Boys Preseason Track Preview
By: Coach Davyd Cash
Boys 4x100
Pike
They have the best four returners of any team in the state. Darnell Harris is a true stud, and Quinntyn Qualls is a star in the making.
North Central
This all hinges upon Broaden returning. But when he is teamed up with Khyran Shank and two solid legs, this team could fly.
Lawrence North
Return all four runners from a young team that really came on late last year.
Warren Central
Uhh, because they’re Warren Central? Also because they have Eric Robinson and Robert Hollins. Those two will be stand-alone stars for the Warriors, who will have no problem finding two other legs.
Valparaiso
In all honesty, they should probably be ranked higher. I’m not sure how strong Matt Hill’s replacement will be. But Isaac Bullock is a beast, and two other runners return.
East Noble
I saw this group run as freshman, and I figured that this will be the year that they will really turn heads. Jordon Gater is a top five sprinter that really came into his own last year, and I think the other guys are ready to step up as well.
Richmond
This will come as a slight to Richmond, but I’m not sure if they have a strong replacement for the departed Nelloms. Tavon Crisp got some valuable experience last year, so that will help a great deal.
Carmel
No big stars, but solid runners who make clean exchanges. Gotta love that.
Lawrence Central
This team may be full of sophomores, led by Anthony Shelman. They showed a lot of promise last year at the freshman county meet, but they will need to mature in a hurry.
Cathedral
The Irish return all four runners, including super soph Tre Roby. Expect this team to climb up the rankings.
Ben Davis
Without Anthony Kimmons, this team will struggle to find an identity. I predict that the lineup will change frequently before finding a squad that will be competitive.
Columbus North
They have solid guys, and they only have to replace Mike Hooker. Thomas Brueggemann is very underrated.
Concordia
All seniors. All heart. All out. This year should be special for them, and the maybe the biggest surprise in this event.
SB Washington
Losing Troy Franklin was huge, but I think that they could replace him(Just please don’t use Dashawn Parnell on it…save him for the 400). Phil Hobbs will be a key leg.
Leo
Yeah, I know. Wow. But they have five guys who are solid, and they have great chemistry(last year’s regional meet not withstanding). I’m not saying that they will get a state medal in this event(but they could), I’m just saying that they are one of the top squads in the state.
Merrillville
Oh Pirates…why do you hurt me so? When I pick them in one relay, they excel in another. Not this time. Your 4x4 is strong, and you have enough talent left over to field a pretty good 4x1. Do it for me.
Gary West Side
If Julian Taylor doesn’t opt for the 400, and if David Lee builds on his success from a year ago, this team will be very strong. It would have been great if Jarvis McMillan had joined them instead of Hobart, but….
Let’s move on.
Snider
I expect Snider to be solid, especially with Keenan Kelsaw and Darin Barbour, but I don’t see this being a relay that they will try to stack. They should slide into the state meet, however.
Bloomington North
They actually have the components for a top five team, but I don’t see them going in that direction, with Max Tuttle and Kenyun Byrd both going for major points in the 300 hurdles.