OA Winter Track Enters Another Season With High Expectations

Throughout Mike Darling’s coaching tenure at , the Tigers have continually meet high expectations to be one of the top track and field teams in the Hockomock League every year.

Things are no different for Darling and company this winter.

Returning several top performers from last year, both the boys and the girls are expected to give OA its second straight Davenport Division championship, while also retaining its status as a league power.

With over 130 participants, the Tigers should have a healthy mix of youth and veterans for the upcoming season.

“We have a large core again with over 130 kids both boys and girls,” Darling said about his team. “We have a good core returning from last year and we have some freshmen runners who could participate in varsity meets right away.

“Overall, we are looking for both teams to repeat as Davenport champs, while also sustaining league success as one of the top three or four teams in the Hock.”

Although last year’s seniors – notably Theresa Lambert (field), Rachel Klein (2 mile), and Jon Raduazzo (one of the top 300-meter runners in New England) – will be missed, OA’s returning core is strong.

Emily Grotz (1000 meters, 4x800 team), Laura Daley (shotput), Nicole Taylor (hurdles), Kriste Kent (1000 meters), Robin Loewald (distance), Kristina Franciosi (hurdles, shotput) and tri-captains Michaela Nichols (high jump), Shannon Hickey (distance, 4x800) and Kayla McKinsey (hurdles) are among the top returners for the girls, while freshmen Beja Osborne (middle distance) and Olivia Mileika (high-jump) look to make an immediate impact.

Sharon, which shared the Davenport championship with the OA girls last spring, could give OA a run for its money in the Small Hock, while Franklin should be the team to beat in the Hock.

For the boys, seniors Nick Blelloch (hurdles), Bill Hamilton (shotput) and Andrew Kerester (distance) will serve as this year’s tri-captains, with Carlton Williamson (sprinting, long jump), Sean Gorham (1000 meters), Dan Moverman (distance), Dan Lambert (sprinting, high jump) and Britton Copley (distance) also returning and freshman Brandon Boone (55 and 300-meter dash) hoping to break the varsity roster.

Canton and Stoughton are among some of the tougher divisional opponents for the OA boys, who look to knock off Hock powers Franklin and Mansfield.

The Tigers will hope to use all those assets in their first meet of the year against Stoughton Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

“We have a good core from last year and they’ll all be in action this Saturday in the first meet of the year against Stoughton,” said Darling.

The first duel-meet of the year also comes with changes. Unlike last year, both varsity and junior varsity members will participate in the duel-meet on the same day, which has both pros and cons according to Darling.

“It’s the first meet where both the varsity and junior varsity will have their meets on the same day,” Darling said. “It’s nice that we get to evaluate some talent on the JV side, but it also means that the entire team can’t participate the same day. Hopefully its just a trial and error for one year.”

While the teams are expected to make adjustments to the new rules in the early going, Darling is confident that he and his coach staff that also includes assistants Jake Sunderland (boys’ spring track head coach) and Kyle Sousa (distance coach) will help overcome some early bumps.

“There will be bumps in the road as we try to adjust to the new rules,” Darling said. “But I’m also confident with our coaching staff that we can adjust and have another successful season. I’m looking forward to getting things started.”

Winter track quick facts:

Head coach: Mike Darling

2010-11 record: 4-0

Captains: Kayla McKinsey, Michaela Nichols, Shannon Hickey (girls); Billy Hamilton, Andrew Kerester, Nick Blelloch (boys)

Key Returnees: McKinsey, Nichols, Hickey, Hamilton, Kerester, Blelloch, Emily Grotz, Nicole Taylor, Robin Loewald, Dan Moverman, Carlton Williamson, Britton Copley

Key Losses: McKenzie Copley, Jon Raduazzo, Matt Howard, Chris Vilela, Jimmy Hamilton, Theresa Lambert, Asaki Bazil, Rachel Klein, Lauren Gallagher

Key Dates (all meets held at the Reggie Lewis Center unless otherwise noted):

• Dec. 10 vs. Stoughton
• Dec. 17 vs. Foxborough (at Boston University)
• Dec. 28 vs. Sharon
• Jan. 5 vs. Franklin (Boston University)
• Jan. 12 vs. Canton (Boston University)
• Jan. 15 Class B Championships
• Jan. 28 and 29 State Coaches Meet
• Feb. 11 Hock Championships
• Feb. 16 Division 2 Championships
• Feb. 26 All-States
• Feb. 27 and 28 State Pentathlon Championships