SALAMANCA — With more than half of the team already participating in the indoor season, much of the Salamanca boys track and field team started the spring on the right foot.
The carryover, coach Michelle Hill said, proved to be a huge benefit to her team. Hill coaches both the indoor and outdoor boys teams.
“Even with a bit of a break between seasons for many, they began the spring much more fit and ready to begin at a higher level,” Hill said. “I believe that this has also lessened early season injuries, like shin splints, etc. Veteran athletes can help model drill progression and technique in the specials while coaches can teach any newcomers. They have just finished a season of competing in said events, and they do a fantastic job peer coaching if the staff is working with other athletes at a different event. The indoor success has helped to increase the excitement to be involved in our sport, and we hope this trend continues.”
Currently the boys sit at 2-1 in dual meets, winning over a pair of non-league foes from Allegany County (Genesee Valley/Belfast, Bolivar-Richburg) and falling in a league meet to Franklinville/Ellicottville
With the transition from winter to spring, the Warriors practiced for more than a month before their first meet. After the first meet of the year and six weeks into the season, Hill noted that she and her fellow coaches have been “extremely pleased” with the boys’ ability to be “self-motivated.”
“They work hard in practice with very little grumbling, they don’t question certain drills; in fact, they have bought into the idea that repetition and creating muscle memory in our sport is critical for success,” she said. “There is also a willingness to do more, whether it is in training or in a meet, running events that you weren’t planning on running but open to doing it because someone went home sick for the day.”
Hill called the team “a pleasure to be around” and shared an anecdote of an opposing team’s parent emailing to complement how “polite, friendly and outgoing” the team was.
As excited as the coaches are for this season, the future appears bright as well with only one senior on the roster. After maintaining numbers from last year, Hill hopes the program will continue to grow in depth next year.
Arlen Newark leads the team as its “most versatile athlete,” Hill noted, from any event on the track and most in the field. His brother Archer is Salamanca’s top sprinter, particularly in the 100 and 200 meters.
“(Arlen’s) determination and hard work led him to a tremendous indoor season, and he is hopeful of finding similar success in the 400 meter in the outdoor season,” Hill said.
“Both Newarks are doubling with varsity lacrosse, so we miss their leadership at practice, but luckily there aren’t many game and meet conflicts during the season.”
Juniors Keegan Hardy and Carson Mohr lead the throwers, though Mohr is expected to be sidelined for much of the year due to shoulder surgery.
“(Hardy) is a terrific leader through his work ethic and determination to improve,” Hill said. “(Mohr) has been an incredible peer coach to his teammates, both in practice and meets.”
Coachable newcomer Zach Trietley has shown natural talent in the shot put, Hill noted, and freshman Evan Sprunce made the leap from modified and is poised to earn points in discus.
“Coach (Gene) Oyer sees great potential in all these athletes and is excited to see where they progress this season,” Hill said.
Along with Archer Newark, sophomore Kyle Lecceardone and freshman Jesse Hill give Salamanca strength in sprinting events. Lecceardone is new to the track team but shows natural speed and a “determined and disciplined attitude working hard to improve his performances,” while the second-year Hill “is a bit more versatile on the track. We could place him in the 100 meter dash up to the 800 meter run … Jesse is always willing to be placed where his team needs him.”
Seventh grader Remy Follman and freshman Jazarian MacDonald are among the younger sprinters willing to improve and try new events. Jordan Green is an experienced sprinter and has taken on the challenge of both hurdle events.
Salamanca’s distance crew has the most youth, including seventh grader Aiden George and eighth grader Taylor Hayes leading the mile and two-mile races, respectively, and freshman Payton Bigler in the 800.
Another eighth grader, Easton Chudy, has shown passion for the pole vault, with Zeke Cotter next in line for the event.
“Coach (Laurie) Lafferty-John admires his coachability and desire to vault any opportunity that he has,” Hill said. “Easton is also an asset on the track in our mid-distance events.”
Jackson Oram leads in both the long and triple jumps, showing his dedication in daily drill work and helping teammates in the events. Julio Ruiz adds depth in the throws and long jump.
Hill called the lone senior, Corey Gebauer, a “a jack of all trades,” competing in any event the team needs him in.
“He is excited about discus, a new challenge that he has taken on under the guidance of Coach Oyer,” Hill said.
The Warriors set goals for each and every athlete on their team, with some as newcomers and others poised to compete at a high level. Some have already made sectionals and hope to return.
“If we can fulfill all these goals, then we have definitely had a successful season,” Hill said. “There are other indicators of success. Did the athletes have fun and learn something about themselves during the process? Did they make new friends? Did they persevere even through the challenging moments of the season? This is a great group of young men and women that we are blessed to spend the spring season with; with great attitudes and a determined work ethic, success will be gained by all involved.”
