Boy's Track Preview

Coach: Matt Stegmaier, 8th year

Last year: 4th in Northwestern District meet.

Key losses: Joey Bynog, Aaron Clark, Anthony Ingle, John Simms, Cody Wright, Joe Davet.

Top returning athletes: Owen Bales, Jr., hurdles/jumps; Mark Bohler, Jr., distance; Sawyer Michelitch, Jr., jumps/sprints; Logan Shiffler, Jr., throws; Matt Vitagliano, Jr., jumps.

Newcomers: Danny Aldstadt, Sr., distance; Landon Rutherford, Jr., throws.

Outlook: Out of all the area teams, James Wood might have suffered the most losses in terms of elite performers, but Stegmaier believes he definitely has some up-and-coming talent.

And he also knows he has people that are dedicated to the team — James Wood made cuts this year to promote a competitive environment.

“Nothing for them is going to come easy,” Stegmaier said. “We want them to be in shape and ready to go. I think we’ve got a strong group of juniors that are going to keep us competitive.”

Among the returnees, Bales figures to provide the most consistent performance. He was second in the district in the 110 hurdles last year, and he opened this season by placing fourth in the 20-team Brian Watkins I-95 Invitational Saturday at Brooke Point High School.

And for the newcomers, Aldstadt should be a strong addition. A two-time state qualifier in cross country, Aldstadt is running track for the first time after previously playing soccer in the spring.