Track preview

If you've driven by Widmyer Elementary School recently you might have noticed that the high jump and pole vault pits are back on the track. It signals not only the beginning of Spring, but also means that the Berkeley Springs High School Track and Field Teams are preparing for the upcoming season.

The weather has cooperated thus far and the teams are readying for what Berkeley Springs Head Coach Dave Mundey hopes is another successful season.

The girls are the defending Class AA State Champions and have a lot of pieces in place to make another run at a state title.

"We think we have a pretty good girls team," said Mundey. “We return a lot of girls that scored points in the 2011 state meet and have a couple of newcomers that could play important roles. We have good nucleus. If we stay healthy we should be okay."

The girls will be led by double gold medalist Harlie Stotler. The senior has won three consecutive state titles in the shot put and is also the defending champion in the discus. Other returning place winners include Casey Solomon (high jump), Toni Davison (PV and 4x200), Jordan Bennett (4x100) Melissa Colby (4x100, 4x200 and 4x400) and Amanda Case (4x100 and 4x200).

Berkeley Springs biggest loss was the graduation of Michelle Williams who medalled in four events at last year’s state meet, but Mundey is hoping that several newcomers including, Sarah Haynes, Sania Guzman, Danielle Haynes and MacKenzie Michael can take up the slack.

"We have some new girls that can help us," said Mundey. “We could be strong in field events and should be able to field some competitive relay teams."

The boys have only one returning place winner (Matt Arrowood, fourth PV), but do return several others that qualified for the state meet, including Dylan Reynolds, Andrew Truax, Trevor Jamison and Corey Shetler. Another noteable returning starter is TJ Patrick, who Mundey feels will have a good year in the discus. The Indians biggest loss to graduation was Jake Wise. Wise scored six of Berkeley Springs 10 points at the 2011 state meet, with fourth and fifth place finishes in the 1600 and 800 meter runs, respectively.

It is still too early for Mundey to have a clear picture about the boys team, but he is pleased with the effort he has seen to date.

"This is the hardest working group of boys that I have ever had, but to be honest with you we are rebuilding," Mundey said. “It will take us time to get the pieces in place, but as long as the attitudes remain positive, I think we will be just fine."

Mundey will be assisted by Dave Aberegg and John Rowland.

The Indians open the season on March 23 at Clear Spring, Md.

Girls roster
Seniors - Jordan Bennett, Toni Davison, Macy Houck, Dayla Mundey, Katie Robinson, Harlie Stotler and Paige Weimer.

Juniors - Casey Solomon and Sara Younker.

Sophomores - Amanda Case, Melissa Colb, Taylor Fleece, Brianna Florian and Sarah Haynes.

Freshmen - MacKenzie Michael, Charla McDaniel, Keri Shetler, Kinsey Reed, Sania Guzman, Natalie Reed, Brittany Fairbrother, Elizabeh Schuman and Danielle Haynes.

Boys roster
Seniors - TJ Patrick, Justin Glass, Patrick Peck, Tyler Ryan, Billy Smith, Derrick Swink and Andrew Truax.

Juniors - Collin Ayers, Matt Arrowood, Bradley Beam, Tyler Bradley, Trevor Jamison, Thad Osborne, Corey Shetler, Kirk Spielman and Austin Tyser.

Sophomores - Dylan Reynolds, Logan Robertson, Jordan Unger, David Robinson, Steven Wolfe, Zac Simmons and Austin Unger.

Freshmen - Alec Kidwell and Ricky Stanley.