Rocks ready to improve on outstanding 2009 campaign

BY ED WRIGHT
March 29, 2010, 12:35 p.m.

  Don't look for a drop-off from this year's Salem boys track-and-field team, which emerged as one of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association's most-potent teams in 2009.

  The Rocks' aspirations are as big as their first-class throwers -- and for good reason. They boast a line-up that is deep, strong, fast and hungry, according to fourth-year head coach Kyle Meteyer.

  "During the preseason, I bought all the seniors a Jimmy John's lunch and we sat around my classroom discussing the upcoming season," said Meteyer. "Their confidence was running high and you could see that they were excited to get out there and run.

  "The first week of track had some of the nicest weather I can remember in March, so we'll see if we're prepared once our dual meets start.

  "We had a really successful campaign last year, as we finally were able to field the well-rounded team that we've been working to develop the past two years. Fortunately, most of our top-scoring athletes are back this year as seniors, so we're looking forward to being all that we can be again this season."

  The Rocks' talented field-event competitors ignited most of the team's success last season by racking up early points. That should be the case again this year as the core of the crew is back.

  "Our field events were our strongest area last year, and we will be strong again there this year," said Meteyer. "Seniors Ed Merhi and Dana Baltazar, along with junior Ethan Walsh, will provide strength in the throws. Merhi and Baltazar went back and forth last year as team leaders in the shot put, with each posting personal bests well over 50 feet last year."

  Baltazar is also an excellent discus thrower who has been working with new coach Anna Britnell to improve his technique, Meteyer said.

  The Rocks are also deep in the pole vault with John Krutty (reigning division champion), Derek Draplin and Phil Hernandez providing a trio of dangerous high-flyers.

  High-jumper Kyle Middleditch carries high expectations into the season as does Zack Gaskell, who was fifth in the state in the event last spring.

  "Zack has worked extremely hard in the off-season on the 400 and 800 as well," Meteyer said.

  Meteyer is also stocked with a stable of explosive sprinters, most notably Austin Root, Draplin and Marcus Houston, a freshman speedster who is displaying a ton of potential.

  Junior Kenny Middlebrooks is also an accomplished sprinter, and Seniors Brian Maksimovic and Guy Bellemore will provide depth in the 400 and 200, respectively.

  "Sophomore Ethan Essien really turned it up at the end of his freshman year, and will do well in the 200 and 400.

  "Senior hurdler Scott O'Connor has been our best hurdler for three years, and should do well in both hurdling events., especially the 300, as he is focusing more on endurance training this season."

  Dominique Williams, who injured a knee in football last fall, is a force in three events and is expected to be at 100 percent by mid-season.

  Leading the distance events for Salem will be Dan Martin (800 and 1,600), freshman Steven McEvilly, who is coming off a stellar cross-country season, Zach Basanese, Andrew Rabe and James Middleditch.