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NTL TRACK & FIELD: TROY LOOKS TO BE COMPETITIVE IN 2021 (2021-04-08)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
This season has been a long time coming for the Troy track and field team. After not hosting a meet since the mid-1990’s, the Trojans are slated to hold a few home dual meets this season.

They’ve run into a few snags as they get ready for the season - their two first home meets had to be switched to away due to logistics - but they’re on track to host soon.


Right now, though, first year head coach Barry Morgan is working on getting his team ready after two years from any type of track and field activity.


“We are working on just getting in shape, and being ready for the first meet,” said Morgan. “It’s been an extraordinary last 12 months, and our athletes have adjusted well to be able to participate.”


They travel to Canton for their season opener, where Morgan once coached. 


The girls’ team last year had NTL title aspirations, while the boys’ team expected to be in the running. Both graduated several top athletes who never got the chance to suit up for their senior season, so with two new classes to integrate, this year’s goals are a little more grounded.


“After last season, we have one goal for this year,” said Morgan. “Work hard every practice, compete in every meet like it could be your last. We had a great class of seniors last year with high hopes that didn’t make it past Friday, the 13th, so I told these kids, don’t take any day for granted.”


As expected they will be almost starting over this year.


“We have a very young team this year,” remarked Morgan. “Our most experienced kids were sophomores the last time they competed two years ago.”


On the girls’ side they return some talent on the track.


“I look for Sydney Taylor to make some noise in the 1600 and 3200,” said Morgan. “Along with Lillian DePew. In the sprints I’ll be looking for Anneliese Getola and Grace Sherman to be competitive role models and leaders.”


Sherman and Getola were in the 100 and 200 finals as freshmen at the NTL Championships two years ago, while Taylor finished in the top eight in the 1600, the highest freshmen in the race. DePew will be a newcomer in 2021.


On the boys’ side they also appear to be strongest on the track.


“Senior Owen Williams will lead our distance squad, with newcomers Jacob Hinman and Brady Spalding pushing him down the track,” said Morgan. “Keep your eyes on Colin Loveland, as he can enter and score in almost any event.”


As a sophomore Williams was fifth in the 3200 at the NTL Championships, and ninth in the mile, the highest placing sophomore that year.


Going forward, though, this year is all about celebrating having a track a season, even if it’s a little different with the two week dual meets. Morgan’s advice to his kids, though, won’t be about placing or times or distances.


“Always give your best efforts,” he said.



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