Track and Field Coach Kenneth Waldron and his Patriots are now preparing to improve upon last seasons outdoor performance. Indy men’s team finished third, and the Lady Patriots fifth in the SW4A Conference in 2016.  The coaching staff is training their athletes to push themselves to improve upon last year’s results. We believe we have the experience, talent, and some newcomers who will be making a difference and positively impact our final standing in the conference, said Coach Waldron.
Key returning athletes include Xavier Lenear, the talented three sport discus and shot-put competitor. Xavier is committed to play college football at North Carolina Central in autumn, has recently won the Wrestling State Championship in the light heavy weight division, and will compete in the field events for the Patriots. Other key seniors include Robert Gibson, Cameron Smith, and Glodi Elofa; all are 800 meter runners who will be running at the next level.  Plus Trey Shuford, is an Air Force Academy hopeful in the 400 and 200 meters, and Xavier Ramsey in the 100 yard dash, 200 and 400 meters, including in the long-jump competition.
Meanwhile, the Lady Patriots sophomore Veronica Vevevencaqk will be competing in the 100 yard dash, 200 meters, and long-jump. She is expected to be very competitive in these events. Also, a great story about freshman Caroline Backus, who finished second in the 55 meter wheelchair race for the Patriots; Caroline was highlighted by the Mint Hill Times over the winter.
The newcomers include freshman Samantha Brennan, who is a solid one and two mile runner, Xavier Ramsey who will compete in multiple events, and senior Tyrek Smith, another football standout player for the Patriots in field events.
“The expectations are high if these athletes and teammates can perform at their potential,” said Coach Waldron. The 4 x 200 meter, and 4 X 400 meter relay teams should be very strong. These runners qualified for the states in indoor track, and are expected to compete in the regionals as well. The 4 X 800 meter team also has potential to compete at a high level in the regionals and states. Runners Devine Drummond, a junior, is expected to be extremely competitive in the hurdles, while junior Thomas Bruefach a distance runner will be solid in the 1 and 2 mile events.
“This team’s strength is the fact we are more well rounded than previous clubs. We expect to compete in both track events and field events this season; however, we still need to improve in the field events of high jump, long jump, triple jump, and get stronger in the discus and shot-put to deliver better overall results,” said Coach Waldron.
