ADA BULLDOGS
Division III
Northwest Conference
Head coach: Tyler Craig (11th season)
Key returners: Jackson Brown (Hurdles, sprints, relays, high jump), Dakota Gossman (Throws, middle distance, long distance), Wyatt Green (Sprints, relays, long jump), Julian Grose (Hurdles, Sprints, relays), Mason Selover (Mid-distance, relays), Ethan D’Souza (Long Distance, Relays), Tucker Hazelton (Pole vault, Sprint), Logan Jolliff (Sprints, relays), Trevor McGue (Sprints, middle distance, relays, long jump), Slade Gossman (Throws), Jacob Henson (Long Distance, middle distance, long jump, relays), Kaleb Hickman (Sprinter, relays, long jump), Braden Smith (Pole vault, sprints).
Promising newcomers: Brody Ericson (Middle Distance, relays, thrower), Semone Mitchell (Thrower), Ken Zheng (Thrower, sprinter), Kaden Clum (Thrower), Carson Conley (Thrower, high jump), Wyatt Fisher (Pole vault, sprints, relays), Layne Simon (Thrower).
Coach’s outlook: “Our team has decent numbers. We are very fortunate to have a group that works very hard at everything we do. We have several returning members who placed high at our conference meet and several who qualified for the Regional meet in 2023. Our kids have set very high goals for themselves and I have no doubt they will work as hard as they can to achieve those goals.”
ALLEN EAST MUSTANGS
Division III
Northwest Conference
Head coach: Brady Crea (fourth season)
Key returners: Trey Hensley (sprints), Ethan Woodruff (hurdles), Isen Schafer (sprints), Landen Poling (throws), Tanner Paxson (distance), Jackson Friesner (sprints), Deacon Jones (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Manny Rettig (distance), Miles McDorman (sprints).
Coach’s outlook: “We hope to find an athlete to replace Jacob Hershberger in the 4×1, which placed sixth at the state meet last year, and the 4×2 that won the state championship. Three of four runners return from the state champion relay team. The hope is to have a repeat performance and have relay teams return to Dayton.”
BLUFFTON PIRATES
Division III
Northwest Conference
Head coach: Jason Diller (third season)
Key returners: Kyle Basil (high jump), Hayden Dearth (long jump, relays), Noah Bricker (sprints), Carson Kruse (hurdles), Landon Sehlhorst (distance).
Promising newcomers: Theo Andreas (distance), Gavin Bogart (sprints), Cole Burkholder (distance), Marco Eiden (throws), Eli Diffin (hurdles, jumps), Xavier Diller (throws), Levi Fenzl (distance), Austin Scherger (throws), Braylin Scherger (throws), Griffin Stackhouse (sprints), Calvin Derstine (distance), Tayte Giesige (jumps), Kizer Young (sprints).
Coach’s outlook: “We will have a nice mix of returning talent and new athletes. The feeling is that we will miss many of the graduates from last season, but we think we will excel in other areas as the season progresses. While we move forward with excitement and anticipation, the unexpected and tragic passing of our teammate Eli Jones is never far from our minds. Our team will continue to remember him and keep his family, our team, the school, and our greater community in our thoughts.”
COLUMBUS GROVE BULLDOGS
Division III
Northwest Conference/Putnam County League
Head coach: Chris Grothaus (19th season)
Key returners: Zach Reynolds (Hurdles), Trevon Baxter (Pole Vault), Luke Ellerbrock (3200), Logan Mershman (Intermediate), Evan Pitts (Distance), Keegan Bame (Sprints), Zane Stechschulte (Intermediate), Loudon Auchmuty (Shot Put), Keegan Bame (Sprints), Grant Eversole (Sprints/LJ), Jameson Radar (Pole Vault), Layton Blankemeyer (Hurdles), Trenton Barazza (Intermediate), Kylan Mayes (Shot Put), Boat Thompson (Pole Vault/Sprints), Bryce Bonifas (Intermediate), Braylon Best (Distance), Landon Best (Intermediate).
Promising newcomers: Levi Bryan (Distance), Jarrod Holland (HJ/Intermediate), Caleb Bonifas (Shot/Discus), Devin Geckle (Intermediate), Evan Wehri (Discus), Dylan Merts (HJ/Discus).
Coach’s outlook: “Our goals remain the same as the last three years. Repeat as PCL, NWC, District and Regional champions, and try to take that last step at the State Meet. In the field events, we should be strong in the pole vault and much improved in the jumps. Our intermediate runners are very strong and we are deep in that category. Coming off a state cross country title we feel we should be able to score points at the state meet led by Senior Luke Ellerbrock.”
CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS
Division III
Northwest Conference
Head coach: John Rosebrock (fifth season)
Key losses: Isaiah Watts, Paul Adams, Nasir Easterling, Dru Nielsen.
Key returners: Jaret Harting (Sprints/Relays/Long Jump), Brentyn Rodriguez (Sprints/Mid Distance), Kellin Putman (Relays/200/400), Braxton Leeth (Relays/High Jump), Payton Scott (Distance/Pole Vault), Drayden Hoffman (Sprints/Hurdles), Hayden Perrott (Long Jump/Sprints).
Coach’s outlook: “Despite losing some important pieces, there’s talent back and we’re ready for a strong season. The sprints and relays are going to lead the team this year. We have lots of speed and boys ready to compete at a high level. Practices are going to be very competitive with more than four boys who could be part of each relay. It will be very interesting to see who winds up running what by the end of the year. Jaret Harting is back off a first-place finish from NWC’s last year in the long jump. He and Hayden Perrott will score points there. Payton Scott is going to score points in the pole vault. The throwers are young but are making strides quickly. There is much potential and excitement in this year’s team.”
DELPHOS JEFFERSON WILDCATS
Division III
Northwest Conference
Head coach: Eric Wallace
Key returners: Boston Reynolds (100, 200, 4×100), Matt Weitzel (shot, discus), James Hasting (shot, discus), Carter Sherrick (long jump, 4×200, 4×400).
Promising newcomers: Dean Trentman (4×100, 100, 200), Tyler Wilkin (4×100, 100, 200)
Coach’s outlook: “Our goal for this year is to be able to compete better at each meet. We’ve got a pretty young team and some newcomers who are pushing to excel by districts. With our team being so young, the upperclassmen will help set the bar to work hard and progress with each practice.”
DEFIANCE BULLDOGS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
Head coach: Steve Rittenour (11th season)
Key returners: Cole Batt (Distance), Josiah Gonzales (Distance), Anthony Wilder (Sprints), Heaven Dalton (High Jump), Luke Westfall (Long Jump), Cole Armstrong (Throws).
Coach’s outlook: “Overall I think we are better all around than we were last year. The guys were not pleased with their performance at the WBL and are practicing well this spring. We gained a ton of experience last year with our younger guys and they expect to perform better in all the events. The high jump and long jump need to keep improving along with the throws and vault. Distance-wise, we need to keep competing, especially the younger runners as they will be needed as the season progresses. Our goal is to be one of those teams in the mix when the last race is run, but right now we need to just keep focusing on improving every day and getting ourselves ready for the championship moment.”
LEIPSIC VIKINGS
Division III
Northwest Conference/Putnam County League
Head coach Stacy Campbell (fifth season)
Key returners: Konner Mickens (distance), Connor Guevara (distance), Diego Baldazo (distance), Jose Garcia (throws), Carter Benton (sprints), Brody Lammers (sprints), Carson Schroeder (distance).
Promising newcomers: Mateo Gutierrez (sprints, relays, long jump), Marquis Williams (sprints, relays, high jump), Colin Foreman (throws), Mikah Ruiz (sprints, relays), Tyson Beckman (high jump, sprints, relays).
Coach’s outlook: “We are a very young team with a lot of freshmen and sophomores, some of whom are completely brand new to the world of track and field. Our goal for the season is to continue to get better at our events so that next year we are even stronger. The boys have a great attitude and they’re a lot of fun to coach.”
LINCOLNVIEW LANCERS
Division III
Northwest Conference
Head coach: Matt Langdon
Key returners: Conner Baldauf, Maddox Norton, Evan Johns, Kreston Tow, Steven Smith
Coach’s outlook:
“The boys have a very talented middle-distance group returning that will anchor our team. For the boys to be successful as an entire group, we will have to find those athletes to fill in our sprints and sprint relays. We have several key scorers in the field events returning from last season. We graduated a number of our short sprinters, so that is our focus currently, finding the correct talent to fill those spots. Our boys have worked very hard in the off-season and have spent time in the weight room getting stronger. As the season progresses we hope to see that pay off.”
MILLER CITY WILDCATS
Division III
Putnam County League
Head coach: Katie Keller (first season)
Key returners: Lukas Klear (100m, 300m, hurdles, high jump)
Promising newcomers: Calvin Miller (1600m, 800m, 3200m)
Coach’s outlook: “I have a great group of kids that are willing to work hard. They come to practice ready to go and want to learn and improve. I’m ready to see what the season brings us.”
OTTAWA-GLANDORF TITANS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
Head coach: Brian Heebsh (ninth season)
Key returners: Isaac Macke (distance), Jayden Oliver (hurdles/LJ), Alec Schroeder (sprints), Ty Rosengarten (distance), Masen Vogt (mid-distance), Ethan Metzger (mid-distance) Dane Duling (sprints/hurdles), Gavin Morman (sprints/LJ), Vinnie Brinkman (throws), Alex Schroeder (pole vault), Brandon Frey (distance), Austin Haley (throws), Cooper Fischer (distance), Brendan Winstead (discus), Wyatt Croy (mid-distance).
Promising newcomers: Deegan Miller (sprints), Trevor Rump (sprints), Evan Raye (sprints), Grady Toumazos (sprints), Nick Ellerbrock (sprints), Jordan Croy (distance), Grady Steffan (sprints/HJ).
Coach’s outlook: “We have great numbers, and have quality depth returning in almost every area on the track, and in the field events. Our senior class is small but consists of some great leaders, our junior class is experienced and talented, and we have many promising underclassmen sprinkled throughout our roster. This group has high expectations and will long to contend with the WBL leaders and represent our program well in the postseason.”
SPENCERVILLE BEARCATS
Division II
Northwest Conference
Head coach: Keith Lenhart (third season)
Key returners: Braxton McMichael (Sprinter), Michael Woods (High Jump), Carter Sudhoff (throws) Brendan Swackhamer (Hurdles), Mitchell Adams (Mid Distance), AJ Boop (Mid Distance), Henry Lee (Distance), Carson Van Gorder (Hurdles), Carder Orr (High Jump and Discus), Beau Kyler (Pole Vault), Brodie Vasquez, (sprints), Noah Stewart (Mid Distance), Parker Brown (Pole Vault), Zach Zerbe (Sprints), Luke Butorac (Mid distance).
Promising newcomers: Dylan Short (High Jump and Sprints), Max Wiss, John Holtzapple, Kaden Groves (Long Jump and Sprints), Zach Looser (Hurdles and Sprints), Neo Eutsler (Long Jump Sprints), Owen Sherer (Long Jump, Sprints), Temoai Tebuaka (Spints), Camren Modic (Sprints), Chandler Bassit, Charlie Lacy, Tanner Braun, Chase Prine, Sam Goecke, Sasha Kill, Henry Lee.
Coach’s outlook: “In my third year as head coach this is my largest roster. We have a lot of young talent with good senior leadership. I am excited to see this team get better throughout the year. We have the potential to take a wide range of athletes and events deep into the postseason.”
ST. MARYS ROUGHRIDERS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
Head coach: Nick Page (second season)
Key returners: Marcus McClain (sprints), Tanner Mele (throws), Andrew Monroe (sprints), Carter Verbryke (throws), Ray Walter (mid-distance).
Promising newcomers: Ely McNeal (hurdles, relays), Bradey Triplett (mid-distance), Gavin Luebke (distance), Dominyk Wilkins (sprints, relays), Xander Post (throws).
Coach’s outlook: “We’re expecting the team to be a little more balanced and competitive. The addition of some newcomers really strengthens our overall performance and speed across various events. A major key to our success this season will be focusing on getting better each day. The boys have come in with great attitudes and have shown a great work ethic. We will continue to focus on our running and throwing mechanics, developing speed, and getting better in each event.”
WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN TIGERS
Division III
Northwest Central Conference
Head coach: Jocelyn Hennon (first season)
Key returners: Dalton Jordan (long jump, hurdles, sprints), Devon Klenke (long jump, sprints), Layden Porter (shot put, discus), Gage Steinke (high jump, sprints), Damian Carter (distance), Noah Dotson (distance), Jayden DuVernay (distance), Bradey Miller (sprints, hurdles), Logan Shawver (shot put, discus, sprints), Lane Steinke (pole vault, hurdles, sprints), Kolton Webb (pole vaults, sprints).
Promising newcomers: Avin Sanpietro (mid-distance, sprints), Owen Haudenschield (shot put, discus), Leo People (shot put, discus, mid-distance), Eli Zechman (shot put, discus).
Coach’s outlook: “Our numbers are lower than usual, but we have athletes who can compete in a variety of events. Our seniors are great leaders who encourage the younger guys to work hard and carry on the culture. Our juniors have done a great job of stepping up into leadership roles as well. The majority of our team is sophomores and freshmen, but they all competed in the indoor season and are ready to see what they can do outdoors. We have a solid group of young men who work well together and would like to compete for a league title.”
