Creston boys track loyalty praised

CNA photo by LARRY PETERSON Panther seniors: Senior members of the Creston boys track team honored at WednesdayÕs awards program are, front row from left: Tyler Harris, Keith Smith and Matt Lanning. Back row: Bryant McCabe, Jake McGehee and Adam Riley.

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A senior parents presentation was part of the Creston boys track team’s awards night Wednesday, since the Panther Relays event normally including a parents night ceremony was rained out this year. Seniors Tyler Harris, Matt Lanning, Bryant McCabe, Jacob McGehee, Adam Riley and Keith Smith introduced their parents and presented them with the traditional roses and senior parents pin. Co-coaches Pat Schlapia and Steve Birchard, in turn, praised the seniors for their leadership on a small (16-member) team that competed hard, but found scoring a challenge in many meets this spring. “You guys mean a lot to us,” Schlapia said. “You guys are the epitome of what a team is all about. We shared some laughs, we got out there and competed, and had some fun with it. Now the torch is passed on to these sophomores and freshmen.” There were no juniors on the 2008 boys track team. Riley, who has signed a letter-of-intent to play basketball at Grand View College in Des Moines, and Smith were four-year lettermen in track. McGehee and Harris earned three letters, while McCabe (reduced to two meets this season with injuries and surgery) and Lanning (dual-sport participant with tennis) each had two letters. Dedication award Birchard also presented each senior with a track medal denoting their years of service. That has become a tradition in recent years. His voice halting with emotion, Birchard noted that not every athlete can win a medal in track meets, but each deserves recognition. That was especially true this year, on a squad that scored in single digits in many meets, including three points at the Class 3A district meet with no state qualifiers. “We appreciate the efforts you guys put out,” Birchard said. Due to low numbers, “throwers” from the shot put and discus, such as Riley, Josh Maitlen and Jordan Hayes, often filled spots in sprint relays. In the process, Birchard noted, they became better athletes with improved speed. Lanning in the 1,600 meters, Smith and Lanning in the 800, and Riley in the shot put were top contenders for state qualification. McGehee and McCabe were sprinters and hurdlers slowed by injuries this spring. Sophomore Tyler Coenen was a versatile performer in the long jump, hurdles and sprints and leads the contingent of returnees. Ten squad members were underclassmen. Schlapia and Birchard are hoping for help from the incoming freshman class, as well as perhaps more participation from current CHS students in 2009. CRESTON BOYS TRACK Letterwinners (Letters Earned) Seniors — Tyler Harris (3), Matt Lanning (2), Bryant McCabe (2), Jacob McGehee (3), Adam Riley (4), Keith Smith (4). Juniors — None. Sophomores — Tyler Coenen (2), Ryan Helm (2), Ryan Maitlen (1), Brian Meyer (1), Matt Reeves (1). Freshmen — Luke Eblen (1), Jordan Hayes (1), Jordan Leach (1), Andrew Schaefer (1), Jeremy Weese (1). —————— Larry Peterson can be reached at 782-2141, ext. 232 or lpeterson@crestonnews.com