First Posted: 3/31/2015
ADA
Division: III
Coach: Tyler Craig
Years at school, record: N/A
Last season’s record/finish: seventh in the Northwest Conference
Returning letterwinners: 5
Key returners: Blake Willeke (Jr., high jump, long jump, middle-distance); Trent Jolliff (Sr., long jump, sprints); Jared Craig (Sr., hurdle, throws); Eric Armbrecht (Sr., distance); Jake Agin (Sr., throws)
Promising newcomers: Seth Conley (Frosh., hurdles); Chase Sumner (Frosh., middle distance, long jump); Kade Cortez (Frosh., sprinter)
Season outlook: Despite not having a great deal of depth, the Bulldogs look to be competitive.
ALLEN EAST
Division: III
Coach: Brett Nickles
Years at school, record: first, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: fifth in the Northwest Conference
Returning letterwinners: 9
Key returners: Izak Ackerman (Sr., throws); Ben Thayer (Sr., distance); Logan Schick (Jr., sprints); Logan Emerick (Jr., pole vault, sprints): Zane Bowerman (Jr., pole vault, sprints); Chris Kleman (Soph., hurdles); Shane Gipson (Soph., hurdles); Kain Foster (Soph., distance) and Caleb Austin (Soph., mid-distance).
Promising newcomers: Cody Musselman (Jr., sprints); Caleb Smelcer (Soph., sprints) and Kyle Nickles (Frosh., hurdles).
Season outlook: With 32 athletes, Allen East looks to score in each event.
BATH
Division: II
Coach: Bill Vermillion
Years at school, record: 2, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: 10th in the Western Buckeye League
Returning letterwinners: 11
Key returners: Corey Briggs (Sr., sprints); Wes Patton (Sr., hurdles); Matt Sterling (Sr., distance); Tre’ Wheeler (Sr., sprints); Wyatt Stahl (Jr., distance); Shawn Jordan (Jr., throws); Ryan Kalb (Soph., distance); Andrew Reynolds (Soph., sprints); Austin Stahr (Soph., distance); Tre’ Terry (Soph., sprints, high jump); Zach States (Soph., distance)
Promising newcomers: Austin Miller (Jr., distance); Levi Morman (Sr., sprints); Brett Anderson (Jr., throws); Andy Ducker (Jr., sprints)
Season outlook: With 11 returners, Bath is looking to build depth and to improve on last season.
BLUFFTON
Division: III
Coach: Ryan Dunlap
Years at school, record: 2, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: second in the Northwest Conference
Returning letterwinners: 11
Key returners: Clay Wilson (Sr., pole vault, state-placer); Dylan Alt (Sr., sprints, state-placer); Robbie Stratton (Sr., sprints, state-placer); Brody Parkins (Sr., throws); Levi Kistler (Sr., throws, high jump); Adam Wannemacher (Jr., sprints, state-placer); Jacob Barnett (Jr., distance); Isaac Andreas (Soph., distance); Trevor Bassitt (Soph., hurdles, high jump); Josh Begg (Soph., distance); Eli Bourassa (Soph., distance)
Promising newcomers: N/A
Season outlook: With 11 returners, Bluffton looks to be the team to beat in the NWC.
COLUMBUS GROVE
Division: III
Coach: Chris Grothaus
Years at school, record: 10, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: Northwest Conference champions, Putnam County League champions
Returning letterwinners: 15
Key returners: Bryce Sharrits (Sr., 800, 3,200 relay, state-placer in both); Colton Grothaus (Sr., distance, state-placer 3,200 relay); David Bogart (Sr., long jump, 400, 3,200 relay, state-placer); Alex Tabler (Sr., hurdles); Joey Warnecke (Sr., sprint relays, pole vault); Marshall Downing (Sr., high jump); Andrew Brinkman (Sr., throws); Alex Giesege (Jr., 400, 800, 3,200 relay, state-placer); Baily Clement (Jr., 100, 200, relays, high jump); Kyle Shafer (Jr., pole vault); Boone Brubaker (Soph., middle distance); Caiden Grothaus (Soph., pole vault, hurdles); Grant Cassidy (Soph., pole vault); Ryan Tabler (Soph., hurdles); Rece Roney (Soph., throws)
Promising newcomers: Lachlan Clymer (Soph., hurdles, middle distance); Logan Ridenour (Soph., throws); Brandon Grisby (Soph., throws); Aiden Fortman (Jr., sprints); Aaron Bremer (Jr., throws); Hunter Halker (Sr., high jump, long jump)
Season outlook: With 15 returners, including the entire 3,200 meter relay team that finished seventh at the state meet last season, the Bulldogs look to be the team to beat once again.
COLDWATER
Division: II
Coach: Palngji Sunday
Years at school, record: first, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: second in the Midwest Athletic Conference
Returning letterwinners: 9
Key returners: Jon Wenning (Sr., distance); Landon Schlater (Sr., sprints, hurdles); Andrew Gillum (Jr., sprints); Tony Rammel (Jr., sprints); Justin Hess (Jr., sprints, middle-distance); Ryan Klosterman (Jr., jumps, sprints); Mitch Clune (jumps, sprints); Dan Seas (Jr., distance, state-placer in 3,200); Zack Klosterman (Soph., hurdles, sprints)
Promising newcomers: N/A
Season outlook: With a solid core of key performers, the Cavs look to be one of the teams to beat in the MAC.
CONTINENTAL
Division: III
Coach: Mindi Bradford
Years at school, record: N/A
Last season’s record/finish: N/A
Returning letterwinners: 7
Key returners: Caleb Baker (Sr.); Jonathan Shephard (Sr.); Ty Warnement (Jr.); Dean Krendl (Soph.); Ronnie Rayle (Soph.); Jacob Williams (Soph.); Trevor Williamson (Soph.)
Promising newcomers: Sam Bowers (Jr.); Saige Deleon (Jr.); Jordan Kunesh (Jr.); Owen Troyer (Jr.); Ryan Troyer (Jr.); Christian Keller (Frosh); Cameron Mason (Frosh.); Austin Morrison (Frosh.); Garrett Recker (Frosh.)
Season outlook: This year’s team should be a little deeper in the sprints, and sprint relays.
CRESTVIEW
Division: III
Coach: James Lautzenheiser
Years at school, record: 5, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: sixth in the Northwest Conference
Returning letterwinners: 19
Key returners: Mycah Grandstaff (distance, relays, state-placer 3,200); Branden Clayton (mid-distance); Corban Grubb (throws); Dylan Grandstaff (mid-distance, sprints, relays); Ford Tatum (throws, sprints); Jon Germann (throws, mid-distance); Sage Schaffner (sprints, relays); Zach Jellison (sprints, relays)
Promising newcomers: Emilio Deleon (throws); Nick Henry (throws); Sean Sinn (throws); Jacob Buffenbarger (throws); Landen McKee (sprints)
Season outlook: With a fairly young roster, the Crestview coaching staff will be trying to prepare a select group of events that can be competitive in the postseason.
DELPHOS JEFFERSON
Division: III
Coach: Brent Binkley and Todd Teman (co-head coaches)
Years at school, record: first, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: ninth in the Northwest Conference
Returning letterwinners: 3
Key returners: Ryan Wittler (Soph.); Conner Townsend (Jr.); Hunter Stroh (Soph.)
Promising newcomers: Adam Rode (Jr.); Drew Reiss (Soph.); Josh Teman (Jr.); Hunter Binkley (Soph.); Michael Cline (Jr.); Cole Arroyo (Soph.); Evan Mox (Soph.); Wyatt Place (Soph.)
Season outlook: Delphos Jefferson is hoping to improve on last season’s performance.
DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S
Division: III
Coach: Jack DeWitt
Years at school, record: sixth in the Midwest Athletic Conference
Last season’s record/finish:
Returning letterwinners: 12
Key returners: Ty Conley (Sr., 400, 800, relays, state-qualifier in 800); Nick Martz (Sr., 100, 200, relays); Brian Pohlman (Sr., 100, 200, relays); Derek Anthony (Jr., throws); Conner Britt (Jr., hurdles, relays); Trent Closson (Jr., throws); Ty Ledyard (Jr., 400, 800, relays); Evan Mohler (Jr., long jump, relays, 100); Curt Pohlman (Jr., 800, 1,600, relays); Elliot Courtney (Soph., long jump, high jump, relays); Deven Haggard (Soph., long jump, high jump, relays); Jacob Hellman (Soph., hurdles, relays)
Promising newcomers: Zac Fischer (Sr., hurdles, middle-distance); Garrett Nagel (Sr., 200, 400); Wyatt Nagel (Sr., 400, 800); James Buettner (Jr., hurdles, long jump, middle distance); Avery Martin (Jr., sprints); Jordan Mohler (Jr., sprints, relays); Chandler Clarkson (Soph., sprints, relays); Jace Fish (Soph., sprints); Josh Fish (Soph., throws); Austin Adams (Soph., throws); Richard Cocuzza (Soph., sprints, relays); Cole Reindel (Soph., 400, 800, relays)
Season outlook: With a solid core of returners – mostly sprinters – the Blue Jays should really excel in the sprints and sprint relays. Look for St. John’s to be very competitive, not only in the Midwest Athletic Conference, but in the postseason.
ELIDA
Division: II
Coach: Kevin Bowers
Years at school, record: N/A
Last season’s record/finish: eighth in the Western Buckeye League
Returning letterwinners: 9
Key returners: Clark Etzler (Sr., sprints, relays, state-qualifier 400 relay); Corbin Stratton (Sr., sprints, relays, state-qualifier 400 relay); Desmond White (Sr., state-qualifier 400 relay); Canyon Hurt (Jr.); Gaerid Littler (Jr., distance, 1,600 relay); Kennedy Gray (Soph.); Malik Morris (Soph.); Sam Quaintance (Soph.); De’Angelo Woods (Soph.)
Promising newcomers: Khory Kesler (Sr.); Maurice Rose (Sr.); Chase Watson (Sr.); Tristan Edwards (Jr.); Brian Upshaw (Jr.); Marcus Whitt (Jr.); Cole Harmon (Frosh.); Daneille Lowe (Frosh.)
Season outlook: With a solid core of returners, Elida looks to be competitive in the WBL. The Bulldogs have a strong core of sprinters back and should fare well in the sprints and sprint relay.
FORT JENNINGS
Division: III
Coach: Kevin Horstman
Years at school, record: 17, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: sixth in the Putnam County League; 13th at districts
Returning letterwinners: 4
Key returners: Evan Ricker (Sr., sprints); Drew Grone (Jr., sprints); Alex Berelsman (Jr., distance); Dylan Wiechart (Soph., distance)
Promising newcomers: Kyle Maag (Soph., sprints); Ian Finn (Frosh., middle-distance)
Season outlook: With a relatively young team and with low numbers, the Musketeers look to be more competitive in duals.
HARDIN NORTHERN
Division: III
Coach: Travis Rettig
Years at school, record: first, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: eighth in Blanchard Valley Conference
Returning letterwinners: 9
Key returners: Mitchell Williams (Sr., throws); Storm Drumm (Jr., sprints, high jump); Wes Schlatter (Jr., long jump sprints); David Allen (Soph., distance); Garrett Eikenbary (Soph., throws); Nat Hall (Soph., sprints); Andrew Stump (Soph., sprints); Bradlee Watts (Soph., pole vault, hurdles); Colin Tobin (Soph., throws)
Promising newcomers: Preston Ribley (Jr., sprints); Nick Bame (Soph., mid-distance); Owen Bame (Soph., sprints, mid-distance); Will Poling (Frosh., sprints); Max O’Brien (Frosh., mid-distance); James Rickenbacker (Frosh., pole vault, mid-distance); Bradley Flowers (Frosh., sprints)
Season outlook: With nine returners and a solid core of freshmen, Hardin Northern looks to be competitive in the NWCC.
JACKSON CENTER
Division: III
Coach: S.J. Hoover
Years at school, record: 21, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: seventh in the Shelby County Athletic League
Returning letterwinners: 6
Key returners: Dalton Faulder (Sr., 1,600, 3,200); Ryan Booser (Sr., long jump); Seth Regula (Sr., 1,600, 3,200): Noah Farley (Sr., throws); Travis Helmstetter (Sr., relays); Tyler Lett (Jr., high jump, 100)
Promising newcomers: Parker Morris (Frosh., 1,600, 3,200); James Gambrel (Frosh., 100, 200, relays); Joseph Crouse (Frosh., throws)
Season outlook: Jackson Center looks to improve on last season’s performance.
LIMA CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Division: III
Coach: Nate Garlock
Years at school, record: 4, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: district runner-up; regional champions; state champions
Returning letterwinners: 3
Key returners: Alex Rigg (Sr., distance); Tate Lamb (Jr., sprints); Nick Taflinger (Jr., 400)
Promising newcomers: Paul Hollbrook (Jr., 400, 800); Ryan Rhodes (Jr., throws); Matthew Rohan (Frosh., 400, 800); Sean Ballentine (Frosh., sprints); Skyler Corso (Frosh., sprints)
Season outlook: After graduating the majority of last year’s state championship team, the T-Birds will be hoping the underclassmen will step up and fill the voids.
LIMA SENIOR
Division: I
Coach: Stephen Carter
Years at school, record: 14, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: fourth in the Three Rivers Athletic Conference; third at districts
Returning letterwinners: 12
Key returners: Ruben Flowers (Jr., high jump); Jaden Walker (Soph., 100, 200); Diamonte Fisher (Soph., 400); Rico Stafford (Jr., 400, high jump); Illias Wright (Sr., 100, 200); Tydus Chustz (Soph., 400, 800); Bryan Mays (Jr., 100, 200); Devin Colley (Sr., throws); James Moore (Sr., throws); Marquis Graham (Sr., 110 hurdles); Norris Bevis III (Sr., 800, 1,600); Javeon Anderson (Soph., 400)
Promising newcomers: Khiry Smith-Williams (Sr., throws); Xavier Simpson (Jr., 800, 1,600); Elijah Pughsley (Sr., long jump, 400); Kevontae Tyson (Frosh., 400); Carrington Gales (Sr., long jump); Rico Williams Jr. (Frosh., throws); Adrian Jones (Soph., 800)
Season outlook: With nine returners – several of those placers in the TRAC – the Spartans look to be very competitive, not only in the TRAC, but in the postseason.
LINCOLNVIEW
Division: III
Coach: Matt Langdon
Years at school, record: N/A
Last season’s record/finish: fourth in the Northwest Conference
Returning letterwinners: N/A
Key returners: Bayley Tow (Sr., distance, state-placer in 1,600); Hunter Blankemeyer (Jr., 110 hurdles, state-qualifier); Logan Jewell (Sr., sprints, relays); Damon Norton (Sr., sprints, relays); Alex Rodriguez (Sr., distance, relays); Trevor Neate (Jr., distance, relays); Tyler Brant (Sr., distance); Colton Snyder (Jr., distance)
Promising newcomers: Kegan Cowan (Frosh.)
Season outlook: With most of last season’s scorers back, the Lancers look to compete for the NWC title.
MINSTER
Division: III
Coach: Larry Topp
Years at school, record: 27, 2,159-246
Last season’s record/finish: Midwest Athletic Conference champions, district champions, regional runner-up, 19th at the state tournament
Returning letterwinners: 19
Key returners: Sam Dues (Sr., hurdles); Andrew Fausey (Sr., middle distance, state-qualifier 3,200 relay and 1,600 relay); Jon Fausey (Sr., middle distance, state-qualifier 3,200 relay); Eli Wolf (Sr., sprints, state-qualifier 400 relay and 800 relay); Gunner Blanke (Sr., throws); Ben Butler (Jr., distance); Jacob Dues (Jr., sprints); Ethan Monnin (Jr., middle distance, pole vault); Josh Otting (Jr., sprints, high jump); Jacob Stechschulte (Jr., sprints, state-qualifier 400 relay); Chad Stoner (Jr., hurdles); Jared Thobe (Jr., sprints, long jump); Conner Tumbusch (Jr., middle distance): Joe Trzaska (Sr., sprints, middle distance); Zach Eiting (Jr., hurdles); Jack Poeppelman (Jr., sprints); Peter Ranly (Jr., sprints); Alex Blanco (Soph., sprints, state-qualifier 400 relay); Tony Winner (Soph., throws)
Promising newcomers: N/A
Season outlook: With 19 returning letterwinners, the Wildcats look to be a team to beat in the MAC. Minster should score well in many events.
NEW BREMEN
Division: III
Coach: Mark Sharp
Years at school, record: 3, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: four in the Midwest Athletic Conference
Returning letterwinners: 8
Key returners: Jake Hemmelgarn (Soph., high jump, sprints); Seth Williams (Sr., high jump, sprints); Ben Franks (Sr., sprints); Cort Speckman (Jr., distance); Jason Zircher (Jr., distance); Nate Herriott (Sr., distance); Brad Rammel (Sr., distance); Adrian Speelman (Sr., throws)
Promising newcomers: N/A
Season outlook: With a very young team, New Bremen will need to get the underclassmen to step up and fill some voids.
NEW KNOXVILLE
Division: III
Coach: Jerry Vanderhorst
Years at school, record: first, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: ninth in the Midwest Athletic Conference
Returning letterwinners: 2
Key returners: Devin Kuck (Jr., 100, 200, 400); Marcus Nitschke (Jr., 1,600, 3,200).
Promising newcomers: Ethan Kuck (Sr., 100, 200, high jump)
Season outlook: With low numbers, the Rangers will need everyone to be productive in multiple events.
Ottoville
Division: III
Coach: Ryan Horstman
Years at school, record: 15, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: fourth in the Putnam County League
Returning letterwinners: 9
Key returners: Colin Bendele (Sr., throws, sprints); Ryan Kimmet (Sr., distance); Drew Williams (Jr., middle-distance, sprints, high jump); Austin Agala-Montano (Jr., sprints, middle-distance, pole vault); Eric Von Sossan (Soph., middle-distance, sprints, high jump); Cody Kemper (Soph., middle-distance, sprints, hurdles); Kaleb Hanicq (Soph., middle-distance, sprints, throws); Trevor Fischer (Soph., distance, long jump); Alex Burgei (Soph., throws)
Promising newcomers: Brendan Siefker (Frosh., distance); Evan Boecker (Frosh.)
Season outlook: With low numbers, the Ottoville coaching staff will be focusing on individual improvement as the season progresses.
OTTAWA-GLANDORF
Division: II
Coach: Rick Hughes
Years at school, record: 20, 729-361-4 (excluding tournaments)
Last season’s record/finish: 48-4, Western Buckeye League champions
Returning letterwinners: 5
Key returners: Collin Laubenthal (Sr., pole vault, sprints, state-qualifier); Sid Moening (Sr., 300 hurdles, middle-distance); Trevor Ellerbrock (800); Brad Recker (Sr., 800); Ben Recker (throws)
Promising newcomers: N/A
Season outlook: With a good mixture of returning athletes and underclassmen, O-G looks to defend its WBL title. However, the Titans will need some help in filling several notable voids that were caused by graduation.
PAULDING
Division: II
Coach: Kyle Coleman
Years at school, record: first
Last season’s record/finish: eighth in the Northwest Conference
Returning letterwinners: 9
Key returners: Cody Spencer (Sr., distance); Jacob Long (Sr., distance); Dakota Vladez (Sr., throws); Michael Tope (Sr., throws); Zach Buchman (Jr., sprints); Lucas Arend (Jr., distance); Brendon Lothamer (Jr., pole vault); Andrew Stafford (Jr., sprints); Simeon Shepherd (Soph., distance)
Promising newcomers: N/A
Season outlook: With a solid core of returners, along with higher numbers, the Panthers look to be competitive this season.
PERRY
Division: III
Coach: Dan Kirby
Years at school, record: six, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: third in the Northwest Central Conference
Returning letterwinners: 14
Key returners: Wesley Godfrey (Jr., 1,600); Jakoby Lane-Harvey (Soph., 3,200); Maleek Cole (Jr., 100, 200 relays); Jordan Hawthorne (Sr., 100, 200, relays); John Hairston (Jr., hurdles, relays); Austin Sanchez (Sr., distance); Robby Mulcahy (Jr., long jump); Steven Overly (Jr., long jump, hurdles)
Promising newcomers: Xavier Monfort (Sr., middle- distance); Martel Harris (Frosh., high jump)
Season outlook: The Commodores boast plenty of depth, as well as talent. Look for Perry to be competitive both in the conference and postseason.
OTTOVILLE
Division: III
Coach: Ryan Horstman
Years at school, record: 15, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: fourth in the Putnam County League
Returning letterwinners: N/A
Key returners: Colin Bendele (Sr., throws, sprints); Ryan Kimmet (Sr., distance); Drew Williams (Jr., middle distance, sprints, high jump); Austin Agala-Montano (Jr., sprints, middle distance, pole vault); Eric Von Sossan (Soph., middle distance, sprints, hurdles); Cody Kemper (Soph., middle distance, sprints, hurdles); Kaleb Hanicq (Soph., middle distance, sprints, throws); Trevor Fischer (Soph., distance, long jump) and Alex Burgei (Soph., throws).
Promising newcomers: Brendan Siefker (Frosh.); Evan Boecker (Frosh.).
Season outlook: Ottoville will boast a small roster. However, look for the Big Green to excel in several events.
PARKWAY
Division: III
Coach: Steve Fisher
Years at school, record: eight, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: eighth in Midwest Athletic Conference
Returning letterwinners: 11
Key returners: Kris Gangwer (Sr., sprints, relays); Seth Rollins (Sr., distance); Jared Puthoff (Sr., throws); Matt Boznago (Sr., throws); Clay Bollenbacher (Jr., hurdles, relays); Trent Sarisin (Jr., distance); Seth Secaur (Soph., hurdles, long jump); Caleb Rollins (Soph., distance); Raymond Wood (Soph., sprints); Tyler Miller (Soph., sprints); Josh Puthoff (Soph., throws).
Promising newcomers: Kevin Flaugher (Jr., hurdles, high jump); Sage Dugan (Jr., sprints); Caden May (Frosh., sprints, long jump).
Season outlook: The Panthers have good numbers. However, developing the underclassmen will be the key to a successful season.
SHAWNEE
Division: II
Coach: Russ Holly
Years at school, record: 43, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: sixth in Western Buckeye League
Returning letterwinners: 13
Key returners: Kyle Tatad (Sr., hurdles); Derek Kuhlman (Sr. distance); Jacob Thomas (Sr., pole vault); Zach Virdin (Sr., 400); Sam Way (Sr., distance); Noah Curl (Jr., distance); Levi Dahlke (Jr., hurdles); Ray Manley (Soph., sprints); Jared Walters (Jr., distance); Jabril Williams (Soph., hurdles); Jonathon Wahlie (Soph., distance); Zac Kaplan (Sr., throws); Logan Reese-Blevins (Jr., throws)
Promising newcomers: Janson McCormick (Sr., throws); Maxim Newmann (Jr., throws, sprints, jumps); Jayvon Daniels (Frosh., sprints); Richie Deubler (Sr., throws); Ryan Frazier (Soph., throws)
Season outlook: With 13 returners, look for Shawnee to be competitive in the WBL.
SPENCERVILLE
Division: III
Coach: Shane Strausbaugh
Years at school, record: first, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: third in the Northwest Conference
Returning letterwinners: 10
Key returners: Andrew Emery (Sr., sprints); Byron Gay (Sr., distance); Grant Goecke (Sr., middle-distance); Trevor McMichael (Sr., middle-distance, jumps); Logan Vandemark (Sr., throws, sprints); Zach Goecke (Jr., sprints); Mason Nourse (Jr., middle-distance); Evan Pugh (Jr., throws, sprints); Bailey Croft (Soph., hurdles, high jump); Calvin Wilson (Soph., sprints)
Promising newcomers: Chris Picker (Frosh., pole vault, sprints); Eli Hawk (Sr., throws)
Season outlook: The Bearcats will try to build around its 10 letterwinners. Look for Spencerville to be pretty balanced in its events.
ST. HENRY
Division: III
Coach: Dan Hemmelgarn
Years at school, record: first, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: third in the Midwest Athletic Conference; third at districts
Returning letterwinners: 15
Key returners: Spencer Schulze (Sr., distance, state-placer in 3,200); Collin Mescher (Soph., sprints, long jump); Jesse Niekamp (Jr., sprints, high jump); Justin Rindler (Jr., throws); Scott Knapke (Sr., distance); Justin Hoying (Sr., distance); Alex Hemmelgarn (Sr., distance); Garrett Franck (Sr., long jump); Jake Schlarman (Sr., hurdles, long jump); Justin Rose (Soph., hurdles); Cole Staugler (Soph., throws); Zack Koesters (Soph., pole vault); Ross Gelhaus (Sr., pole vault)
Promising newcomers: Paul Wourms (Frosh., hurdles); Braydon Hoying (Frosh., distance); Ian Huelskamp (Jr., long jump)
Season outlook: With 15 returners back, the Redskins look to be competitive in both the MAC and in the postseason.
TEMPLE CHRISTIAN
Division: III
Coach: Adam Blevins
Years at school, record: fourth, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: seventh in the Northwest Central Conference
Returning letterwinners: 2
Key returners: Seth Lugibihl (Sr., 100, 200, 400); Nathan Winegardner (Jr., 200, 1,600, long jump)
Promising newcomers: Seth Ward (Frosh.)
Season outlook: With a strong incoming freshman class and a core of returners, Temple Christian looks to take another step with its young program.
VAN WERT
Division: II
Coach: Mark Collins
Years at school, record: N/A
Last season’s record/finish: 39-15; third in the Western Buckeye League
Returning letterwinners: N/A
Key returners: Nicholas Krugh (sprints, state-placer in the 200); Quincy Salcido (sprints, state-qualifier); Tymon Moore (sprints, state-qualifier); Hunter Perl (state-qualifier); Kris Hart (sprints); Connor Holliday (distance); Connor Shaffer (distance); Ryan Rice (distance); Dylan Lautzenheiser (distance)
Promising newcomers: Colin Smith (jumps); Keagan Hardmon (sprints); Thane Cowan (distance)
Season outlook: The Cougars look to once again compete in the WBL and in the postseason.
WAPAKONETA
Division: I
Coach: Mark Cook
Years at school, record: N/A
Last season’s record/finish: fifth in the Western Buckeye League
Returning letterwinners: 24
Key returners: John Bourne (discus); Will Zofkie (middle-distance); Blake Pfenning (shot put); Dylan Plaugher (distance); Jordan Bowers (800); Hayden Brandenhoff (middle-distance); Sam Hinegardner (high jump, pole vault); Will Hinegardner (high jump); Evan Kantner (high jump, hurdles); Nathan Kremer (hurdles); Alex Lause (sprints); Collin Lenhart (sprints); Nick Steinke (hurdles); Nathan Elsass; Cody Benny (middle-distance)
Promising newcomers: Jon Eaton, Jarred Smith, Zach Chambers, Court Merricle, Tristan Meyer, Austin Moore, Leo Pennesi, Lucas Shade, Ryan Thompson, Grant Turner, Ryan Vaughn, Jalen Bowersock
Season outlook: With a solid core of top performers returning, the Redskins look to compete in the top third of the WBL.
WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN
Division: III
Coach: Jim Epperly
Years at school, record: 17, N/A
Last season’s record/finish: first in the Northwest Central Conference; fourth at districts
Returning letterwinners: 16
Key returners: Daniel Fridley (Sr., sprints, jumps, all-Ohio); Luke Hall (Sr., sprints, relays, all-Ohio); Brandon Bly (Sr., throws); Drew Lament (Jr., jumps, hurdles, all-Ohio); Connor Whitaker (Jr., hurdles, relays, all-Ohio indoors); Jordan McKinney (Jr., distance); Levi Miller (Jr., distance); Zane Wicker (Soph., middle-distance); Josh Searson (Soph., pole vault, relays); Stephen Hayes (Jr., distance)
Promising newcomers: Tyler Eller (Frosh., sprints, jumps, indoor all-Ohio); Coobe James (Frosh., jumps); Dustin Klenke (Frosh., throws, relays); Nathan Binkley (Sr., throws)
Season outlook: With a solid core of returners, the Tigers’ roster might be the deepest it’s been for a long time. Look for W-G to be the team to beat in the NWCC.
