Creston has had a nearly unprecedented run of success in athletics lately, and the Creston boys track and field team hopes to continue that run this season.
The Panthers open the season today at the Hawkeye 10 Conference Southern Division Meet in Clarinda.
“Each activity has really stood out in their accomplishments,” head coach Pat Schlapia said. “I feel we have a chance in boys track to have some things stand out, also. When it comes to our home meet (April 17), I think people better take advantage of coming out to see us compete, because we have some individuals on this team you don’t get to witness every day.”
Two of the main pillars for the Creston boys this year will be seniors Jay Wolfe and Bryce Briley, who have each competed at the Co-ed State Track Meet three years already.
Wolfe returns as the Class 3A state champion at 800 meters, and also finished runner-up in the event last year at the Drake Relays. Briley ran on the fifth-place 4x800 and 4x400 relays at the state meet with Wolfe last year.
“Those guys have been doing a great job of leading us this season, along with Alex Tamerius, who is one of our lead sprinters,” Schlapia said. “With our five boys that made it to state last year, 15th place with 19 points, it’s nice to have Jay and Bryce back to see what we can build upon from last year.”
Wolfe was part of three school records last spring, while Briley had his hand in a pair of school records.
“There’s still no limit to what he can do yet,” Schlapia said about Wolfe. “He’s really made a name for himself. Not only is he one of the top 800 runners in 3A, but one of the top 800 runners in the state of Iowa.
“Bryce has been our leadoff all four years for that 4x8 and 4x4. This year he’s going to get a chance to run the open 800, give him his shot at that. It’s going to be interesting to see what those two boys have in front of them.”
The third returning athlete with state meet experience is junior Cooper McDermott, who ran on the fifth-place 4x800 relay and also qualified in the 1,600 meters.
McDermott suffered a fractured ankle during basketball season, but has put in a lot of work in the pool to keep his fitness level up. Schlapia said it’s possible to have him back in the lineup at the end of April or beginning of May.
“He’s out of the boot now and been able to get in a lot of water workouts at the YMCA and doing some bike and elliptical,” Schlapia said. “Chris (Leonard) has been working with him. We’ve had some input from coach (Brad) Elliott at Mount Ayr and Noah Larsen, who went through a stress fracture last school year. It’s been nice to have some help from those guys.”
Sprint leader
What the Panther roster may lack in state track experience, it makes up for in state experience from football and wrestling.
Tamerius, who has been leading the sprinters this spring, brings state experience from football.
“As a senior, it’s nice to have Alex out, because he’s a calming influence with our sprint crew,” Schlapia said. “I think it’s awesome, with what he’s been through, that he’s still out with us in track. As a coach, that really means a lot to us. He’s one we want to cap his senior year off in a fine way.”
Junior Seth Maitlen brings state experience from football and wrestling. Maitlen has filled a role as a sprinter, long jumper and discus thrower in the past, but will primarily focus on being a sprinter for the Panthers this year.
Chris Foster also brings experience as a sprinter to the Panther lineup this spring and will also high jump.
“With Alex, Seth and Chris Foster, those three have been a mainstay of that 4x100 and 4x200,” Schlapia said.
Schlapia said freshman Joe Eblen has shown promise as a sprinter during preseason practices and could mix into the sprint relays, as well.
Distance group
In addition to Wolfe, Briley and McDermott, junior Nick Walsh will likely fill a role in the middle distance relays.
“He’s coming off mononucleosis during the winter and he’s been getting stronger and stronger,” Schlapia said. “That’s shown each day during practice. Then we’ve got those young pups rounding it out. Cody Wagner and Cole Higgins, along with Dalten Bierle. Those guys are probably going to get a taste of the 800 to the 1,600, and also filling out a 400 leg.”
Freshmen Dylan Linch and Trey Gift, who both ran cross country in the fall, look to run the 3,200 meters for the Panthers this spring.
“Some of these younger ones, you want to work them in gradually, but why not give them their shot?” Schlapia said.
The throwers are led this year by sophomore Cody Tanner. Tanner will be joined by freshmen Trevor Downing, Tucker Flynn, Shaun Irelan, Cashton Weeks and Tyler Gist.
“We have an abundance of throwers, but it’s a young group,” Schlapia said. “Cody, as a sophomore, is the oldest one. And we’ve got some boys that are finding a spot. You’ve got Travis Purdy, Nathan Cox and Elijah Johnson. They’re finding a spot. They’re busting their tails off in practice, too. We want to give them a chance to compete.”
H-10 outlook
Schlapia, assisted again this year by Steve Birchard, said Hawkeye 10 Conference powers Glenwood and Harlan will likely be at the top of the standings again this year.
But that doesn’t mean his Panthers are going to back down.
“Glenwood can be so deep in all events. Same thing with Harlan,” Schlapia said. “But I tell you what, we’ve got our boys, what events we are going to have, we’re not going to back away from anybody. our boys have had success and that’s what I like about them. They’re not going to back away from anybody.”
Roster
(* — returning letterwinners)
Seniors — Bryce Briley*, Elijah Johnson, Alex Tamerius*, Jay Wolfe*.
Juniors — Chris Foster*, Seth Maitlen*, Cooper McDermott*, Travis Purdy*, Nick Walsh*.
Sophomores — Nathan Cox, Cody Tanner*.
Freshmen — Ben Bargstadt, Dalten Bierle, Trevor Downing, Joe Eblen, Tucker Flynn, Trey Gift, Tyler Gist, Cole Higgins, Shaun Irelan, Dylan Linch, Cody Wagner, Cashton Weeks.
Schedule
March 31 — Hawkeye 10 Conference Southern Division Meet (at Clarinda), 4:30 p.m.
April 3 — at Winterset, 4:30 p.m.
April 7 — at Glenwood, 5 p.m.
April 10 — at Clarinda, 4:30 p.m.
April 14 — at Chariton, 5 p.m.
April 17 — Panther Relays, 5 p.m.
April 21 — at Ballard, 5 p.m.
April 23-25 — at Drake Relays
April 28 — at Carlisle, 4:45 p.m.
May 1 — at Red Oak, 5 p.m.
May 7 — at Hawkeye 10 Conference Meet (at Glenwood), 4:30 p.m.
May 14 — at State Qualifying Meet (TBA), 4 p.m.
May 21-23 — at Co-ed State Track Meet