By Nate Leveille
Preseason Top 3:
Sleeper team: Concord High School
3) Nashua North– Last year’s champs, the Titans will rely on major point scorers from last year’s team: Max Ireland, David Vorbach, and Randell Jenkins. If they can find a way to score some points in the middle distances and the field events, they could be in the mix by the end of the year. They return 42 points based on last year’s results.
2) Winnacunnet– Behind superstar, and Cornell-bound Billy Powers do the Warriors have the depth this year to challenge the Astros for the state title? They return 40 points from last year’s Division One Championship meet and have a young middle distance/distance crew that looks ready to take the next jump.
1) Pinkerton– Pinkerton is the overwhelming preseason favorite. They return 96 points from last year’s championship runner-up team, which is more than double anyone else. They will be carried by stars Noah Woodman, Jadyn Ruimwijk, and Adam Spencer. They are one of the only teams that has the ability to score in every event on the track.
Every year it seems like Pinkerton will run away with the meet early in the season and then someone steps up late in the season to challenge them. This season feels like there will be a number of teams in the mix for second place. It may take somewhere between 50-70 points to be the runner-up if Pinkerton runs away with first.
Individuals To Watch
Jadyn Ruimwijk of Pinkerton– Jadyn could win both the 55 dash and the 300 meter run. He figures to play a major role on both Pinkerton sprint relays as well.
Billy Powers of Winnacunnet– Billy is one of the best hurdlers to ever come through the state of New Hampshire. He will look to add a State and New England title to his collection this winter. If the team is in contention, he may be asked to compete in 4 individual events.
Forest MacKenzie of Concord and David Vorbach of Nashua North– Forest is making the jump from the wrestling mat to the oval this winter. Based on the results of this past cross-country season, it should be a lot of fun watching David and Forest battle it out on the track in the 3k and 1500m.
Lucien Mumpini of Bedford and Triston Delicema of Nashua North– Lucien and Delicema are the top returning long jumpers. Both will have an opportunity to go over the 21 foot barrier.
Look for the mid season report once the meets get underway. Good luck to all teams and athletes!
