Time to get outside and enjoy a gentle walk in the warming weather? More like time to get back to work for Greater Akron’s boys track and field athletes.
Greater Akron had another big year on the state stage in 2025. This year, that stage will look different with the OHSAA moving to five divisions. The state meet will run June 4-7 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus.
Who should you keep an eye on once the starter’s pistol goes off? Here are 10 of the best track and field athletes in Greater Akron this spring:
Joseph Filisky, Nordonia, Class of 2026
In what has been a bit of a tough era for Nordonia track and field, Filisky has been a beacon of light in the hurdles. Filisky reached Columbus in the 300-meter hurdles last spring and would love to do so in both hurdle distances this year.
Sam Hopp, Twinsburg, Class of 2026
Hopp has been a fixture in middle distance and relays for the Tigers since his freshman year. He will look to improve on a fifth-place finish in the 800 meters last year at state. He might be the most confident runner in Greater Akron.
Crew McDaniel, Hudson, Class of 2026
The leader of the Explorers’ distance squad was just outside All-Ohio honors last year in both the 1,600 and 3,200 relay. After a strong cross country season, McDaniel will look to lead the Explorers back to Columbus in multiple distances.
Dwight Shade, Buchtel, Class of 2026
Last year, Shade was the perfect example of peaking at the right moment. He came on strong during Buchtel’s postseason in the 800, then pulled out a lifetime best at the state meet to finish fourth in Division II. Could he be among the favorites to win the 800 this spring?
Atticus Sloan, Woodridge, Class of 2026
Sloan led the Bulldogs back to the state cross country title in fall and will look to lead Woodridge back to the state podium in track in Division III. The anchor of Woodridge’s state champion 3,200-meter relay, Sloan will seek individual All-Ohio honors, as he just missed last year in the 1,600 and 3,200.
Isaac Solomon, CVCA, Class of 2027
Solomon has been a key cog in the Royals’ 3,200 and 1,600 relays since his freshman year. Last spring, he added an All-Ohio finish in the 800. Solomon will among the state favorites in the 800 this year, as he looks to secure his place among the top distance runners in CVCA history
Sam Taneja, Twinsburg, Class of 2026
Taneja had a breakout season in the sprints last season for the Tigers, reaching the state meet in the 200 and a playing major role on Twinsburg’s relays. He will look for individual All-Ohio honors this season.
Lucas Tielsch, Copley, Class of 2026
Tielsch’s future is set, as the big man is bound for the University of Minnesota to play left tackle. Before that, however, Tielsch has a bit of unfinished business in the discus. He finished just a few feet short of All-Ohio honors last year and would love to reach the podium.
Drake Vander Cica, Hudson, Class of 2028
Vander Cica exploded onto the scene in the shot put last year, breaking the 60-foot barrier and finishing third in Division I at state. Look for Vander Cica to be among the state’s top throwers for the next two years.
Will Wells, Revere, Class of 2026
The Minutemen’s main man enjoyed a great cross country season and would like to close his career with another All-Ohio finish. After placing fifth in the Division I 1,600 race, Wells will be among the state title favorites in the event this spring.
Michael Leonard can be reached at mleonard@recordpub.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 10 Akron-area high school boys track and field athletes to watch
Reporting by Michael Leonard, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
