Large veteran group will key Purple Eagles run to defend N-O boys track title

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 April 2022 at 10:06 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s veteran group includes, in front, Alex Hafner, Jahmeek Riley and Auston Johnson. In back are Jr. Morales, Ozzie Matos and Ellwood Hafner. Missing from the photo are Cencere Lowe, Sh’kwe Riley, Reuben Rivers and Brendan LeBaron.

Bolstered by a large contingent of 10 top four All-League meet place finishers, Albion will begin defense of its Niagara-Orleans League boys track championship by hosting Akron on Tuesday (4:30 p.m.)

Tuesday’s other opener will have Medina at Barker.

Albion’s veterans include seniors Jakmeek Riley (2nd in 100), Reuben Rivers (1st 3200, 3rd 1600), Brendan LeBaron (2nd shotput, 4th high jump), Jr. Morales (1st 1600 Relay, 2nd Pole Vault), Ellwood Hafner (3rd Pole Vault), Alex Hafner (4th Pole Vault) and Ozzie Matos (1st 400 Relay) along with junior Sh’kwe Riley (2nd 800, 1st 1600 Relay), sophomore Auston Johnson (1st 400 Relay) and freshman Cencere Lowe (2nd 200).

The Purple Eagles graduation losses from last spring’s 6-0 title team includes four All-League meet champions. That foursome includes Chris Shabazz (1st High Jump, Long Jump and Triple Jump), Dominic DiGiulio (1st Shotput and Discus), Tony Freeman (1st 400 Hurdles) and Alex Zaczek (1st Pole Vault).

Medina, which posted a 4-2 record last spring, is led by seniors Arian Cayea (1st 1600), Ben Griffin (5th 400) and Isaac Pace (Throws, Jumps) along with juniors Bryson Costich (4th 200), Gabe Mark (5th 800)and Jackson and Mason Moreland (Sprints, Jumps) along with sophomore Kaedon Cleveland (3rd 110 Hurdles).

Roy-Hart is led by the senior trio of Jay Heideman (2nd 1600 and 3200), Brandin Allen (2nd 110 Hurdles, 4th 400 Hurdles) and Chris Ulrich (3rd 400).

The Albion girls, which went 4-2 a year ago, is led by the trio of seniors Bri Haines (1st Pole Vault) and Abby Scanlan (4th 100) and junior Olivia Krenning (4th 400 Hurdles).

Junior Nadia White, who won both the 400 and Triple Jump, sets the pace for Roy-Hart which also returns senior Brooke Livergood (3rd Long Jump, 5th Triple Jump) and junior Amelia Konstanty (2nd Long Jump, 4th 200).

Medina’s veterans include senior Alex Strong (Hurdles), juniors Ellie Roath (4th 100 Hurdles, Sprints), Phallon Rivera (4th Discus) and sophomore Maddy Rutledge (Sprints, Jumps).

The Newfane girls, which captured the N-O title with a 6-0 record, return a large veteran group led by seniors Gina Shorter (1st 100, 2nd 200), Ainsley DeBiase (1st 200), Ashlee Joseph (1st 100 Hurdles and 400 Hurdles), Leah Siegmann (1st Steeplechase), Mel Myers (1st Long Jump, 2nd Triple Jump) and sophomore Kylie Bowman (1st 3200).