Boys Track Preview 2024: Dillon Morlock headlines group of returning All-Ohioans

On the heels of one of the most impressive seasons for a thrower in area history, Norwayne's Dillon Morlock is back for more.

The defending Division II state champ in both the shot put and discus is far from alone, however, as a pair of other All-Ohio throwers — along with a host of other all-state athletes across a variety of events — return to their respective teams for what has all the makings of another strong local boys track and field campaign.

Morlock will look to add another title in the discus and a third straight championship in the shot, after taking the D-III win as a sophomore, in his final prep season. His Norwayne teammate, Brandt Morlock, and Orrville's Talon Beichler also will look to build upon podium finishes in the shot put a year ago.

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Rittman sophomore Luke Snyder was a two-event All-Ohioan in D-III last season, placing third in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs, and is among several other athletes that finished the season with medals at the OHSAA State Championships.

Jeremy Reber shattered the Waynedale school record in the 110 hurdles a year ago en route to his first career all-state honor, while three legs of Dalton's state-placing 4x100 relay team — Sammy Tomlinson, Colin Pearson and Kanoa Hevia — return for another season.

Combine that with field-event athletes in West Holmes' Kyle Maltarich — an All-Ohio high jumper— and pole vaulters Alex Rodriguez (Chippewa), Jon Graham (Norwayne) and Braden Carr (Loudonville), who all made state appearances last year, and the area is loaded once again.

Here's a glance at each of the area teams:

Chippewa

Coach: Aidan Douglas (1st season)

Last season: 5th in WCAL, 6th Orrville D-II District, 31st Youngstown D-II Regional

Returning athletes: Braydan Braswell (sr., sprints), Alex Rodriguez (jr., pole vault), Hunter Senn (jr., mid-distance), Charley Stewart (jr., distance)

Newcomers: Parker Dykes (so.), Ian Goodrich (fr., pole vault), Gavin Sehorn (fr., sprints), Lucas Mellinger (fr. distance)

Outlook: Rodriguez was a state qualifier in the pole vault last season, placing 15th, and is one of a handful of veterans back for the Chipps. Despite losing some talented sprinters to graduation, Braswell also has postseason experience to lead a young group, with Senn and Stewart among the top distance runners.

Dalton

Coach: Seth Sullivan

Last season: 3rd in WCAL, 1st Norwayne D-III District, 10th Norwayne D-III Regional, T-70th D-III state

Returning athletes: Gavin Annen (sr., sprints), Cy Conrad (sr., throws), Jace Eberly (sr., sprints), Caden Gazboda (sr., sprints), Kanoa Hevia (sr., sprints), Jarrett Hofstetter (sr., sprints), Collin Jones (sr., throws), Colin Pearson (sr., sprints), Brandon Steiner (sr., mid-distance/distance), Carson Steiner (sr., pole vault/distance), Jack Tressell (Sr., sprints), Matt VonBonin (sr., throws), Alex Cross (jr., distance), Jacob Fink (jr., distance), Roman Flood (jr., distance), Caleb Hofstetter (jr., distance), Ely Hutson (jr., hurdles/distance), Ian Jarrett (jr., sprints), Noah Michael (jr., throws), Aaron Miller (jr., pole vault/sprints), Anthonie Orr (jr., sprints), Sammy Tomlinson (jr., sprints), Tristan TUrner (jr., distance/hurdles), Judah Hershberger (so., distance), Corbin Lehman (so., throws), Grady Nussbaum (so., throws/jumps), Dallas VonBonin (so., distance), Benjamin Witmer (so., distance)

Newcomers: Greyson Siders (sr., sprints), Trenton Hurtt (jr., mid-distance/jumps), Justin Ramella (jr., pole vault/jumps), Jordan Hendricks (so., sprints), Jaxon Ryder (so., sprints), Lane Barnhouse (fr., jumps), Ryan Carr (fr., throws), Hayden Cecel (fr., sprints), DeAngelo Dalessandro (fr., jumps/sprints), Andy Galdamez (fr., throws), Kyvan Goodrich (fr., throws), Cody Hofstetter (fr., distance), Dakota Knetzer (fr., sprints), Kyle Lehman (fr., throws), Zeke Martinez (fr., jumps/distance), Luke McNair (fr., distance), Jake Miller (fr., throws), Liam Nussbaum (fr., throws), Jackson Oswald (fr., distance), Max Paul (fr., throws), Jason Soehnlen (fr., throws), Gage Stitt (fr., sprints)

Outlook: One of the feel-good stories of the 2023 season was the All-Ohio finish of the Bulldogs' 4x1 team and with three legs back in Hevia, Pearson and Tomlinson, the upcoming year could have similar results. Guys like Brandon Steiner and newcomer Siders — an all-state running back — could add even more depth to an already-loaded group of sprinters, while Tomlinson and Hevia were among area leaders in the 100 and 200, respectively. Field-event standouts in Eberly (long jump), Jones (shot) and Carson Steiner (pole vault) also are back for Dalton.

Hiland

Coach: Olivia Blosser (1st season)

Last season: 10th in IVC, 15th Newcomerstown D-III District

Returning athletes: Adam Miller (sr., sprints/mid-distance), Nathan Young (jr., sprints/distance), Logan Miller (jr., throws)

Newcomers: Cameron Yoder (fr.), Jordan Scott (fr.), William Moan (fr.)

Outlook: With just a handful of veterans back, the Hawks will be in rebuilding mode this spring. Both Adam Miller and Young will run in a host of events on the track — Miller competing in everything from the 200 to the 800, with Young's skillset ranging from the 400 to the longer distance events. Logan Miller is also back, leading a youthful group of throwers.

Hillsdale

Coach: Mike Mack (12th season)

Last season: 8th in WCAL, 15th Norwayne D-III District

Returning athletes: Gabe Stack (sr., jumps), Braden Burgett (sr., hurdles), Seth Crytzer (sr., distance), Ethan Deter (sr., throws), David Ritchie (sr., throws), Jared Brown (sr., throws), Ian Atkinson (sr., throws), Grayson Allis (jr., throws), Ethan Miller (jr., pole vault/sprints), Owen Atkinson (so., mid-distance), Braxton Burgett (so., sprints/jumps), Jake Haven (so, jumps/sprints), Landon Thomas (so., hurdles)

Newcomers: Jacob Bryant (sr., jumps/sprints), Holland Young (jr., jumps/sprints), Carter Erandio (so., throws), Michael Fuller (so., throws/sprints), Garrett Furr (so., throws), Cade Hawley (so., throws), Hayden McFadden (so., jumps/sprints), Parker Moneer (so., throws), Connor Nethero (so., throws), Owen Sloan (so., sprints), Maddox Cox (fr., hurdles), Christian Fuller (fr., jumps/sprints), Jacob Gardner (fr., distance), Jason McClure (fr., pole vault/distance)

Outlook: The jumps and sprints should be the anchor for the Falcons this spring. Stack was a regional qualifier in the long jump, while Crytzer was a top-10 placer in the 400 last season at the WCAL championships. Thomas also is coming off a strong rookie season in the hurdles and will look to help Hillsdale move up the league standings.

Loudonville

Coach: Vanessa Byers (1st season)

Last season: 3rd in MBC, T-13th Norwayne D-III District, 31st Norwayne D-III Regional

Returning athletes: Zeke Hershberger (sr., throws), Sam Sly (sr., hurdles/sprints), Austin Cawrse (jr., throws), Franky Sanchez (jr., distance), Braden Carr (so., pole vault/sprints), Zeb Brecheisen (so., throws/sprints), Trevor Dawson (so., throws/sprints), Logan Finley (long jump/sprints), JJ Gulliams (so., long jump/sprints), Dylan Hammitt (so., pole vault/distance), Josiah Hershberger (so., long jump/sprints), Steven Ringler (so., distance), Lettie Wenell (so., distance)

Newcomers: Xavier Gage (jr., throws), Caleb Hammitt (jr., sprints), Christian Gutierrez (so., sprints), Jakub Poole (fr., throws), Elliott Strouse (fr., throws/sprints), Brayson Youngen (fr., throws), Connor Seffens (fr., sprints), Caleb Koch (fr., throws)

Outlook: Carr, a state qualifier in the pole vault, headlines a roster loaded with underclassman who picked up valuable experience a year ago. Along with a wealth of sophomores in the lineup, seniors in Hershberger and Sly will help to hold things down across all events.

Northwestern

Coach: Brandon Brodwolf (2nd season)

Last season: 7th in WCAL, 8th Norwayne D-III District, T-25th Norwayne D-III Regional

Returning athletes: John Widdows (sr., sprints/jumps), Tristan Miller (sr., hurdles), Josiah Moats (jr., jumps), Cole Loy (jr., pole vault), Mason Gray (so., sprints/jumps), Payton White (so., distance/throws), Timmy Hatfield (so., throws), Eithan Lilly (so., sprints/jumps), Deacan Dupre (so., hurdles), Daniel Sponsellor (so., hurdles)

Newcomer: Jack Morris (fr., sprints)

Outlook: Widdows is one of the top returners for the Huskies after running on a regional-qualifying 4x1 relay last spring. The veteran also competes in the high jump, looking to fill in the void left by the graduation of state qualifier Jacob Wakefield. He also will look to lead a young group of sprinters after Northwestern had the second-fastest 4x2 and third-best 4x1 in 2023. White was team's top distance runner a year ago.

Norwayne

Coach: Jacob Morgan (3rd season)

Last season: 1st in WCAL, 4th Orrville D-II District, 5th Youngstown D-II Regional, 5th D-II state

Returning athletes: Jack Maibach (sr., hurdles/jumps), Dillon Morlock (sr., throws), Brody Balyer (sr., throws), Brandt Morlock (jr., throws), Tripp Wingate (jr., distance), Kyle Olszewski (jr., mid-distance), Trenton Woodall (jr., distance), Colton Roda (jr., distance), Jon Graham (jr., sprints/pole vault), Brayden Hostetler (jr., sprints), Parker Metsker (jr., sprints), Connor Preattle (jr., jumps/hurdles), Cooper Ringle (jr., sprints), Cameron Starkey (so., sprints), Ethan Hewitt (so., sprints), Nick McFadden (so., jumps)

Newcomers: Bryant Frary (so., pole vault), Romagn Wingate (fr., distance)

Outlook: With the 1-2 throwing punch of Dillon and Brandt Morlock, along with a fellow state qualifier in Graham and a talented high jumper in Maibach, the Bobcats have one of the strongest field-event teams in the region. That strength, along with Maibach in the hurdles, should help Norwayne keep its stranglehold on the WCAL championship. Graham also was among county leaders in the open 400 and 110 hurdles, while Tripp Wingate leads a group a talented distance runners.

Orrville

Coach: Tyrone Mosley (18th season)

Last season: 2nd in PAC, 1st Orrville D-II District, T-3rd Youngstown D-II Regional, T-20th D-II state

Returning athletes: Landon Dalessandro (sr., hurdles), Travis Lang (sr., sprints), Matthew Smotherman (sr., sprints), Trent Roe (jr., sprints/jumps), Jax Haley (jr., sprints), Daniel Comito (jr., sprints/mid-distance), Talon Beichler (jr., throws), Shane Troyer (jr., throws), Paul Hostetler (jr., sprints), Owen Lacy (so., distance), Caden Race (so., pole vault/sprints), Bronson Rogers (so., hurdles), Collin Miller (so., mid-distance), Joel Harris (so., distance)

Newcomers: Alex Schroer (jr., jumps), Michael Deihl (jr., sprints), Tyler Stoffer (jr., sprints/jumps), Colin Beichler (fr., jumps), Malakhi Gray (fr., throws), Tate Howell (fr., throws)

Outlook: A host of depth will be key in keeping the Red Riders in contention for the PAC title this spring. After an All-Ohio season, and an eighth-place finish at the state indoor meet last month, Talon Beichler headlines the veteran punch for Orrville. Sprinters in Comito, Haley, Race, and Smotherman all return after running on regional-qualifying relay teams. Race is expected to be among the top pole vaulters in the area, while Lacy was a two-event regional participant in the 800 and 1,600.

Rittman

Coach: Matt Snyder (16th season)

Last season: 4th in WCAL, 6th Norwayne D-III District, 4th Norwayne D-III Regional, T-7th D-III state

Returning athletes: Hugo Hawkins (sr., throws/sprints), Evan Rastorfer (sr., sprints/jumps), Artie Sonego (jr., sprints), Garrick Marks (jr., distance), Luke Snyder (so., distance), Bryen Valerio (so., distance)

Newcomers: Asher Wooten (sr., hurdles/throws), Xander Hatton (so., throws), Rocco Taylor (fr., sprints), Caleb Bolender (fr., distance), Gavin Bolender (fr., sprints), Collin Dirling (fr., sprints), Logan Chaplin (fr., distance/jumps), Davey Hutchison (fr., sprints/pole vault), David McDonald (fr., sprints), Gabe Shreve (fr., throws)

Outlook: Snyder is coming in after a red-hot indoor season that included third-place finishes at the Adidas Indoor Nationals in the mile and two-mile championships, along with breaking school marks in the 1,600 and 3,200. The distance harrier, who was fifth on the outdoor track last spring in the 1,600, is one of several leaders Rittman. Rastorfer, an All-Ohioan in 2022, is back after an injury-plagued season a year ago, while Valerio is expected to add depth behind Snyder in the distance events.

Smithville

Coach: Kirstie Mahas (11th season)

Last season: 6th in WCAL, 7th Orrville D-II District, T-37th Youngstown D-II Regional, 69th D-II state

Returning athletes: Elijah Amstutz (sr., distance), Cameron Carr (sr., distance), Jake Hershey (sr., hurdles/jumps), Lane Kindy (sr., sprints/jumps), Joey Clabaugh (jr., distance), Trei Durstine (jr., sprints/jumps), Garrett Geiser (jr., sprints/hurdles), Garret Harmon (jr., sprints/jumps), Jacob Lanneaux (jr., sprints/jumps), Gavin Martin (jr., sprints/hurdles), Sam Navratil (jr., distance), Ethan Numer (jr., distance), Tyler Sustar (jr., throws)

Newcomers: Alex Vasquez (sr., sprints), Brendon Bowman (jr., sprints), Coen Beery (fr., sprints/hurdles), Brennan Piatt (fr., sprints/hurdles)

Outlook: A handful of athletes with regional experience return for the Smithies this spring. And it all starts in the distance events as Carr, Clabaugh, Numer and Vasquez all were on a 4x8 team that went deep into the postseason. Combine that with talented athletes in Durstine and Hershey coming off of standout years in the pole vault and high jump, Smithville has a loaded roster back.

Triway

Coach: Mark Shutler (27th season)

Last season: 6th in PAC, 14th Orrville D-II District

Returning athletes: Sam Bilinovich (sr., sprints), Tyler Sigler (sr., sprints), Luke Beckler (sr., sprints), Cylus Fleming (sr., throws), Zach George (jr., distance), Dyrke Smith (jr., throws), Olley Krupp (so., sprints)

Newcomers: Gavin Rowe (so., sprints), Kaden Hilty (fr., distance), Brady Speicher (fr., distance), Daniel Holmes (fr., sprints/jumps), Gavin Duncan (fr., hurdles)

Outlook: After a league runner-up finish in the discus, Fleming will lead a group of veteran throwers this season for the Titans. Also in the field, Sigler returns after a fourth-place conference finish in the high jump. Krupp also brings back experience in the sprints, recording the sixth-fastest time in the 100 last spring, in a group of speedsters that's loaded with freshman talent.

Tuslaw

Coach: Tom Barnes (4th season)

Last season: 7th in PAC, 11th Norwayne D-III District, T-22nd Norwayne D-III Regional

Returning athletes: Logan Eberhardt (sr., sprints), Manny Strong (jr., sprints), Steven Swartz (jr., distance), Billy Jones (jr., jumps/sprints), Kaden Lawson (so., pole vault), Raymond Butzer (so., pole vault), Nate Eberhardt (so., jumps/sprints), Brock Weygandt (so., hurdles), AJ Wittzke (so., sprints)

Newcomers: Joe Krader (fr., throws), Kaden Boak (fr., mid-distance), Daniel Peterson (fr., sprints/jumps), Cash Iams (fr., distance), Aiden Witzke (fr., sprints)

Outlook: The Mustangs took a hit, due to a graduation, but return a mix of veterans and guys that picked up valuable experience last spring. Strong was among the top sprinters in the area last season in both the 200 and 400 and is one of just a handful of underclassmen on the roster. That strong sophomore class will look to pick up some of the scoring lost from guys like Hunter Makowski, Jack Swartz and Jared Wenzel.

Waynedale

Coach: Shauna Pittman (2nd season)

Last season: 2nd in WCAL, 3rd Norwayne D-III District, 8th Norwayne D-III Regional, T-35th D-III state

Returning athletes: Jeremy Reber (sr., hurdles/jumps/sprints), Conner Reich (sr., mid-distance/sprints), Marquel Troyer (sr., sprints/pole vault), Nick St. John (jr., mid-distance/sprints), Dylan Adams (jr., jumps/sprints), Rollin Hendrix (jr., sprints), Ethan Garrod (jr., sprints), Cade Herman (jr., throws), Sam Harrold (jr., throws), Ian Sarver (jr., throws), Jackson Varner (so., distance), Jaydon Varner (so., distance), Wyatt Moore (so., distance), Luke Lorentz (so., hurdles/mid-distance/sprints)

Newcomers: Malik McCartney (so., sprints), Jaden Hostettler (so., sprints), Isaiah Miller (so., sprints), Gatlin Herman (fr., throws), Malachi Steiner (fr., sprints/hurdles), Case Milner (fr., sprints), Bronson Wickens (fr., sprints/mid-distance), Brock Keller (fr., sprints), Matthew Roth (fr., sprints), Parker Reich (fr., mid-distance)

Outlook: On the heels of an All-Ohio season in the 110 hurdles, breaking a school record in the process, Reber headlines a loaded Golden Bears team. Reber is one a handful of returnees that made state trips last season as Sarver advanced in the shot and Jackson Varner competed in the 3,200. Varner also helped a 4x8 team to a regional appearance with Moore, Reich, and St. John. Miller and Jaydon Varner are also back in a strong group of distance runners.

West Holmes

Coach: Matt Torgler (3rd season)

Last season: 7th in OCC, 2nd West Holmes D-II District, T-24th New Concord D-II Regional, T-49th D-II state

Returning athletes: Quinn Cornwell (sr., hurdles), Grant Miller (sr., throws), Braydyn Lemon (sr., sprints/distance), Kyle Maltarich (sr., jumps), Jacob Miller (sr., distance), Jack Marmet (sr., throws), Tristin Middaugh (sr., pole vault), Reid Chaney (jr., mid-distance), Hunter Uptain (jr., distance), Braylen McKinney (jr., throws)

Newcomers: Chance Jackson (so., sprints), Max Coakley (so., throws), Wes Yoder (so., throws), Cheston Cooper (fr., throws), Maddax Graham (fr., sprints/throws), Carson Horn (fr., throws), Braxton Blake (fr., sprints/jumps)

Outlook: Maltarich ended the 2023 season in style with his first career All-Ohio medal in the high jump, placing fourth overall in D-II. The Yale football recruit also was a regional qualifier in the 110 hurdles and 4x4 with fellow returnee Chaney. Several other Knights are looking to join the senior at the state meet as a loaded group of throwers in Grant Miller, Marmet and McKinney are poised for strong seasons, along with distance runners Chaney and Jacob Miller. Middaugh also was a regional qualifier in the pole vault.

Wooster

Coach: Doug Bennett (26th season)

Last season: 4th in OCC, 12th North Canton D-I District, 31st Youngstown D-I Regional

Returning athletes: Tyler Davis (sr., sprints/jumps), Julian Franklin (sr., sprints), Landen Hamilton-Topovski (sr., sprints/jumps), Jayden Ortiz (sr., sprints/jumps), Anthony Sines (sr., sprints), Jackson Stansifer (sr., mid-distance/distance), Keygan Johnson (sr., throws), Will Older (jr., hurdles/sprints), Tristin Walker (jr., sprints), Owen Buchholz (jr., distance), Oliver Miller (jr., distance), Talen Keys (so., distance)

Newcomers: Cole Kuzma (jr., distance), Elias Smith (so., hurdles), David Taylor (so., pole vault), King Blair (so., throws), Ronan White (so., throws), Nico Ollier (so., distance), Luke McSheehy (so., throws), Dane Kuzma (fr., pole vault)

Outlook: One of the top mid-distance runners, along with running on an area-best 4x8 relay team, Buchholz is one a handful of veterans back for the Generals. And while that distance unit lost some key members from a year ago, guys like Buchholz, Stansifer and Miller will look to fill the void. A talented group of sprinters is also back as Hamilton-Topovski and Ortiz were top-10 finishers in the OCC for the 100 and Sines — who had shoulder surgery in the offseason — was among league leaders in the 200. Those speedsters, along with Walker, are expected to lead the way once again.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Boys Track: Team-by-team previews of the Wayne/Holmes area