The majority of the team is back. "We are returning with the majority of our roster intact, and that's a good thing since we've been working to reload after graduating a slew of our top athletes in the past two years," said Perryville High School head track coach, Travon Morgan in an email. The boys team placed, 11th in the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletics Conference meet, fifth in Regional, and 14th out of 31 schools in the state meet. Coach Morgan believes that many of the boys will be some of the best in the county and in the state. "Not to dismiss, or diminish the continued progress of all the student-athletes, several of the boys should be among the best in the state, in their respective event areas." he said. Leading the pack of sprinters will be Caleb Robinson, Alex Hernandez, Chris Schuler, and Zach Buckson. For the hurdles, prospects are Dayvon Montz, Cameron Watson, Cooper Wilcox, and Tanner DiMauro. The Panthers top boy jumpers and vaulters are Sean McDonald and Cage Jones. For distance and mid-distance are Brian Keenan, Jacobo Negron, Jakob Lewis, Casey Brogan, Ben Buckless, and Dale Watson. The top thrower in shot put and discus is David Lloyd. "We work to prepare our students to excel in any event, and when the opportunity presents itself due to unforeseen situations everyone is prepared," said Morgan. While the Panthers have an experienced team, Rising Sun's Tigers are looking to their younger athletes to take the baton this year. "With the team heavy in freshman and sophomores, the boys will be looking for younger athletes to step up and replace some of our key seniors that we lost last year that made up (the) bulk of our sprinter, relay and jumper points per meet," said Tiger head coach James Burkhardt in an email.
The boys had all of their state qualifiers graduate last year, except for returnee Ryan Hendrickson. Burkhardt said that his throwers will be powerful with key returnees Charles Thurston, and Maurice McCargo. Thurston and McCargo will be throwing shot put and discus. The team's hurdle performances will also be great. "Our hurdle performances are expected to be some of the best in recent years with Jared Edmundson leading the way. (He) will also help (to) get points in the long and triple jump disciplines," he added. As the Tiger boys will be strong in hurdles and jump disciplines, North East head track coach Tom Decker, is confident in all his throwers, sprinters, and pole vaulters. There are two returning throwers for the boys, Connor Yedinak, Kyle McCulley. Decker said that all will make an impact in the UCBAC and MPSSA State competitions. There are three returning jumpers hoping to improve this season, including Kevin Dennis, Anneric Potts, and Damontre Ellis. "The pole vaulting will be a key part of this years team with returning vaulters, Niya Khanjar and Sean McGowan," said Decker in an email. For distance, returnee Danny Leek is striving for a greater performance this year, according to Decker. The Indians core group of sprinters are state qualifying returnees, Taylor Danglade, Jordan McCullum, and Jalen Giles. "The boys program will require the improved performances of several athletes, Eli Granger, Daniel Miller, and Grant Handely," said Decker. While North East boys will be flying high, the Elks have many hurdles to overcome. "With many new faces, both to the coaching staff and roster, we are still learning our team and working to develop identity," said Elkton head coach Paul Riggio in an email. There are 31 boys on the roster and it consists of mostly newcomers. The Elks have a long road ahead of them, after dealing with facility issues which has made practices difficult. "Our goals are vast and challenging, but all attainable through hard work, preparation, and proper application. It's going to be a long season, but we expect to see development and improvements in times, skill sets, and team camaraderie," he added. Comments are closed.
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