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, but I feel confident we will have some athletes rise to the occasion.”

BOYS

Coming off a runner-up finish in both the OVAC Class 4A and the Division II Eastern District meet, the Red Devils feature a strong returning cast and several newcomers.

On the track, the Devils boast several distance runners. Included are seniors Nate Thornburg, T.J. Sacco, Matt Ponzani, Gannon Kazmirski, Jack Gasber, juniors Zachary McKeever, Jarod Holstein, Jayson Clark, sophomores Ben Shields, Caleb Bryniarski, Sawyer Bonnette and freshmen Luke Swan, Kambel Sall, Brady Blacker.

The sprinting contingent includes: seniors Nathaniel Ellison, Ian Dagan, juniors Devin Ballog, Drue Jozwiak, Luke Miller, Luke Porter, Rece Spomer, Kyle Stoner, Grant Swider, Andrew Vera, Nathan Witsberger, Alex Wood, sophomores Kaleb Walz, Colt Westlake, freshmen Jakob Brannan, Dino Burk, Seth Dond, Drew Gasber, Brayden Locke, Luke Stack and Vincent Vavrinak.

Along with his sprint, Westlake will be one of the top hurdlers in the area. He competed in the indoor state meet earlier this month.

In the field, Karl Kain, who also competed in the indoor state meet, is one of the top returning pole vaulters in the area.

Throwers vying for time are juniors George Harrison, Nick Kasik, Ian Nowak, Dennis Ray, Marcus Rector, Jaiden Zebbs, sophomores Roger Adams, Alex Brocklehurst and Perry Patrone.

GIRLS

The numbers aren’t quite as high on the girls side for the Red Devils, but they’re definitely solid.

Leading the list of returnees is senior pole vaulter Emily Thompson. The two-time All-Ohioan placed in the indoor state meet earlier this month. She’s become one of the most consistent vaulters.

Senior distance runner Allyson Evonek is one to watch after she enjoyed a solid junior season.

The sprinting contingent includes: seniors Alivia Andlinger, Haven Brak, Madie Stock and Thompson, sophomore Angelina Applegarth, Alivia DaRe, Lali Dombrowski, Delaney Florence, Emma Henry, Lauren Powell, Ashlynn Stock, freshmen Jennie Kessler and Lauren Powell.

Senior Sydney Miller is one to watch in the hurdles. Thompson will also see time here, too.

Along with Evonek in the distance contingent, other long runners include: seniors Mylie Gardner, juniors Mega Malin, Lacy Tuttle, sophomores Angel Heatherington, Rami Padilla, Alaina Thornburg, freshman Luci Banks, Jenna Holstein and Isabella Yeager.

In the throwing events, sophomores Isabella Brignoni, Neala McCamick and freshman Gracie Adams will be entered.

Ciroli’s coaching staff includes: Darin Wilson, Moriah Agnew and Matt Krupa.