Members of Triad’s boys track and field team are from left, front row, Cohen Millice, Brody Hess, Hayden Williams, Wyatt Robinson, Jacob Haser and Henry Beaverson; second row, Zayden Williams, Gaven Heitman, Awsom Mitchell, Noah Campbell, Logan Harper, Cayden Everhart and Devon Minor; back row, coach Mackenzie Swary, coach Michael Yoder, Connor Eaton, Landon Hall, Noah Meadows and coach Nikki Smiles.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
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With an increase in overall participants, Triad’s track and field program expects to be competitive this season.
The Cardinals will have three head coaches this year – each giving their time to specific disciplines – in the form of Michael Yoder, Mackenzie Swary and Niki Smiles.
The increase in numbers on the boys side will lead to them having enough for a 4×8 relay team this season, according to Yoder.
“It’s nice to have the numbers for that,” Swary said about the relay teams.
Smiles joins the program with the primary focus on guiding the distance runners. She also serves as a coach for the school’s cross-country program.
“That will translate as much as you expect it to,” Yoder said.
Swary will assist in the field events this season. In the past, she guided the throwers during the winter and spring seasons.
On the girls team, the increase in numbers, along with a talented cast, will help the Cardinals compete with some of the larger programs.
“No doubt, this is one of the best girls track team Triad has had in a while,” Yoder commented.
Along with the overall increase in both squads, Yoder expects the program to place higher in the Ohio Heritage Conference championship meet.
“I think with the success we have had these last couple of years, even if it’s been small but growing, I think that’s encouraged a lot of kids to come out and try it as well,” Swary said.
The program’s growth has members of the team excited for what is to come this year. Cayla Eaton, a member of the girls track team, is ready to hit the ground running.
“I am very excited,” she said about the boys and girls teams’ potential this season. “We have a very good chance of coming in for a conference win. We are just trying to go out and beat West Liberty this year.”
Eaton shared the boys team has a good combination of short and long distance runners, along with new faces in the throwing events for both squads.
“I am super excited to see that,” she said.
Eaton represented Triad during the 2023 OHSAA state championships. As the only competitor from the program, her main goals have been to not only return, but to place higher on the podium.
Eaton, a senior, competed in the indoor season this past winter. Looking back, she believes she is well-equipped to return to the state meet.
“I think it will be a good season — I am super excited for state,” she said.
Eaton will be competing in the 300-meter hurdles, long jump and high jump this season.
On an individual level, Eaton’s desire to showcase her final season comes with a fire.
“This year, I am focusing a lot on just hurdles and getting reps to be the best that I can be,” she said. “I don’t want fifth or sixth (in the state)… I want more.”