Springfield Catholic returns ten letterman to their track roster for the 2024 season including: Distance Runners- Parker Foster, Rocco Palazzolo and Clayton Eck, Sprinters- Mark Vilkins, Noah Whitely and Austin Small and Field Events- James Southern, Wyatt Cartwright, Max Clotfelter and Ty Lewis.

Key newcomers for the Irish track and field include Rian Mulherin (jumps), Brody Tillman and Anthony Glendenning (Throws), Kyle Hathcock, Peter Vilkins, Kay Miyauchi, Sho Miyauchi and Gavin Pyck (Distance) and Michael Heredia (Sprints).

Clotfelter is the only returning Sectional Qualifier. He has greatly improved his speed, which should help down the runway and convert higher jumps over the crossbar.

Foster, Eck and Palazzolo all return from the 4x800 team that just missed moving on from Districts. All have looked very strong in the preseason workouts and look to improve their times this season. M. Vilkins and Small are both very versatile, and can bump up to middle distance. They should be beneficial in either the 4x400 or 4x800 relays. Freshman Hathcock had an excellent cross country season and should be in the mix with Vilkins and Small for a final 4x800 spot along with being a top competitor in other distance races. Pyck, P. Vilkins and the Miyauchi twice add a lot of depth in the distance races. 

Sprinter Noah Whitely looks a lot smoother this season and his improved form should transfer into faster times.

Mulherin is a natural athlete out for track for the first time. He should help in all of the jumping events, and maybe the Javelin and/or Sprint Relays. 

All other field event athletes have shown progress and we expect further distances from all. 

This is the first time in several seasons that Springfield Catholic Boys Track & Field has not returned a State qualifier from the previous season. After graduating two large and excellent senior classes back to back, the overall numbers are down a little this year. The athletes are working hard in practice and veteran Coach Bobby Cornelison expects that by the end of the season they will be able to maintain the level of competitiveness that they have always shown.

Springfield Catholic kicks off the 2024 season by hosting the Irish Invitation on Friday, March 22nd.