VARSITY BOYS: TRACK & FIELD

FRONT ROW (L-R) Jesse Kim, Tyler McAndrews, Sam Haines, Colman Freno, Tai Huang, Ryan Purdom, Aaron Dunnigan, Connor Cruz

SECOND ROW (L-R) Peter DiSciullo, Ethan Khouri, Webb Kiser, Blake Thompson, Edward Guggenheimer, Connor Little, Ryan Marx, Neil Salvage, Thomas Lynch, Nathan Obeng, Nikhil Ashri

THIRD ROW (L-R) Aditya Banerjee, Anish Thota, Avery Simmons, Myles Gathers, George Lynch, Hampton House, Gavin Provencher, Dylan Long, William Austin, David Vaughn, Ryan Manuel

FOURTH ROW (L-R) Jackson Scott, Joe McGirt, Spencer Frost, Jackson DiRoma, Max Brumfield, Tyler Hendley, Hunter Loeffler, Esrom Ghirmay, William Brawley, Noah Guggenheimer, Keller Hitzemann

BACK ROW (L-R) Asst Coach Natoya Lacy, Head Coach Malai Moorman, Asst Coach Mike Weiss, Asst Coach William Yu, Wyatt Mayberry, George Smith, Will Vaughn, Asst Coach Nick Ray, Asst Coach Topher Gee, Asst Coach Sintayehu Taye, Asst Coach Shelley Schuster

NOT PICTURED Keith Brunnemer, Luke Bungard, Na’il Diggs, Joe Jordan, Nelan Lala, Aaron Logan

NOT PICTURED Luke Bungard, Nelan Lala, Aaron Logan Ryan Manuel, Sam Ha

Pele

Coach Schuster was impressed with Luke’s studious approach to the pole vault, using video to dissect technique and make significant progress in his first year trying the event. His favorite track memory is setting, and achieving, a goal of clearing 8 feet in his first-ever track meet. Luke’s advice to young Hawks is to stay positive, even when you’re struggling. His parting gift to the team would be permanent measurements on the pole vault runway, and he would like to thank Coach Schuster for teaching him how to do the pole vault. Luke is planning to study mechanical engineering at Clemson University next year.

A favorite track memory for Colman was starting his junior season with a win in the 4x800m relay. Described as a tough, dedicated competitor, Colman trains hard and accepts any assignment he’s given. His advice to young Hawks is to be open-minded and try new things, because you never know when you’ll discover a new hobby that grows into your passion. Colman would like to thank Coach Weiss for being a great coach and for dedicating so much time to teaching him how to be a supportive teammate and a good person overall. Next year, Colman will be studying at Texas Christian University, where he also plans to continue creating video content for Horned Frogs athletics.

Described by his coaches as a servant-leader with the heart of a champion and the ability to ground the entire team, Esrom transitioned from distance events to sprints his junior year and had tremendous growth. His favorite track moment was qualifying for states last season, and he has now etched his name in CLS history as one of the Hawks’ fastest quarter-milers. Esrom would leave the team shaded benches for a place to rest between reps, and he advises younger Hawks to keep going…perseverance pays off. Esrom is thankful to the coaches for believing in him, to his teammates for making practices enjoyable, and to past upperclassmen who inspired him. Next year, Esrom will be attending Wake Forest University and majoring in health and exercise science.

Tyler is a great all-around athlete, a top-notch football and basketball player, who’s also pretty fast on the track. He thrives in competition and repeatedly rises to the challenge, helping to elevate relays and push fellow sprinters. In spite of an early season injury, Tyler continued to support and encourage his teammates. His favorite Latin track and field memories come from last year’s experiences at the Raven Relays. To younger Hawks, Tyler has this simple advice: Get involved in Latin sports and have fun! He thanks his parents for always believing in him and encouraging him to follow his dreams, which he will do next year as he heads to Furman University and will compete for the Paladins in football.

A strong, multi-sport athlete, Coach Weiss describes Hampton as an outstanding leader who is especially adept at mentoring teammates and strengthening the entire team. The track and field staff appreciate Hampton’s tough competitive spirit and the coach-like ability to help bring out the best in everyone Hampton’s favorite track memories are the overnight trips to meets because of the time spent with teammates sharing laughs and having fun. His advice to fellow Hawks is simple: Never give up. Hampton thanks his parents and coaches for pushing and supporting him, and he plans to study business next year at Auburn University.

Tai’s approach to running distance and middle-distance events can be described as passionate, driven, and even intellectual. He possesses a strong competitive fire alongside a keen analytical mind, which inspires him to continually seek challenges within the sport. This sets a great example for his teammates, and he is the ideal training partner for athletes wanting to get the most out of their workouts. Tai has been a mainstay of the cross country and track teams throughout his Latin career.

Nelan stands out for his consistent dedication to running, and for the spirited enthusiasm he brings to practices and races. He has steadily improved over the course of his cross country and track career at Latin. Nelan is a terrific teammate, an outstanding student, and a real pleasure to coach. We appreciate his deep commitment to our program and his devotion to our program.

Meticulous and precise, even in warmups, Connor’s attention to detail has allowed him to develop running form that is among the best Coach Moorman has ever coached. He gives 100% every practice and his time improvements have reflected his work. Connor’s favorite track memory was the Ravenscroft meet last season because the longer overnight trip brought the team together and made them closer. His advice to younger Hawks is to set goals based on how you can help your team rather than specific times or event results, because supporting the team is what makes it thrive. Connor thanks his parents for always cheering him on, and Coach Malai for being a guiding mentor over the past four years. He is heading to Wake Forest University next year.

A sprinter, a thrower, and a jumper, Aaron has a uniquely positive nature, a calm disposition, and a ready laugh that strike a perfect blend of zen and levity. Coach Gee says Aaron applies his engineering mind to combine intellectual analysis with athletic prowess in the high jump. Coach Ray describes Aaron as fierce competitor who sets a bar and continues to raise it. And Coach Moorman thinks he is a model student-athlete who has been a joy to work with. Aaron is heading to NC State next year.

Initially using track as a training tool for soccer, Dylan’s dedication to winter training and consistency in workouts has helped him improve his speed, strength, and running mechanics. Coach Weiss says Dylan exemplifies the patient, consistent work ethic necessary for success.

Dylan would like to thank Coach Weiss for being flexible and for developing him into the runner he has become because, as Dylan says, “We both know I was a work in progress my freshman and sophomore years.” His advice to young Hawks is to be fully committed and develop mental toughness, which you’ll need to fight through fatigue and pain at the end of races. He’s heading to the University of Tampa to major in sports management.

In only his second year on the track team, the coaches have been impressed with George’s athleticism and dedication to tough, consistent training. If he could leave a gift behind for the team, George would give them the strong community and team spirit that have been present during his track experience. He would advise younger Hawks to push your limits, see what you are capable of and be willing to take risks. George would like to thank Coach Weiss for getting him involved in track and helping him navigate how to successfully compete and be an impactful member of the team. George plans to attend Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut next year.

It is truly impressive to see a senior, instead of coasting his way through the spring, attempt a new challenge, and that is exactly what Wyatt has done. A tough, powerful athlete, Wyatt trained all winter and came into the season ready to do big things in the 800 meters. He has given depth to the mid-distance group and is a great training partner for his teammates.

Jackson’s favorite Latin track moment is a recent one: Winning the conference championship on his first try in the triple jump. In a season with injury set-backs, Jackson’s success is a testament to the hard work he put in to rebuild and rebound. A cheerful teammate known for cranking up the tunes at practice, Jackson’s parting gift would be the energy and laughter that brings a team together. He would like to thank Coach Malai and Coach Taye for helping him become the best possible athlete and his parents for supporting him through the journey. Jackson will be attending Purdue University, where he plans to study computer graphics and walk on to the track team.

George has emerged as one of Latin’s best middle-distance runners, putting up impressive numbers in the 800m. He keeps his teammates focused while encouraging them through tough workouts and helping them have fun along the way. George’s favorite part of Latin track and field has been getting to know “a really awesome group of people.” As a parting gift, he would leave the legacy of the incredibly supportive dynamic the current team has established. George would like to thank Coach Weiss for his caring and genuinely compassionate nature that has pushed George to be his best self. Next year, he will be attending Sewanee: The University of the South.

Will is a unique and versatile athlete, becoming the program’s first true decathlete. He serves as an ambassador for all events, encouraging his teammates to try something new, while finding connection with competitors and cheering them on as well. His advice to younger teammates is to remember that the most fun events are often the ones that initially feel uncomfortable. Will’s parting gift to the team is “the team,” which is the nickname for his muscle roller since everyone has used it at one time or another. It should serve as a reminder for how strong a team can be when it works as a group. Will thanks Coach Weiss for always having his back and for his “infinite wisdom and dad jokes.” Will is heading to Washington and Lee University to learn, continue to compete in track, and hopefully study abroad.