Westfall Mustangs Boys Track and Field
Coach: Brad Smith
2022 finish: Sixth in Scioto Valley Conference
Key returnees: Senior Steve Layton, throws; Senior Clay Runkle, pole vault; Junior Henry Barnes, distance; Junior Jeremiah Layton, throws; Sophomore Josh Trapp, middle distance; Sophomore Brody Williams, middle distance and long jump
Despite the loss of Tyler Shipley, a state qualifier in the pole vault who finished ninth, to graduation, Westfall coach Brad Smith believes the Mustangs can improve on their standing in the Scioto Valley Conference over last senior.
Smith believes a solid group of returnees will lead the way, highlighted by field events and distance.
Clay Runkle got a jump start on the season by competing in the indoor state meet in the pole vault. Smith believes the senior should be very competitive in the conference.
Steven Layton and Jeremiah Layton give the Mustangs a solid tandem in the throws, with Smith believing that Layton has the potential to break the program’s district record and naming Layton as one of the best shot putters to come through the Pherson campus since Phonso Rice in 2014.
After exceling on the cross country course in the fall, Smith believes Henry Barnes, Josh Trapp and Brody Williams will be the backbone to the Mustangs’ prospects in mid-distance and distance events and could challenge program records in the 400 and 800.
Key newcomers: Sophomore Montae Sutton, sprints/long jump; Sophomore Tyler Yates; Freshman Mason Barnes, distance and Freshman Quinn Eberly, mid-distance
Coach Smith on overall team prospects: Sprints and Mid-distance should be a nice improvement over last season. We will miss graduate Tyler Shipley from last year as a leader and the new record holder in the pole vault at 14’10, a record that had stood since 1990 (Jeff Green, 14’9). Relays and field events should score well throughout the season. Some long held school records could be threatened this season, and in the next few as athletes develop and grow. We’re stressing technique, form, and endurance growth with so many new members to the team.
