Senior Captain Owen Morgenegg
The boys of Eaglecrest Track and Field have been busy this offseason preparing to build on the success they enjoyed in 2022. Last season saw the boys qualify every Sprint Relay and multiple individuals into the 5A State Meet, which resulted in 3 podium finishes for the Raptors. Although five big contributors graduated in 2022 (Pole Vaulter Brandon Flores, Throwers Braden Miller & Mason Harris, Sprinters Donci Kanyinda & Aaron Frimpong), they have a large handful of State Qualifiers and placers returning.
What should our fans be excited about this Spring?
Sprint Relays! The boys relay squads will feature five returning State Qualifiers in Seniors David Torres and Diego Cearns, Juniors Cam Chapa and Peace Warah, and Sophomore Xavier Waldron. Relay spots will be contested by an army of speedy Raptors, including Senior Captain Nic Buemi, Matthew Sterling, Burke Withycombe, Joe Steiner, Cory Jackson, Alex Cortez, Jeffrey Poku, Pierce Martinez, EJ Hill, and Jalin Jones. The boys are especially excited for the 4x400 relay, an event they believe they can win at the State Meet. Many different combinations of Raptors will be on display in these relays between now and then, so make your predictions now for who we'll see in the lineups in May!
The boys Distance team has spent the offseason building what they believe will be a force to be reckoned with come Spring. They are currently enjoying a breakout Cross Country season, led by Senior Captain Owen Morgenegg. The big dogs in the 1600/3200m look to be Senior stalwart Marco Pazmino, last year's surprise star Junior Cole Camp, and Sophomores Evan Keppy and Kaleb Packer. The 4x800m relay will be one to watch, as the boys just missed qualifying for the 5A State Meet in the event last season. Morgenegg and Junior Jonas Cummings (a converted sprinter), will be the building blocks as this hungry squad takes shape.
Coach Padilla's Hurdle Crew has been back at it since June, perfecting form and further building their incredible camaraderie from last season. The boys lost zero hurdlers to graduation last year and are returning standouts such as Senior Matthew Sterling, Junior Jacob Dymond, and last year's Centennial League 9/10 110m and 300m Hurdle Champion, Sophomore Pierce Martinez. Keep an eye out for Junior Savon Johnson as well, who just began hurdling at the end of the 2022 season and is making his presence known this Fall.
The jumpers are eager to get back in the pits, as they feel that they were just beginning to hit their stride as 2022 came to a close. With another year of training under Coach Bible, they aim to make a statement in 2023. Senior Diego Cearns has his eyes trained on the 22' foot mark in the Long Jump, a goal that nobody who knows the standout Raptor running back would doubt. Who will rise to the top of the Triple Jump lineup is anyone's guess. The contenders include (but are not limited to!) Juniors Bezalel Tizazu & Jacob Dymond, and Seniors Estifanose Shiferaw, Amare Porell, & Jacob Schmitt. The High Jump will be a major point of emphasis for the coaching staff, and Junior Jayden Diggins will be called upon to lead the charge.
The big men in the throws will be a highly experienced Senior led group in 2023. Seniors Carson Shepard, Kael Weatherby, and John Preskorn will be joined by returning Juniors Tristan Minty and Julien Olivas. These standout boys will be among many other returners as well as their fellow Linemen from the Raptor Football team. Stop by and see them at a meet, you may get rewarded with a bratwurst or burger from Coach Preskorn's grill!
The Raptor boys are ready to announce their presence as a state-wide powerhouse this season. Get out to the track this Spring to watch them soar!
Comments