Pre-Track Season Team Rankings: Boys

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Pre-Track Season Team Rankings: Boys

Welcome to Buckeye Run Report's first edition of track team rankings! While cross-country season simplifies rankings by focusing solely on distance runners, track brings its unique complexities, incorporating various event groups and individual performances. Our track team rankings are based on individual event rankings and scored like a traditional track meet, using the following system: 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.

These rankings reflect how we expect teams to score at the regional meet in distance events (4x800m relay, 3200m, 1600m, and 800m), along with the exact points we anticipate each team will earn. Each athlete is included only once, ranked in what we believe to be their primary event. As the season progresses, we’ll adjust both individual and team rankings to reflect athletes who may compete in multiple events. With that, let’s dive into our rankings!

1. Westerville North: 23 Points

After finishing in the top two of our cross-country rankings and winning the regional cross-country title, it’s no surprise to see the Warriors leading our track rankings. They are anchored by a trio of standout athletes: Jeffery Kerns, Casey Carlos, and Gabe Wise, all of whom are projected to score individually in different events. This trio will also combine for a formidable 4x800m relay team, which we project to take home the regional title.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 1st place (10 points)
3200m: Jeffery Kerns, 3rd place (6 points)
1600m: Casey Carlos, 7th place (2 points)
800m: Gabe Wise, 4th place (5 points)

2. Dublin Jerome: 21 Points

The Dublin Jerome Celtics, last year's cross-country regional runners-up, claim the second spot. They are led by one of the state’s top individual runners, Charlie Guerrera, who is projected to win the 1600m regional title and contend for the state championship. Additionally, Ethan Ishida is expected to score in the 800m, and the Celtics’ 4x800m relay team should secure a top-three finish.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 3rd place (6 points)
1600m: Charlie Guerrera, 1st place (10 points)
1600m: Graham Tyler, 8th place (1 point)
800m: Ethan Ishida, 5th place (4 points)

3. Olentangy Orange: 16 Points

The Pioneers round out our distance podium, featuring a dynamic duo in Matthew Schroff and Bradyn Allender. Both are projected to score significantly in their individual events and team up for a strong showing in the 4x800m relay. With Allender emerging as a star during the cross-country season and Schroff already established as one of the state’s top runners, the Pioneers will be a team to watch.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 5th place (4 points)
3200m: Bradyn Allender, 5th place (4 points)
1600m: Matthew Schroff, 2nd place (8 points)

4. Olentangy Liberty: 15 Points

The Patriots are tied for fourth and boast one of the region’s top 4x800m relay teams. With standout runners Zee Rabi and Gordon Kimberly, Liberty will rely on both depth and star power to compete for top honors in the relay and individual events.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 2nd place (8 points)
3200m: Gordon Kimberly, 7th place (2 points)
1600m: Zee Rabi, 4th place (5 points)

4. Gahanna Lincoln: 15 Points

Also tied for fourth, Gahanna Lincoln is led by Owen Towler, one of the state’s premier 800m runners. Towler’s diverse skill set—featuring a 1:52 PR in the 800m and sub-4:15 in the 1600m—makes him a key figure in both individual events and the 4x800m relay.

Scoring Breakdown:

4x800m Relay: 4th place (5 points)
800m: Owen Towler, 1st place (10 points)

6. Sheridan: 10 Points

Sheridan owes all 10 of its projected points to Tate Ruthers, the top-ranked 3200m runner in the region. After a stellar cross-country season, where he finished second at regionals and 10th at states, Ruthers is poised to dominate his primary event on the track.

Scoring Breakdown:

3200m: Tate Ruthers, 1st place (10 points)

7. Chillicothe + Dublin Coffman: 8 Points

Tied for sixth, both teams rely on individual stars. Chillicothe’s Jayden Beverly is a standout in the 800m, while Dublin Coffman’s Jacob Bolton is projected to shine in the 3200m.

Scoring Breakdown:

Chillicothe: Jayden Beverly, 800m, 2nd place (8 points)
Dublin Coffman: Jacob Bolton, 3200m, 2nd place (8 points)

9. St. Francis DeSales + Marysville: 7 Points

DeSales features a strong duo in Charles Rizek and Jacob Reash, supported by a solid 4x800m relay. Marysville takes a similar approach, led by Mack Weithman, who contributes in both the 1600m and 4x800m relay.

Scoring Breakdown:

DeSales:
- 4x800m Relay: 8th place (1 point)
- 3200m: Charles Rizek, 6th place (3 points)
- 1600m: Jacob Reash, 6th place (3 points)
Marysville:
- 4x800m Relay: 6th place (3 points)
- 1600m: Mack Weithman, 5th place (4 points)