Albion track teams prep for N-O opener

Photo by Mike Wertman – Getting set to lead the Albion girls track team into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League season are these Purple Eagle veterans. In front are Meredith Patterson, Adryan Cheeseboro, Mahogany Taylor, Mariah Elsenheimer and Karisa Stark. In back are Aleah Foos, Sarah Metzler, Katie Rustay, Emily Blanchard, Chanyce Powell and Hannah Wehling.

After finishing in the runner-up spot last spring, the Albion girls track team returns a strong veteran contingent with which to again challenge for top Niagara-Orleans League honors.

Sophomore Chanyce Powell who won the triple jump and placed second in the long jump and senior Karisa Stark who won the pole vault at the N-O All-League meet head the veteran contingent for Albion which went 5-1 last spring trailing only undefeated (6-0) champion Akron.

The Purple Eagles other returning All-League meet place finishers include junior Mariah Elsenheimer (2nd in 100, 3rd in 200), junior Mahogany Taylor (2nd high jump, 3rd 100 hurdles), junior Aleah Foos (3rd high jump, 5th 100 hurdles), senior Sarah Metzler (3rd shot-put) and junior Meredith Patterson (5th in 1500 and 3000).

Albion’s veteran group also includes senior Adryan Cheeseboro (throws) along with sophomores Katie Rustay, Emily Blanchard (middle distance) and Hannah Wehling.

Senior Madyson Coville, a first year member of the team who earned first team N-O All-League honors in cross-country last fall, also looks to give a boost to the Purple Eagles distance contingent.

“We definitely have a solid core,” said Coach Mark Hryvniak of his underclassmen dominated 39 member squad which includes 14 sophomore, 9 juniors, 7 freshmen, 3 eighth graders and only 6 seniors.

Albion’s chief losses to graduation were Abby Squicciarini (1st in 100 and 200) and Kayla Doyle (4th in 100).

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Albion boys track squad are these Purple Eagle veterans. In front are Tyler Nashburn, Lamar Chambers and Nick Reed. In back are Aaron Chen, Mike Laine, Jacob Squicciarini and Manwell Taylor.

The Albion boys squad, which is looking to rebound from last year’s 2-4 N-O campaign, also returns a good veteran nucleus including senior Jacob Squicciarini (2nd 200, 4th 100), sophomore Tyler Nashburn (3rd 110 hurdles), sophomore Lamar Chambers (2nd 400 hurdles), freshman Jordan Jacobs (5th long jump) and junior Manwell Taylor (8th long jump).

The Purple Eagles veteran group also includes senior Aaron Chen (distance), junior Mike Laine (throws) and sophomore Nick Reed (middle distance).

“We struggled a bit last year and we’ve got a couple of holes to fill but we’ve got some good kids and we hope to be competitive,” said Coach Wayne Wadhams whose 37 member squad includes 12 freshmen, 10 sophomore, 7 juniors, 6 seniors and 2 eighth graders.

The Purple Eagles graduation losses include Justyn Haines (1st pole vault), Mike Eldred (1st shot-put, 2nd discus) and Dylan Burkhardt (4th shot-put).

Albion will open the N-O season at Wilson on April 21.

Albion’s Schedule

April 21 – at Wilson, 4:15 p.m.
April 28 – Akron, 4:15 p.m.
April 30 – At Roy-Hart, 4:15 p.m.
May 5 – Newfane, 4:15 p.m.
May 7 – Medina/Lyndonville, 4:15 p.m.
May 12 – at Barker, 4:15 p.m.
May 16 – at Rush-Henrietta Invit. , 10 a.m.
May 20 and 21 – N-O All-League meet at Roy-Hart, 4 p.m.