Ross track and field teams focusing on development

FREMONT – The Fremont Ross boys track and field team isn't built to win right now.

After losing four key athletes in Jared Ballenger, Louis Guardiola, Mike Muffler and Tyler Edmonds to graduation, the Little Giants look to develop some younger talent.

"We won't win invitationals as of right now," Ross coach John Elder said. "We are going to work on developing depth and remaining injury-free. Our outlook for the season is to get key athletes to the point where they can advance to the state meet."

Some of those key athletes are returnees from a 2014 season that saw the Little Giants finish fourth in the Three Rivers Athletic Conference. Jeffrey Barnett, who placed fifth at regionals in the 300 hurdles, will also compete in the long jump, the 4x200 relay and sprints. Elijah Johnson, was league runner-up in the 110 hurdles and also placed fifth at regionals in the event. Jalen Oman—the league champion in pole vault—will also run the 4x200 relay.

Tyler Grine, Jalen Spencer, Tavarius Simms, Nate Domiray, Owen Starkweather and Tyler Schell also return for Ross.

"We are expecting better from last year," Elder said. "We want to develop (our returnees) to return to regionals and possibly state."

Elder says he's concerned with distance events and discus. Ballenger—now at the Ohio State University—was a state champion in the discus. Guardiola holds Ross' 1600 and 3200 records, and Edmonds was just behind him in those events. Muffler ran the 800, threw discus and ran sprint relays for the Little Giants.

"We lose about 80 feet in discus. We lose 30 seconds off the mile and more off the 3200. We lose a lot of versatility with Muffler graduating," Elder said.

For now, Elder will focus on depth and development.

"We think we have some athletes to excel and areas of strength. If we are patient, (the distance runners and throwers) could become competitive by the end of the year."

Ross' girls team shares the same sentiment: development. They too will use the regular season schedule to prepare for the year-end championship meets.

"Our team philosophy is development of our kids through the first part of the season and get a feeling of what our best lineup would be to really go after the (TRAC) title," Ross girls coach Travis Bates said, "then give everyone the absolutely best opportunity to advance past districts and regionals to the state meet."

Despite losing four key athletes to graduation, Ross' girls were picked to win their first TRAC championship this year. That, however, was before junior relay runner and 100 hurdler Elayna Ackerman decided not to compete. Regardless, Bates is confident in his team.

"We can scare some teams, but it all depends upon some unknown variables in younger kids and the development of Lexi Homes, who could be the link we need to take (the TRAC)," Bates said.

Holmes, Faye Sloma, Cassidy Lovell and Sarah Szymansowski will carry the team in the middle and long distance races and Jordan Robinson is expected to fill the void in the 300 hurdles. Leah Ballenger, Katie Mapus and Mattie Overmyer will lead Ross' throwers.

"Our throwers will be the strongest group I have had in the past six years," Bates said. "(They) have a better understanding of technique and continue to get stronger. I expect three to four times more points at TRAC championships from our throwers this year."

Bates said the team's strength lies in sprints, which will be led by Vanashia Elkins, Imani Elkins, Derae James and Aeriana Whitaker.

"Vanashia, if healthy, could make Northwest Ohio stand up and take notice if she keeps improving her starts and strength," Bates said.