Costello has to fill gaps on LH boys squad
The Class of 2005 not only left Laurel Highlands with the accumulated knowledge of 12 years of schooling as they moved out into the world, a group of young men also took a slew of points from the track & field squad. Bob Costello and his assistants are now pressed to find a way to fill the points gap left by such stalwarts as Adam Cook, Alex Bota, Ben Shinsky, Brennon Meadows, Josh Zueger, Len Marovich, and Larry Brink, but the veteran coach feels he has enough quality to fill the gaps to make a run at a sixth-consecutive section title.
“We had a senior-dominated team (last year) and everyone was a contributor,” said Costello during Tuesday’s cold, blustery practice. “But, we have lots of good kids out.”
Costello has known qualities in pole vaulter Jared Jodon, distance runner Jeff Palya and sprinter Jack Macioce.
Jodon is the reigning WPIAL silver medallist and place fourth in the state. Macioce is an experienced sprinter, and Palya, along with Ryan Thorn, gives the Mustangs a good start in the distances.
“We have no returning lettermen in the hurdles. We have a lot of good potential, but we’ll be a young team across the board. We have a lot of first-year, second-year people,” explained Costello, whose assistants include hurdles/sprinters coach Bill Kooser and throwing coach Jerry Pegg. “We’ll see how quickly we develop to see how good we will be.”
Zach Girod is expected to fill the gaps in the shot put and discus with Josh Whoolery and Brandon Burke to be counted on in the javelin. Greg Friend, Brian Grady, Steve Lewis and Jon Michniak will provide depth in the sprints with Jon Tobal and Nathaniel Hensh filling the bill in the hurdles.
Costello will count on Alex Russell, Brent Workman and Nick Brown in the middle distances with the quartet of Colby Springer, Eric Yarborough, Tyler Brooks and Cody Whoolery filling in the jumping slots.
“We should be able to score across the board. Everyone will contribute,” said Costello, whose Mustangs open at Derry on March 30. “We have enough veteran leadership that we should score in every event.
“But, like everyone else, we are at the mercy of the weather.”
Laurel Highlands will host the Fayette County Coaches Association Track & Field Championships on Saturday, April 29.