A handful of valuable pieces have graduated, but the Perry boys track team enters the season perfectly capable of producing a successful season.
“Every year you are going to lose important people,” head coach Ben Coy said. “What matters is that the guys who are returning continue to improve and that new guys prove they want the challenge of filling those spots.”
Coy noted the returning thinclads were responsible for more than 60 percent of the team scoring last season. Experience should increase those numbers, and, if new faces step up, Perry will be in good shape.
“We have 15 seniors and 12 juniors out, and that experience, that leadership, should be a big help for us,” Coy said. “We won’t really know until a month or so into the season if new guys or some of the younger guys can step in and get the job done, but I am hopeful.”
Seniors Carlos Calderon, Luke Holtorf and Alex Morales will be joined by junior Cole Snyder in the throwing events. Holtorf will be the lead shot put pusher, with Snyder the early choice as lead discus spinner. Calderon and Morales will be called upon to score in the weightman events as well.
Coy was uncertain about the jumping events except to say it appeared Kato Dougan would handle long jump duties and Jordan Long the high jump. Others will have an opportunity to join them in the events.
“It is all open,” Coy said of the competition for varsity roles. “If you can show us you can do it, you will be given the chance.”
Dougan will be tasked with sprint duties, as will fellow junior Tyler Fessler. The latter will run 400s as well, with senior Kaleb Olejniczak the lead choice at both 200 and 400, while juniors Long and Byron Melendrez are both clearly in the mix to fill relay spots.
Veteran distance runners Mario Cruz and Eduardo Sanchez will be back for a fourth year at the 1600 and 3200, with Sanchez a possible choice for some 800 chores. Either might find themselves involved in a relay as well.
Perry’s first three outdoor meets of the season are all coed. They will host the Davis Relays Thursday, visit Carroll April 8 and then participate in the Cavanaugh Relays at Woodward-Granger April 11.
