IAC TRACK & FIELD: NEWARK VALLEY BRINGS GOOD NUMBERS, PLENTY OF YOUTH (2024-03-28)

Tioga County Sports Report
NEWARK VALLEY — The Newark Valley track & field teams will bring some good numbers to the sports this spring, but will work to improve with a lot of youth in the ranks.

The boys team has 22 athletes, only three being seniors.

“Senior co captains Dan Truesdail and Seth Northrop are looking to make it to state quals this year,” coach Joe Lakin said. “Dan placed fourth ast year in shot put at the state qualifier with a 43-1 throw. He picked the right day to peak, he came into the event seeded 18th and podiumed. Dan will be looking to build on that experience.

“The team’s throwers, Seth Northrup, juniors Austin DeBolt and Austin Cottrill, along with freshman Jack Blomberg, are all pushing themselves in the right direction, lifting hard and working on their technique.

“In other field events Elijah Williams and John Sloughter are working to improve their triple jump distance and Zion King will be a team-point earner in the long jump. Pole vaulter Logan Rhodes, who placed fourth at Class Cs last year, is back. He will be joined by newcomers Nate Hinkley, and freshman Andrew Lelik.

“On the track will be a more experienced group of sophomores who are looking to improve last year's times. Jackson Hoover (800 meters), Titus Callahan (400), Zion King (100 and 200), and hurdler Elijah Williams. Marcos Escalante (3200) and Camden King (1600) will be looking to improve their distance times. The boys 4x800 placed third at the Class C event and are working to place higher this year.

“The team’s goal is to win the division which is realistic. They are all multisport athletes with a strong work ethic on the track, in the field events, and in the weight room.

For girls coach Eric D’Arcy the top returning athletes are Harley Switzer, Olivia Vaughn in the high jump, long jump and mid-distance, Emily LaPorte in the triple jump and mid-distance.

Switzer, who qualified for states last fall in cross country, and ran both the 1500 and 3000 at sectionals last year, also placed fourth in the IAC in the 1500 and 3000.

The Cardinals’ top newcomers are Anika Smith 100, 200 and 400, and the 4x100 relay; Aubrey Kwiatkowski in the 100, 200, 400, triple jump and long jump; and Bella King in shot put and discus.

“We are a young team that will need to continue to improve as the season goes along,” D’Arcy said. “Numbers are good with 22 girls on the team.”

NV begins the season today at the Rotary Relays at Chenango Forks.

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IN PHOTO: NV’s Dan Truesdail. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.