IAC TRACK & FIELD: WAVERLY'S HOGAN EXPECTS ANOTHER STRONG SEASON FOR WOLVERINES (2023-03-28)
Valley Sports ReportWAVERLY — Waverly track & field coach Dave Hogan has big numbers, and lofty expectations for the Wolverines in 2023 for a team that sent 10 athletes to States in 2022.
"Our numbers are fantastic again this year," he said. "We have 30 boys and 19 girls on our roster.
"Our biggest mission is to keep them all happy, healthy, and surviving nagging injuries that often take a toll in track and field," Hogan noted.
"At this point, we picture our strengths being primarily in the sprints, along with both the 4-by-1 and 4-by-4 relays for both the boys and girls," Hogan said. "On the girls side, we will also have incredibly talented distance running that will come from Harper Minaker.
"Our team morale is high right now as we go into our first meet at Spencer-VanEtten (today)," added Hogan.
BOYSThe Wolverines return a host of boys from last year’s team, including seniors Kayleb Bechy, who finished 17th in the State in Division 2 in the 100-meter dash, and ran on 400-meter relay that finished eighth at States; Jerrell Sackett, who ran on the 400 relay, and the 1600-meter relay that placed ninth at States; Treyton Moore, who ran on both relays at States; Ryan Clark (pole vault, discus), and Braeden Hills (sprints).
Also returning are juniors Micah Chandler, the lone medalist from last year’s state meet with a fifth-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles; Ralph Johnson, who missed the majority of the 2022 season with injuries, and Jake Benjamin (discus, shot put).
Returning sophomores are Carter Dengler (distance), Payton Fravel (pole vault, triple and long jumps, and 100-meter dash), and Nate Peters (sprints).
Also returning are freshmen Troy Beeman (shot and discus), and Hayden Howe (sprints), and 8th-grader Rylen Larson (sprints).
"Keep an eye on Kayleb Bechy, Jerrell Sackett, Treyton Moore, and Micah Chandler," said Hogan. "All four boys are back after a magical 2022 season that saw them win the overall Section 4 title in the 4-by-1 relay and travel to the state championship in multiple events (4-by-1, 4-by-4, 400-meter hurdles, and 100-meter dash).
"Each is faster than last year already and now has experience on their side," Hogan added.
Hogan said another senior has caught his eye in the preseason.
"Ryan Clark is noteworthy in both the vault and the disc, with big throws already happening at practices," he said.
Hogan also has a pair of younger sprinters to keep an eye on.
"Payton Fravel and Ralph Johnson are two other sprinters to watch.
"Ralph has been hampered by injury in recent years, but is a phenomenal sprint talent who was sixth in Class B in the 100 dash as a 7th-grader in 2019, running it in 11.86 second," said Hogan.
"Payton returns with increased experience, strength, and speed to be our top boys pole vaulter and could contribute heavily in relays and the triple jump," he added.
The longtime Waverly coach also has a pair of throwers worth keeping track of.
"Both Troy Beeman and Jacob Benjamin should be watched as throwers — their hard work and dedication to technique already has them improving in both shot and disc at practices," he said.
The Wolverines also have a sizable batch of newcomers this spring in seniors Isaiah Bretz, Oscar Williams, and Sheldon Huddleston, juniors Liam Wright, Jake Courtney, and Braylon DeKay, freshman Preston Besemer, Jarren Ennis, Nolan Sheffler, and J.T. Williams, and 8th-grader Carson Rockwell.
"Isaiah Bretz is new to track and field, but is already poised to give big help in long jump and short sprints," said Hogan.
"Josh Courtney, Liam Wright, and Braylon DeKay will tackle tough events for the distance crew.
"And, Oscar Williams could be a real standout talent in the 400 hurdles with continued work and refinement," added Hogan.
GIRLSSophomore Harper Minaker leads a senior-laden group of Lady Wolverines returning for the 2023 season. It includes seniors Abby Knolles, Natalie Garrity, Kennedy Westbrook, Mackenzie LaForest, and Kelsey Ward, juniors Ally Barrett and Kiley Stillman, and sophomore Kendal Shaffer.
"Keep an eye on distance runner Harper Minaker," said Hogan. "She will likely look to claim postseason titles in the 3,000-meter run and the 2,000-meter steeplechase.
"Sprinters Abby Knolles, Natalie Garrity, and Kennedy Westbrook all return from a similarly spectacular junior season with experience and a growth in speed," noted Hogan. "These three girls – with the help of a fourth — will aim to claim the overall Section IV title in the 4-by-1 relay again, and could be poised to do the same in the 4-by-4 relay.
"Ally Barrett, Kelsey Ward, Kendal Shaffer, and Kiley Stillman will all look to contribute both in relays and individual events as strong, improved sprint talents," added Hogan.
The Lady Wolverines also welcome six newcomers this season in senior Alana Peterson, junior Madeline McConnell, freshmen Mackenzie Chamberlain, Haley Larrabee, and Sophia Lee, and 8th-grader Makenzie Olmsted.
"Mackenzie Chamberlain will contribute heavily to our distance squad and their quest for victory," said Hogan.
Waverly opens the 2023 campaign this afternoon at S-VE.
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