New 'Cats coach to
run tighter ship that could dock in harbor of success
BY ED WRIGHT
April 8, 2010, 9:30 p.m.
The implementation of new,
more-stringent rules has resulted in fewer athletes on Plymouth's boys
track & field team this spring, but first-year coach Jon Mikosz is
confident that those who stay will be champions.
"We've already had three guys quit who could have been state
qualifiers because we're not putting up with things that have happened
in the past," said Mikosz, who helped turn the Wildcats' boys cross
country team into one of the most formidable programs in the area.
"We may suffer a little bit now, but by getting some rules in
place now and letting everyone know how it's going to be, the program
will benefit in the long run.
"I think this year's team has the potential to be pretty good.
In the past we've been a little weak in the sprints, but this year we
should be very, very good."
Mikosz has assembled the following group of formidable event
coaches who will provide a lot of one-on-one assistance in the
specialty areas: Kevin Palmer (pole vault), Ricky Styes (throwing
events), Jeff Reynolds (sprints), Gary Stanford (hurdles and long jump)
and Brad Fairchild (high jump).
"Having high-quality, knowledgeable event coaches will help out
immensely," Mikosz asserted.
The Wildcats' biggest strength may be its long-distance crew,
which will be paced by cross-country standouts Warren Buzzard, Matt
Neumann, Joe Porcari and Justin Heck.
"Warren is the strong, silent type," said Mikosz. "He qualified
for states last year in the 800, 1,600 and four-by-800, and he looks
stronger this year. He can run four events in every duel meet and win
them all.
"Matt is the heart of the distance team. All the guys respect
him and he has proven that hard work pays off. He has come a long way
in four years and I think he is going to end it on a very high note.
"Joe is coming off an All-State cross country season and is in
the best shape I have ever seen him in.
"Justin is only an 800 guy and he knows it. He will be a big
part of our four-by-800, making it to the state meet for the fourth
year in a row."
The Wildcats' field-events unit is loaded with outstanding
athletes, including the versatile Kyle Brindza, high-jumper Pawan
Dhaliwal, pole vaulter/hurdler Grant Senkbeil and long-jumper/sprinter
Alex Ruffin.
"Kyle is an outstanding athlete," Mikosz emphasized. "He will
try any event you ask him to, and some you don't. He is the type of guy
you need on your team because he is will to do what it takes to win. He
is an elite shot-putter who has already thrown over the automatic
qualifying mark for states in our first meet.
"Pawan has been a solid high-jumper for the past three years and
he is looking to step it up in his last year. he has the potential to
be one of the top jumpers in the area.
"Grant has been a constant point-getter for us over the last few
years. He should be able to get the automatic qualifying height to make
the state meet this year.
"Alex is determined to be one of the top sprinters and long
jumpers in the area. He has a lot of determination and so far it has
paid off."
The Wildcats' strong stable of sprinters and hurdlers is paced
by Brandon Piligian (hurdles), Anthony LeMerise (sprints) and Victor
Hicks III (sprints).
"Brandon ran a lot over the indoor season and it really shows,"
said Mikosz. "He is going to be one of the best hurdlers who ever come
out of Plymouth.
"Anthony has a lot of potential. He is new to the team this year
and I think he will be a big contributor.
"Victor is a solid 400 guy who can also run the 200 and 800. He
has the potential to be one of the top 400 guys in the area."
The Wildcats open their duel-meet schedule Tuesday against
cross-campus rival Canton.
"That will be a good opening meet for us," said Mikosz. "Both
teams match up pretty good. It should be a close meet."
Ed Wright
can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.
