchell Tickerhoff, Jackson Carte, Kaden Archer, Gaige O'Connell, Dom Shrodes. Quinten Temple and Rocky Schau will join O'Connell in the hurdles.
The balance of the roster inludes: distance runners Tyler Balme, Demitris Briggs, Chad Love, Walker Romshak; sprinter Landan Braim, throwers Champ Bandyk and Vincent West.
GIRLS
The Purple Riders have seen a growth in numbers, which Steele is very happy about.
"We feel we will be a lot stronger team this year over last year," Steele said. "At this point, we feel our relays will be the strength of our team."
The runners penciled in for the 4×1 are Lindse Sidon, Malorie Clark, Josie Hancock and Megan Buksa. Lilly Masters will step in for Buksa on the 4×2.
The 4×4 is expected to be Clark, Hanock, Masters, Sidon or Buksa. The 4×8 is Lanee Matz, Karis Oliver, Madison Oberle and Buksa.
Hurdling will shift to Avery Marchbank, Lydia Masters, Fiona Doerr and Jaden Tucker.
Faith Smith and Matz will handle the long-distance races, while Marchbank is set to lead the pole vaulters.
"Our biggest weakness is we have a few newcomers to track and field and we're learning their abilities," Steele said. "Hopefully, by midseason, we'll have our girls competing in the events most suited to their individual strengths and allow us to surprise a few people."
The balance of the roster includes: distance runners Maleigha Schultz, hurdlers Julia Hancock, jumpers McKenzie Carte, Madeline Clark, Kortasia Hilson, Audrey Kosky and Gia Starkey; sprinters are Cristina Agundez, Michaela Beale, Abigail Carpino, Hanna McKinley, Alexandra Miller, Lanee Roth, Anyssa Suazo, throwers Haleigh Gildow, Jordan Hughes, Winnie Luong and Julianna Miller.
Steele's coaching staff includes: Chrissy Lewis, Shane Gasmire, Paul Matuska, George Kepreos and John Holmes.