By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

BELLAIRE — There has been a target placed directly on the center of the Bellaire boys track team’s back.

Head coach Shawn Valloric knows it and he’s OK with it.

The 15th year head coach expects nothing less when he surveys the roster he has.

“We have a pretty solid group back, but we have to be able to concentrate on the little things,” Valloric said. “We can’t allow ourselves to get outworked.”

Leading the way for the Big Reds is senior Colt Sechrest. The standout in both the throwing circles, Sechrest finished as Division II state discus runnerup last June and was leading the competition until the final throw. He was undefeated for the season up until that point.

He’ll be joined in the throwing circle by Nick Materkoski.

On the track, sophomore hurdler Mayson Sochor leads the way. He was undefeated himself until the state semifinal last season. He was the district and regional champion. In the sprints, junior Ray Ray Pettigrew is back and expected to contend in all of the open sprints.

In the distance races, the Big Reds are counting on Stefan Palenicek and Andrew Rupp to generate points, while Aidan Frazier (pole vault) and Khalil Kimbro (long jump) will be additional entrants in the field.

The balance of the roster includes: senior Nico Piergallini, juniors Talon Hughes, Devin Schramm, Tyler Vingia; sophomores Mac Mac Pettigrew, freshmen Brody Blazek, Aidan Brady, Manuel Garcia, Brody Holt, Riley Robbins, Mason Unterzuber and Maurice Webb.

GIRLS

The Big Reds are once again battling a numbers problem with just seven athletes out for the sport.

“With such a small contingent, we are simply looking to improve our personal bests as we go through the season,” Valloric said.

Leading the way for Bellaire will be senior Katelyn Hart and junior Bethany Bonar in the throwing events.

In the distance races, junior Bethany McElfresh leads the way, while Abby Craig and Amanda McDade are two sprinters to keep an eye on for the Big Reds.

The balance of the roster includes Brenna Banal and Lilly Fleming.

Valloric’s coaching staff includes: Chris Arno, Jayson Keyser, Paul Xenakis, Cody LaRoche and Michelle Maffe.