Look for balance to lead the charge as Solon’s boys take the track this spring. With a solid turnout, head coach Mark Sovers sees numbers and strength in the long sprint events and a strong junior class as plusses in the 2023 Spartan camp.
“The goal for this year is to have the most balanced lineup that we can, regardless of the event,” explained Sovers. “In the past, we’ve been really heavy on sprints. And they’ve really carried us. Then recently, field events have stepped up with our throws, so we have some really good depth there.”
Though not a lot of post-season scoring depth returns, the Head Spartan sees a strong nucleus. “Jeremy Bachus is obviously ‘the headliner.’ He placed fourth last year (at State) in the 400 meters. Our 4×400 relay qualified for State and we have three of those four runners back,” notes Sovers. “Our goal is to strengthen our relays. We have about 60 guys out, so some really good depth. As we get stronger in our relays, I think we can be competitive at a very high level.”
He sees good things coming from the legs running most of those laps. “Probably the most depth we’ve had on our distance crew in a long time. That really helps. The cross country kids coming through — Brick Kabela, Mike Yeomans, Grant and Collin Bumsted, have really been coming through. Wyatt Applegarth too, has taken another step this year.”
Looking ahead, the coach sees a breakout among the junior class. “We have 32 juniors. They’ve taken their lumps the last couple years. This year, I think, they’re ready to be the class that leads the way. We see (sprinter) Nash Kotar stepping up. Austin Knight and Rhett Mesch are looking forward to what they can do.”
In the field events, Sovers is enthused about having a couple throwers who should log points. “Ben Kampman and Adam Smith…two state qualifiers from last year.”
The outdoor season opens Tuesday, March 28 at Tipton City Park starting at 4:30 p.m.