After a satisfying indoor season, the members of the Fox Chapel Area boys track and field team are enjoying getting out in the fresh air to compete. It’s poised to be an exciting season, with many returning veterans and others who have joined the team for the first time (many of whom are multisport athletes), as well as a large freshman class of young, eager rookies.
The team returns two dependable WPIAL Class 3A medalists from last outdoor season, seniors Jack Lorence (distance) and Caleb Kulikowski (field events).
“I think the boys will be strong in distance running, throwing, and perhaps jumping, too,” says coach Tom Moul. “Jack will lead the running group, along with experienced racers Jordan Gwin and his brother, Rowan. And I’m looking forward to seeing what Caleb can do in his senior year. He has set some goals for himself, but he will have to work hard to reach them.”
“The boys team looks strong again this year,” says Jack, whose goals in his senior year are to make a strong showing individually at WPIALs and qualify for states. “I’d like to have higher finishes than last year and would like to push myself to get our 4 x 800 relay to make a statement at WPIALs as well.”
Jack continues, “In distance, things look really good. Besides the vets returning, we have a nice crop of younger runners, and they’re stepping up to the challenges. Rowan Gwin is a force to be reckoned with in the mile, as well as his older brother, Jordan. It’s cool and motivating to see the freshmen from last year making a big jump.”
The relays look to be in good shape, too. Coach Sean Mawhinney says, “The teams are especially fluid, especially early in the season, but I do have some idea of who will be on them in the long term, especially in the 4 x 100 – Stephen Schrim, newcomers George Tabor and Khi’lee Patterson, and Maurice Sampson-Schulter. I’m also excited to see that many of the athletes in contention for relays are new to the program.”
Coach Mawhinney expects Damian Blum, Elliot McCann, Jordan, and Stephen to be in the mix on the 4 x 400 relay.
“Stephen is someone we are looking toward as a leader, as well, especially in the events he ran in indoor this season – the 200- and 400-meter dashes, the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays, and the long jump,” coach Moul says.
Usually quiet and reserved, Stephen is just the opposite when he steps on the track, and he looks forward to a more prominent role on the team. Since he first started running, Stephen says he has realized what is necessary to be successful.
“I’ve learned that it takes a lot mentally to finish a race … but it shows you can do just about anything when you put your mind to it,” says Stephen, whose goals for outdoor are to make WPIALs for the 200- and 400-meter dashes and the long jump.
In the field events, a number of football players have returned, and others have joined the team for the first time. Caleb, who won the WPIAL bronze medal in the javelin, will be joined once again by Mason Miles in the throwing events. The addition of their gridiron teammate, Sean Feczko, a burly 6’4” and 225-pound athlete, will add strength in the shotput, discus, and javelin events. Also, Maurice and Khi’lee should put on strong showings in sprints.
Additionally, Andrew Olando and Stephen are doing well and should add team points in jumping, as should new member George.
“Both Andrew and Stephen do indoor and outdoor track, and have improved over the years in the long and triple jumps,” says jumping coach Tim McLister. “New to the team is George (who also excels in soccer), who has shown early promise in all three jumps. I’m excited to see what he can do as the season progresses.”
For Jack, this season is a bit nostalgic. Many of these athletes have been his teammates for four years now, and some date back to middle school track and field.
“Things feel a bit different than other years,” he admits. “It’s my last ride, but it’s so good seeing so many new faces. It’s different, but really a good kind of feeling.”