By Tim Wester
Sports Correspondent
How do you boost the overall number of athletes to trying out for your track and field program?
Build a new track and field facility.
That’s exactly what the community of Union Grove did for its track and field program. The number of track and field participants has dramatically increased from 40 last season to 60 this year.
“We have a lot more numbers this year than last,” Union Grove boys and girls track and field coach Joe Busalacchi said. “We have a brand new track and field facility that has played a big role in our growth in numbers from 40 to 60 boys and girls. The community really came through for the program and it’s just great to see for the players.”
On top of the enthusiasm from the new facility, the Broncos also return some talented state-qualifying track athletes from last season.
Senior Cassy Goodrich (sprints) leads the way for Union Grove as one of the best sprinters in the county after an outstanding junior season. Madelyn Schwartz (800) and Alex Goodrich (hurdles, jumps) both qualified for state last season in the 800 and 300 hurdles, respectively. Alex Goodrich qualified for state last year in the 300 hurdles with the fastest qualifying time for a Division 1 freshman.
Distance runners Rachel Stauden and Ashley Paulick should add extra depth to the squad as well, while freshman Riley McMahon has already won a 2-mile run. Junior shot put specialist Allie Rainey returns after sitting out her sophomore year with a torn ACL.
“Allie threw 36 feet as a freshman,” Busalacchi said. “Now she is at 35 feet, so she is just about back to where she was freshman season.”
Showing similar determination as Rainey is senior hurdler Briana Sauder, who has impressed Busalacchi with a strong work ethic.
“Sauder has an outstanding work ethic and is a great leader by example,” Busalacchi said. “I practically have to pull her off the track at the end of practices.”
On the boys side, Union Grove returns all four members (Andy Hatch, Dennis Hebron, J.K. Witkofski, Cole Martinez), along with alternate Joe Peterson from the 400 meter team that qualified for state last season.
“We’ve got everyone back from the 400 meter team, but now Joe Peterson is competing with Cole Martinez for the fourth spot this season,” Busalacchi said.
Other boys performers who have stood out this season include junior discus thrower Cole Ryan, distance runners Luke Johnson (sr.) and Bret Wolter (jr.).
Senior long jumper Riley Mann has returned to the team after taking his junior year off, while first-year long jumper Tyler Beecher and sophomore long jumper Tyrell Laxton have both already unloaded 18-foot jumps this season.
“Both Beecher and Laxton have been real nice surprises,” Busalacchi said.
“Overall things are really looking pretty good,” Busalacchi said. “But we don’t have a lot of depth, so we need to close the ground and gain more depth.”
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