Photo Contributed by Coach Pat Riley
Some teams rely on their distance squads, other teams rely mostly on their sprinters and field event personal. Tolleson has the fortune of being somewhere in the middle. Led by state finalist Alex Poe who runs the 100m in 10.88 and is hungry to find the podium, the Tollseon sprint team looks like a force to be reckoned with in the west valley. Alex's quest to place at state should be an achievable goal since his 200m time from last year (21.65) is the fastest in division 2. He also contributes in the 4x100m and 4x400m. Newcomers Sky Conner, Ruben Lebron and Cevaughn Hanley all could factor into the relay pool for the Wolverines. If one of them comes through in a big way it could help ease the losses of state runner up 110Her Kenneth Steele and 400m specialist Andrae Walters. Another potential 4x100m contributor is Desmond Whitehurst. Desmond primarily runs the 200m, though helping out on relays is part of the game when you are a sprinter. It is not just sprinters who help out on relays. Jumpers Jay Tompson and Trey Johnson might be looking to bring some speed to the track between taking their jumps.
Jay placed 15th at state last year in the triple jump and will return determined to get on the podium this year. He also hopes to get to state in the long jump along with Trey. Trey made it last year in the long jump. Trey also dabbles in the high jump and open 100m making race days very busy for him. If either Jay or Trey can come through to get some points at state it would ease the loss of graduated state qualifier Akil Harris. Sky and Ivan Tzonev add depth at the jumps. Despite his triple jumping ability, Ivan's specialty is the 300H.
The Wolverine harriers are not only can run fast, but they can run far. After qualifying a team for state in cross country this past fall track newcomers Joaquin Quezada, Andy Gutierrez and Jesse Goodfellow should help defending 3200m district champ Cesar Aguilar in the longer events this spring. Hopefully the three new comers can overcome the point loss of Justin Hanson, who was a multi time district champion in the distance events. Kentrell White bridges the distance and sprinters gap by providing a strong 800m presence as well.
Track fans will notice one state qualifier from cross country not running with the distance squad though. Matt Medrano competes in the pole vault come spring. Last year he placed 13th at state and looks to find to the podium this year. Teammate Hank Roberts tied for 13th place at state with him, and like Matt is looking to improve his finish from last year.
Last but not least, Braxton Hooks leads the throws and looks to improve on his bests from last year.
In addition to the graduation of several seniors; another adjustment the Wolverine team will have to make is with the coaching staff. Sprint and hurdle coach Eduardo Carlon moved on. He is replaced by Tevin Blaylark. Despite these challenges Coach Pat Riley has high goals set for his team. He hopes his squad can continue their excellence by winning districts for the 4th season in a row. Additionally, he wants to win both the Tollseson and Buckeye Invitationals. Doing so would certainly make them one of the best team in the west valley and a contender for a top 10 team finish at the state meet. Going to state is a lot more fun when more athletes are involved, and Coach Riley understands that. In addition to winning those three meets he wants to advance boys to the state meet in every event. If he does so they should improve on their 15th place finish as a team from last year.