Local Sports Journal

Kent City boys coach Jeff Wilson has a nucleus of all-staters to build upon for this coming track season.

Returning to lead the Eagles, who finished 5-1 in the OK Silver last season, are long jumper Chad Brown and pole vaulter Justin Taylor. There’s also the 400 relay team of Taylor, Shane Rodenburg, Ben Cebelak and Chad Brown that returns.

Junior Will Wilson, a two-time all-stater in cross country, is another solid performer in the 1600 and 3200. Other key returnees include Zach Westphal, who returns after an injury last season, Konner Wolter, Ben Wildeboer and Zach Widener.

“We hope to improve upon our 5-1 record and develop the underclassmen on our team,” Wilson said. “We have 35 athletes this year, which is a large team for a school our size. This will help us cover events very well. If we can avoid injuries, we are focusing on making improvements in all events.”

Two sophomores also have been solid in early-season workouts – Chase Stockhill in the hurdles and Jose Aguilar in the sprints.