2008 Outlook

2008 Men's Track Outlook

The 2008 edition of the men’s track team looks to be competitive in all its scoring meets, with the chance to qualify for nationals in record numbers. Returning three national qualifying distance runners, as well as several potential field event national qualifiers, the team will have the depth and experience needed to do just that. If runners in the key sprint positions stay healthy, the team should be competitive in every meet.

SPRINTS
David Miller (Jr., Canton, OH/GlenOak) and Andrew Saris (Jr., Smithville, OH/HS) return to lead the long sprint crew. Miller, a conference finalist in the 200m and 400m, looks to be stronger than in past years. Top newcomers include freshmen Kevin Beichler (Smithville, OH/HS), a state qualifier in the 100m for Smithville High School and versatile Chris Weirtz (Hudson, OH/Western Reserve), who has the ability to run anything from the 100m to 800m relays. Junior Jeff Tallman (Massillon, OH/Perry) will add much needed relay and 100m depth when he returns from knee surgery.

HURDLES
One of last year’s top scorers, Alex McCallion, was lost to graduation in 2007 leaving the team with a void in the hurdler position. Junior Saul Varga (Medina, OH/Highland) and freshman Adam Rich (Canton, OH/GlenOak) will look to fill his shoes and score in the 400IH.

FIELD EVENTS/THROWS
The throwers provide the Cavaliers with their most depth this season. Senior Jerome Jackson (Euclid, OH/HS) looks to return to the form that made him one of the areas finest shot and discus men. Sophomore Chad Rankin (Newton Falls, OH/HS) returns after just missing qualifying for the national indoor meet. Freshman Clay Jones (Berlin, OH/Western Reserve) finished 4th in the state meet last year, and will make the transition from glider to sprinter. Aaron Kendall (Jr., Newton Falls, OH/HS) and Andy Lahmers (Jr., Gnadenhutten, OH/Indian Valley) have the strength and size to be steady contributors, and will also be learning to score in the shot. Brad Schrecengost (Fr., Cortland, OH/Lakeview) should be the top hammer thrower heading into the outdoor season.

Sophomore Tyler Pierce (Salem, OH/HS) should be the team’s leading jumper, as he has the ability to place in  the high jump, long jump and triple jump. Saris will score points in the long and triple jump, to go along with his sprint duties.

DISTANCE
Junior Brendan McKee (Akron, OH/St. Vincent-St. Mary) should emerge as one of the top distance runners in Walsh history. A national qualifier in the steeplechase in 2007, McKee will set his sights on All-American Marvin Smith’s school record in the mile (time) and 800m (time) respectively. McKee, the team’s leading scorer last season, just missed NAIA All-American honors in cross country this past fall. Junior Mike Groholy (Parma, OH/Valley Forge), also a national qualifier in cross country, set the school record in the indoor 5000m race and should qualify in several outdoor distance races. Junior Jon Winnyk (Strongsville, OH/Holy Name) made a successful marathon debut in the 2007 national meet and should continue to improve.