Kyle Joynes was lightheaded and collapsed just short of his 3,200-meter run last June in Columbus.
The McDonald senior spent the next 30 minutes or so in a tent, shading himself from the hot, daunting sun surrounding Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus.
He saw his teammates celebrate the 2011 Division III boys track and field state championship, but something was missing - Joynes.
The trophy, which glistened in the sun, took a bit of shade when it was in Joynes' possession in the medical tent as Joynes was being treated for heat stroke.
That McDonald team was led by Division III state championship discus and shot put thrower Matthias Tayala and 300 hurdles state champion Miles Dunlap. Both accounted for the points that led the Blue Devils to their first state championship since 1999.
Once that was done, Joynes, junior Patrick Kunkel and sophomore Bobby Johnson paced McDonald into cross country season. The grassy knolls and, sometimes muddy tracks, were the norm for the Blue Devils as they ripped through the season - leaving a trail of teams in their wake.
Fact Box
2012 track and field pre-season rankings
Teams
BOYS
Division I
1. Harding
1. Fitch
3. Boardman
Division II
1. Liberty
2. Lakeview
3. LaBrae
Division III
1. McDonald
2. John F. Kennedy
3. Maplewood
GIRLS
Division I
1. Harding
1. Fitch
3. Howland
Division II
1. Struthers
2. Girard
2. Lakeview
Division III
1. McDonald
2. Pymatuning Valley
3. Mineral Ridge
Events
BOYS
100, 200
Division I
1. Nathan Jones, Boardman
2. Ty'Reese Anderson, Fitch
3. Dalyn Gattison, Harding
Division II
1. Darius Harris, Niles McKinley
2. Christian Brown, Niles McKinley
3. John Helms, Liberty
Division III
1. Andre Jethroe, Kennedy
2. Morgan Hake, Maplewood
3. Jonah Walp, McDonald
110, 300 hurdles
Division I
1. Andrew Hamilton, Howland
2. Valentino Sewell, East
3. Daniel Rivera, Fitch
Division II
1. Jamal McClendon, Girard
2. Alex Radwanski, Garfield
3. Elijah Henderson, Lakeview
Division III
1. Chad Zallow, Kennedy
2. Casey Porter, Mineral Ridge
3. Jacob Jones, Lordstown
400, 800
Division I
1. Deshawn Burley, East
2. Troy Seagraves, Howland
3. Jimmy Rumple, Harding
Division II
1. Kodie Fennell, Struthers
2. Chris Anderson, Poland
3. Eric Day, Champion
Division III
1. Wyatt Hartman, Maplewood
2. Sean Dunfee, Badger
3. Andrew O'Leary, South Range
1,600, 3,200
Division I
1. Mark Hadley, Boardman
2. Alan Burns, Boardman
3. Ryan Sullivan, Howland
3. Nate Sutton, Howland
Division II
1. Eric Harris, Lakeview
2. Jonathan Richmond, Liberty
3. Tyler Gruskiewicz, Pymatuning Valley
Division III
1. Ryan Roush, South Range
2. Tim Nichols, South Range
3. Kyle Joynes, McDonald
3. Patrick Kunkel, McDonald
4x100, 4x200
Division I
1. Harding
2. East
3. Fitch
Division II
1. Niles
2. Cardinal Mooney
3. Liberty
Division III
1. Kennedy
2. McDonald
3. Mineral Ridge
4x400
Division I
1. Fitch
2. Harding
3. East
Division II
1. Poland
2. Liberty
3. Lakeview
Division III
1. Kennedy
2. Maplewood
3. South Range
4x800
Division I
1. Boardman
2. Fitch
3. Canfield
Division II
1. Lakeview
2. Pymatuning Valley
3. Poland
Division III
1. McDonald
2. Maplewood
3. South Range
Shot put, discus
Division I
1. Billy Price, Fitch
2. Dan Moody, Howland
3. Brian Linsley, Boardman
Division II
1. Jordan Lowther, Lakeview
2. Addision Agler, Hubbard
3. Eric Stone, Southeast
3. Matt Jones, Hubbard
Division III
1. Stephen Lyons, Springfield
2. Jacob Chiclowe, Mineral Ridge
3. Kenny Bolyard, Badger
High jump, long jump
Division I
1. Jay Jakovina, Fitch
2. Jai-Lyn Moore, Harding
3. Allen Starkey, Boardman
Division II
1. Nate Bucci, Girard
2. Arnaldo Morales, Struthers
3. Ryan Buchanan, Newton Falls
Division III
1. Kenny Bolyard, Badger
2. Wyatt Ford, Mathews
3. Colton Horvath, Jackson-Milton
GIRLS
100, 200
Division I
1. Alexis Simpson, Harding
2. Theresa Scott, Fitch
3. Aminah Wesley, Harding
Division II
1. Lauren Schattinger, Lakeview
2. Lavonte Powell, Ursuline
3. Alexandra Carnathan, Ursuline
Division III
1. Sarah Montgomery, Springfield
2. Morgan Rice, Kennedy
3. Colleen Kennehan, Western Reserve
100, 300 hurdles
Division I
1. Alexandra Allen, Harding
2. Sara Martinko, Canfield
3. Nicole LaMagna, Canfield
Division II
1. Megan Gunther, LaBrae
2. Sage Spotleson, Poland
3. Marissa Weidner, Struthers
Division III
1. Jennilyn Krumpe, Badger
2. Tori Thompson, Brookfield
3. Rhianna Durrett, Lordstown
400, 800
Division I
1. Liz Mosier, Fitch
2. Alexis Simpson, Harding
3. Bailey Fischer, Canfield
Division II
1. Nadiya Morgan, Struthers
2. Marisa Toensing, Newton Falls
3. Paige Wasko, Struthers
Division III
1. Jennilyn Krumpe, Badger
2. Meghan McCarthy, McDonald
3. JoHaana Morgan, Lordstown
3. Sara Leamer, Lordstown
1,600, 3,200
Division I
1. Carissa Jenkins, Fitch
2. Morgan Buckley, Howland
3. Taylor Craigo, Howland
Division II
1. Melissa Klim, Poland
2. Catlyn Walker, Stuthers
3. Taylor Harshbarger, Girard
Division III
1. Alyssa Shamrock, Maplewood
2. Sarah Jones, McDonald
3. Kenzie Srock, McDonald
4x100, 4x200
Division I
1. Harding
2. Fitch
3. Canfield
Division II
1. Liberty
2. Lakeview
3. Girard
Division III
1. McDonald
2. Campbell
3. Springfield
4x400
Division I
1. Harding
2. Fitch
3. Canfield
Division II
1. Liberty
2. Struthers
3. Lakeview
Division III
1. McDonald
2. Lordstown
3. Lowellville
4x800
Division I
1. Canfield
2. Fitch
3. Boardman
Division II
1. Girard
2. Southeast
3. Poland
Division III
1. Maplewood
2. McDonald
3. Lordstown
Shot put, discus
Division I
1. Gabby Figueroa, Fitch
2. Giovanna Silvestri, Boardman
3. Daisy Robinson, Boardman
Division II
1. Shannon Montgomery, Newton Falls
2. Courtney Powell, Ursuline
3. Ashley Gregory, LaBrae
Division III
1. Tory Ross, McDonald
2. Jai'lyn Mosley, McDonald
3. Caitlyn Coler, Springfield
High jump, long jump
Division I
1. Anita Brown, Harding
2. Kayla Barko, Canfield
3. Paige Henley, Fitch
Division II
1. Ashley Wagner, Girard
2. Rachel Rubadiri, Lakeview
3. Abby Dunn, Lakeview
Division III
1. Taylor Baumiller, Badger
2. Katie Fife, Mineral Ridge
3. Maddie Lobaugh, McDonald
Boys track and field
Austintown Fitch
COACH: Rich Kempe.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 10-2. First place - Ward Invitational, F.E. Cope Invitational, The Optimist, Federal League Championship; second place at Poland Invitational; fourth place at Division I Austintown District.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Dave Anzelmo, sr.; Andrew Dunn, sr.; Jay Jakovina, sr., Anthony Jordon, sr., Josh Reid, sr., Daniel Rivera, sr., Zach Warmouth, sr.; Alex Welsh, sr.; Alex While, sr.; Tarise Wolfe, sr.; Ty'Reese Anderson, jr.; Pat Ferguson, jr.; Kyle Gumble, jr.; Don Koehler, jr.; Vince Ortenzio, jr.; Zach Pasquale, jr.; Billy Price, jr.; Rob Venters, jr.; Nathan Bowlen, so.; Gary Gibson, so.; Kerrell Johnson, so.; William Mellott, so.; Casey O'Brien, so.; Sam Ortiz, so.; Zak Patrick, so.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Garen Gibson, Joe Harrington, Will Harrington, Josh Potkanowicz, Nathan Shively.
Bristol
COACH: Tim Pleso.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Cody Elza, sr.; Justin Habraken, so.; Matt Pleso, sr.; Cody Pyle, so.; Chris Wilson, sr.; Mike Young, sr.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Brandon Armstrong, so.; Kyle Bontrager, so.; John Herron, fr.; Logan Koeth, fr.; Dylan Novicki, fr.; Andrew Pleso, fr.; Ben Sabon, fr.; Joey Yanek, jr.
Cardinal
COACH: Greg Cicero.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 4-4.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Rodney Detweiler, sr., sprints; Mike Bernal, sr., middle distance; Adam Filla, jr., distance; Jason Farmwald, jr., relays; Josh Smock, jr., sprints; Jimmy Dhayer, jr., distance; Tyler Sodee, jr., sprints; Josh Minnick, so., hurdles; Eric McCaslin, so., sprints; Peter Ribar, so., throws; Dmitry Klingensmith, so., distance.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Brandon Wicks, fr., hurdles, jumps; Malcolm Brooks, fr., sprints; Cody Hunt, fr., middle distance; Muhammad Qureshi, jr., jumps, hurdles; Justin Yoder, jr., hurdles; Ryan Reibe, fr., sprints; Carsten Weizer, fr., sprints; Christian Noreika, fr., middle distance.
Howland
COACH: Sean Borawiec.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 5-1. AAC Red Division Champions, LaBrae Invitational champion, third place Trumbull Country.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Trey Briarly, so., sprints; Brendan Cope, jr., sprints/jumps; Jason Daniels, sr., sprints/jumps; Tony DiSalvo, jr., middle distance; Ben Falfas, jr., throws; Tommy Gregory, so., distance; Andrew Hamilton, sr., hurdles; Matt Hayes, sr., sprints; Louie King, so., throws; John Liska, sr., sprints; Dan Moody, sr., throws; Donato Natale, so., sprints; Austin Osborne, so., sprints; Mike Pollifrone, jr., distance; Troy Seagraves, sr., middle distance; Ryan Sullivan, so., distance; Nate Sutton, sr., distance; Anthony Yassall, jr., middle distance.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Ben Cole, fr., distance; Tyler Messina, fr., distance; Ben Petronelli, fr., sprints; Tion Stubbs, jr., jumps; Willie Summerlin, fr., sprints; Marlon Szczepaniak, fr., middle distance; Jamie Williams, so., hurdles; Ameer Williams, fr., sprints.
Hubbard
COACH: Rod Greenamyer.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 3-7.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Addison Agler, sr., thows; Mike Beem, jr., sprints; Bo Campbell, sr., sprints; Lendon Dobay, so., long jump; Aidan Dudash, so., sprints; Ian Lowry, so., high jump; Jesse Record, so., hurdles; Mike Tobey, sr., sprints; Nate Tirabassi, jr., distance; Mark Verostko, sr., distance.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Tim BiBacco, fr., distance; Dylan Dobay, fr., long jump; Matt Jones, fr., throws; Tim Lawson, so., sprints; A.J. Pantone, sr., throws; Tevin Phillips, sr., hurdles; Larry Scott, fr., sprints; Aries Shaw, so., sprints; Tommy Stoner, jr., sprints; David Vavrinak, fr., sprints.
Jackson-Milton
COACH: Taylor Sowers.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Colton Horvath, jr., high jump, long jump, relays; John Lewis, sr., sprints; Jacob Millerleile, jr., mid to long distance; Dakota Mohan, sr., throws; Trevor Morgan, so., mid to long distance; Brennan Morrison, sr., sprints; Curtis Troutman, sr., long distance; Dylan Walters, jr., sprints to mid distance; Thomas Zlenka, sr., throws; Cody Vaughn, sprints; Jed Thorn, middle distance.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Kyle Gay, so.; Michael Guterwill, fr.; Jarrod Kegley, fr.; Graham Kirk, jr.; Corley Lamb, so.; Jacob Lattimer, fr.; Tim Lucik, fr.; Will McMullen, sr.; Mac Mohan, fr.; Ryan Moore, fr.; Colten Nitzsky, fr.; Kane Sanders, fr.; Dom Schmitt, fr.; Devin Seka, fr.; Caleb Spalding, fr.; Tyler Thorn, fr.; Robert Voland, so.; Nick Goodlin, fr.; Brandon Jacob, fr.
John F. Kennedy
COACH: Robert Andrews.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Fourth at Division III Independence District, sixth at Division III Navarre Regional, boys Division III 4x200 relay took fifth at state.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Rob Seger, Carl Zallow, Andrew Kovalik.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Dante Munno, Chad Zallow.
Lakeview
COACH: Mark Swinning.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: AAC White Division Champions, Trumbull County Champion, Division II Lakeview District Champion, third place at Division II Ravenna Regional.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Louie Novakovich, sr., pole vault, long jump, 4x200, 4x400; Trevor West, sr., shot put; Eric Harris, jr., 1,600, 4x400, 4x800; Elijah Henderson, jr., 300 hurdles, 4x200, 4x400, high jump; Lincoln Hall, jr., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, sprint relays; Jordan Lowther, so., discus, shot put; A.J. Miller, jr., pole vault; Trevor Watson, jr., shot put, discus; Adam Bogard, so., distance; Christopher Edie, so., 4x800, 3,200; Isaac Daffron, so., 400, 200, 4x200, 4x400.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Colton Ainsley, so, hurdles, pole vault; Nate Butler, fr., distance; Mike Mannella, fr., sprints; Dylan Pastovich, sr., sprints; Jarrett Pishotti, so., hurdles, sprints, jumps.
McDonald
COACH: Lou Domitrovich
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Division III state champions. Joynes and Kunkel were state qualifiers last season.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kyle Joynes, sr., distance; Patrick Kunkel, jr., distance; Bobby Johnson, so., distance.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Jonah Walp, so., sprints; Allan Coviello, so., sprints; Zack Conley, fr., high jump, sprints.
Mineral Ridge
COACH: Ron Toth.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Western Reserve Relay champions; Dan Skiba two-time Division III state long jump champion with 24 feet, 5 1/4 inches.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Dallas Bright, sr., middle distance, distance; Jacob Chiclowe, sr., throws; David Morris, sr., middle distance; John Cardona, sr., middle distance; Ryan Booth, jr., throws; Tyler Mohr, jr., distance; Casey Porter, jr., hurdles, jumps; Brandon Perkins, so., throws; Richard Benge, jr., sprints.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Logan Smith, fr., distance; Michael Lasher, jr., long sprints.
Newton Falls
COACH: Brian Bugos.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 1-4, second place in AAC Blue.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brandon Fuller, so., 100, 200, 400, long jump; Zebulon Suzelis, so., 800, 1,600; Harrison Woodward, so, 3,200; Dale Lane, sr., 800, 1,600, 3,200; Joe Spletzer, sr., 800, 1,600, 3,200; Tim Begeot, jr., high jump, 400, 200, 300 hurdles; Mike Rothacker, jr., 1,600, 3,200; Ryan Buchanana, sr., high jump, long jump, Dylan Derthick, sr., shot put, discus; Jared Matas, sr., 300 hurdles, 200, 400; Brian Moser, sr., 100, 200, 400; Myles Shade, sr., shot put
TOP NEWCOMERS: Josh Riggs, sr., shot put, discus; C.J. Gregory, jr., 100, 200; Jacob, Tocco, jr., 200, 300 hurdles, 400; Cole Frederick, fr., 400, 800, 1,600; Jon Whisonant, fr., 200, 400, 800; Austin Brown, fr., long jump, 400; Nate Niles, fr., middle distance;
Warren G. Harding
COACH: Charles Penny.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Fourth in Trumbull County, third in Lake Erie League, seventh in Division I Austintown District, 18th in Division I Austintown Regional.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Michael Audia, sr., distance; Zavien Bennett, jr., sprints; Ryan Bittinger, sr., distance; Domonic Davis, jr., sprints; Dalyn Gattison, jr., sprints; David Lee, jr., sprints; Jai-lyn Moore, sr., multiple events; Jalyn Powell, jr., long jump; Jalen Rogers, jr., sprints; Rahem Smith, jr., sprints.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Marcus Boomer, so., sprints; Terrell Bruner, sr., sprints; James Daniels, fr., throws; LeShun Daniels, jr., sprints; Corliss Eggleston, so., sprints; Orlando Ervin, sr., multiple events; Jermaine Jones, fr., hurdles; Kevonte' Jordan, so., sprints; Deonte Morgan, so., hurdles; Dontra Murray, so., sprints; Jimmy Rumple, jr., multiple events; Kevin Vingle, jr., hurdles, Anton Perry, jr., multiple events.
Girls track and field
Austintown Fitch
COACH: T.J. Koniowsky.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Second in Federal League, Division I Austintown District champions, Division I Austintown Regional runners-up.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Lauren Bones, so., hurdles; Gabby Figueroa, so., throws; Carissa Jenkins, so., distance; Liz Mosier, 400, 800; Jaymie Titchie, so, hurdles, 400; Kayla Bailey, jr., pole vault; Amanda Choma, jr., distance; Jaclynn Choma, jr., distance; Caitlyn Cominsky, sr., throws; Paige Henley, jr., high jump; Megan Miller, jr., distance; Theresa Scott, sr., sprints; Jenna Yacovone, sr., sprints.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Kayla Moran, Kimmy Muccio, Jasmine Washington, Andrea Fitzgerald.
Bristol
COACH: Jill Church.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Hailey Baker, sr.; Saahirah Cua, so.; Alyssa Howard, jr.; Stephane Keller, so.; Christi Kovalchick, jr.; Audrey Merlino, sr.; Becca Merlino, so.; Erica Smith, sr.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Maggie Allen, fr.; Janice Campbell, so.; Kimberly Michael, fr.; Olivia Pilon, fr.
Brookfield
COACH: Bob Rodgers.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Maggie Slattery, so., 1,600, long jump; Lindsey Swanson, so., 800, 1,600; Tori Thompson, jr., 100, 300 hurdles.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Allison Strimbu, fr., 1,600, 3,200.
Cardinal
COACH: Greg Cicero.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 9-0.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Christy Griffin, sr., sprints, jumps; Rachel Shrock, sr., sprints; Christina Morris, sr., throws; Kourtney Kelly, jr., sprints, jumps; Leanna Becker, sr., hurdles; Sam Palla, so., sprints; Melissa Nuzam, so., sprints; Grace Hickox, jr., distance, throws; Elizabeth Timas, so., distance; Sarah White, sr., sprints; Becca Klein, so., middle distance; Alexus Loze, so., distance.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Anna Futty, fr., middle distance; Alyssa Shirkey, fr., sprints; Avila Gyorki, fr., hurdles; Ashley Lucarelli, fr., sprints.
Garfield
COACH: Nathan Peters.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Lisa DeRue, sr., hurdles, sprints; Josie Baum, jr., distance; Asyria Gray, so., sprints; Abigail Hahn, so., sprints; Caroline Hann, jr., distance; Megan Kenesky, so., sprints, long jump; Hannah Kirk, jr., sprints; Yakira Lane, so., sprints; Briana Miller, jr., throws; Kaitlin Richter, jr., distance; Lacey Sharp, jr., distance; Annie Wilthew, jr., distance; Jenna Yeager, jr., sprints.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Aubrey Carr, fr., sprints; Courtney Chartier, fr., distance; Kaylynn Enzman, jr., hurdles, sprints; Kayleight Gilmer, jr., distance; Abby Harvey, fr., sprints; Kirstin Hoover, fr., sprints, high jump; Lindsey Jones, fr., sprints; Becky Kirk, fr., sprints, jumps; Emily Kontur, jr., distance; SkyyMcCune, so., throws; Sara Petrie, fr., hurdles, sprints; Julia Roubic, fr., distance; Edith Svonavec, fr., throws; Shannon Young, so., distance.
Howland
COACH: Sean Borawiec.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 4-2, AAC Red Division Champions, LaBrae Invitational runners-up, four regional qualifiers.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jordan Adgate, jr., sprints; Erika Airhart, jr., jumps; Haley Dieter, so., distance; Liz Manning, jr., middle distance; Gabby Matlock, so., sprints; Trisha McGuire, sr., distance; Emily Morello, so., middle distance; Rachel Morrell, sr., middle distance; Heather Stinson, so., hurdles.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Amanda Bertilacci, fr., distance; Morgan Buckley, fr., distance; Taylor Craigo, fr., distance; Olivia D'Andrea, fr., sprints; Nautica Hill, fr., sprints; Morgan Petronelli, fr., sprints; Cheyenne Wilson, fr., throws; Lydia Wiseman, fr., hurdles.
Hubbard
COACH: Rod Greenamyer.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 3-7.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Christian Bennett, jr., sprints; Marquette Gasser, jr., hurdles; Justin Goldner, so., throws; Kailyn Hill, so., throws, Samantha Mock, jr., distance; Jalene Novello, sr.; distance; Maggie Paris, so., hurdles; Melissa Thomas, so., sprints; Megan Vavrinale, so., sprints.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Shirley Flynn, fr., distance; Marissa Marando, fr., hurdles; Amber Mierzwa, fr., sprints; Jenna Wise, jr., sprints.
John F. Kennedy
COACH: Robert Andrews.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Fifth at Division III, Section A Independence District, 12th at Division III Navarre Regional, Kelsie Massacci took fourth at state in the Division III 100, 200.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Natalie Ambrosy, Morgan Rice, Nicole Rodomsky.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Natalie Hoso, A.G. Grant.
Lakeview
COACH: Cindy Dickey.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Gabby Capogreco, sr., sprints; Abby Dunn, sr., pole vault, high jump; Rachel Rubadiri, sr., sprints, long jump; Lauren Schattinger, sr., sprints; Kristin Palumbo, jr., sprints; Megan Goedeker, jr., sprints, hurdles; Megan Paskey, jr., distance; Kayla Reese, jr., shot put, discus.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Brooke Beatty, so., shot put, discus; Sydny Paul, so, sprints; Katie Chuirazzi, so., sprints; Morgan Sims, so., middle distance, hurdler; Hollie Frantz, so., distance.
Lordstown
COACH: Courtney Kellar.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Five regional qualifiers - three individuals and two relays.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: JoHanna Morgan, sr., sprints; Jessica Morgan, sr., hurdles; Rhianna Durrett, sr., sprints; Bethany Linert, sr., distance; Taylor Romain, jr., sprints; Katie Hartt, jr., hurdles; Sydney Negro, jr., hurdles; Annalie Fitzgibbon, so., sprints; Sarah Cash, so., jumps, distance; Rachel Oravetz, sr., sprints.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Danielle Woodfint, sr., middle distances; Marlena Liming, fr., distance; Lauren Gearhart, fr., sprints; Danielle Carrell, fr., hurdles.
Maplewood
COACH: Dave Deeter.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Northeastern Athletic Conference champions.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Marriane Brown, so., sprints; Natalie Danco, so., sprints; Haley Gatrell, sr., distance; Erin Pavick, jr., distance; Leann Penn, so., distance; Alanna Shamrock, jr., distance; Rebecca Shelton, so., throws; Kayla Stamm, so., sprints, jumps; Taylor Styers, so., sprints.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Kristen Barnhart, fr., distance, jumps; Danielle Elwood, fr., throws; Victoria Karlovic, fr., sprints; Stephanie McCartney, fr., throws; Deneen Penn, fr., distance, jumps; Natalie Rink, so., distance, sprints; Summer Spitler, fr., sprints, jumps, throws.
Mineral Ridge
COACH: Matthew Blair.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: not available.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Mallory Bower, sr., sprints, discus; Katie Fife, sr., high jump; Erica Leach, sr., sprints; Kayla Polan, sr., throws; Rachel Chenoweth, jr., hurdles; Chasity Digman, jr., throws; Kate Keleman, so., middle distance; Krislyn Smith, so., throws.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Madison Blanchard, fr., sprints, long jump; Alyssa Harkins, fr., hurdles, sprints; Alyssa Porter, fr., throws; Dejhonae Thomas, fr., sprints.
Newton Falls
COACH: Brian Bugos.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: 3-2, AAC Blue Division Champions.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Paige Moore, so., 100, 200 400; Tori Poledica, so., shot put, discus; Alissa Abraham, so., 100, 200, 400; Brooke Barecca, so., shot put, discus, high jump, sprints; Jenna Holub, so., shot put, discus; Kaleigh Mitchell, so., shot put, discus; Chasity Oakes, so., 100, 200, 400; Brianna Radcliffe, so., 300 hurdles; Tori Salvino, so., 100, 200, long jump; Haley Spletzer, so., 200, 400, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Hannah Zelle, so., 800, 1,600, 3,200; Stephanie Nussle, jr., shot put, discus; Shannon Montgomery, sr., shot put, discus; Marisa Toesing, sr., 200, 400, 800.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Jessica Wheat, fr., 100, 200, 400; Tia Harris, fr., shot put, discus; Samantha Luikart, so., 100, 200, 400.
Pymatuning Valley
COACH: Rob Palma.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD:
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Shauna Soderstrom, sr., hurdles, sprints; Lexis Cunningham, sr., middle distance; Gabby Lipinsky, sr., distance; Michealia Skleres jr., sprints, middle distance; Abbey Pike, jr., distance; Geena Gabriel, so., long jump, sprints; Savannah Kirby, so., high jump, Kendra Spencer, so., hurdles.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Rebecca Dillon, fr., middle distance; Abby Hamilton, fr., distance.
Warren G. Harding
COACH: Charles Penny.
LAST SEASON'S RECORD: Trumbull County champions, fourth in Lake Erie League, second at Division I Austintown District, fifth at Division I Austintown Regional, 31st at Division I state meet.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Alexandra Allen, sr., hurdles; Anita Brown, sr., high jump; Kiemon Gonzalez, jr., throws; Alexis Simpson, sr., sprints; Emily Stevens, so., sprints; Aminah Wesley, jr., sprints.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Candi Jones, jr., hurdles; Patrai Murray, fr., sprints; Danielle Myers, jr., distance; Tara Stano, jr., distance; Kayla Statema, jr., distance; Chyna Stroud, fr., sprints; Leaha Zachery, so., sprints.
Then came the state cross country meet at National Trail Raceway - the new site of the meet. The Ohio High School Athletic Association stated Scioto Downs couldn't hold the meet because there were slot machines on site, which is a conflict with OHSAA rules.
McDonald did like it did all season - dominate.
And, yes, once again, Joynes gave his all and collapsed after the finish line.
He vomited a couple of times and looked very pale.
Joynes was a propped up by his teammates and tended to by them following the race.
Again, it was Joynes that personified the mantra of the team.
This track season is different as McDonald gets back to its roots of distance running.
Joynes, Kunkel and Johnson will lead the Blue Devils pack into a run that may lead them back to Columbus.
"We are all trying to make sure that we are ready to help our team as well as we can in every meet and help the rest of the team to do as well as possible," Joynes said. "Everybody looks really good so far."
And Joynes might have one last chance to run the state 3,200 again this season.
"My biggest goal is just to get a chance to run in Columbus again," Joynes said. "It's never easy to do and never a given so just getting there is my biggest goal, but anything after that is just bonus."
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE 'W': Warren G. Harding's girls track and field team was the heart and soul of last year's track and field teams.
The 4x100 and 4x200 teams both placed sixth last season at the Division I state meet - the first time Harding girls were all-Ohio, top eight in each event.
This season, the girls entered the outdoor season as one of the state's best 4x200 teams - placing second at the indoor state meet and having the best time heading into the state meet in Akron.
Alexandra Allen and Alexis Simpson are two of the mainstays from last year's team and will lead the team into this season - a season with high aspirations for the Raiders.
As for the boys, which won the Division I state title in 2010, they had a down year with mostly freshmen and sophomores. Nonetheless, the Raiders were on the cusp of getting a relay or two to state.
This year, the sprint relays are much more seasoned and ready to take back its rightful place among the best in this area.
SHOWING THEIR SPOTS: Liberty's 4x200 and 4x400 relays finished in the top five at the indoor state meet and the Leopards proved they'll be a force in Division II this season.
With that, look at junior Jonathan Richmond, who was last year's Division II district cross country runner-up at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds.
That, along with Marquis Williamson in the 400, will give Liberty the potent combo it needs to be one of the best teams the Leopards have had in years.
GOING THE DISTANCE: South Range's Ryan Roush and Tim Nichols, Fitch's Carissa Jenkins, Boardman's Mark Hadley, pick a McDonald runner, Maplewood's Wyatt Hartman and Lakeview's Eric Harris are some of the best distance runners in the area - if not the state.
It won't be a hard prediction to say one of these runners may be atop the podium come early June in Columbus.
BADGERING THE REST: Badger sophomore Jennilyn Krumpe might be one of the best Division III hurdlers in the area. She took sixth at regionals and was two places away from state last year. However, she may concentrate more on the 400, an event she can excel in as well. ... Senior Kenny Bolyard is a dual field events threat for the the Braves. He was one spot away from state in the discus and was a regional qualifier in the high jump as well. ... However, one of the Braves did make it to state last year - junior Taylor Baumiller. She won with a jump off at 5 feet, 2 inches. ... Maplewood might have one of the best Division III 800 runners in Hartman, but senior Sean Dunfee will be up there as well. He placed fifth at the Division III Independence District - one away from regionals. This year, he'll be up there with a chance to go to state. ... And, an unknown most people outside the Kinsman area don't about is sophomore Leah Blaney. At Tuesday's home meet, she set the school's girls long jump record at 15-11. Keep an eye on this talented sophomore, and for a matter of fact, the rest of the Badger boys and girls teams.
THROWING IT ALL AWAY: Mineral Ridge senior Jacob Chiclowe broke the school shot put record set by Dan Lowery at the 1998 state meet and Jason Welliver in 2011 - setting the new standard at 55-3 at last Tuesday's home meet. He broke the record again at Saturday's Joe Lane Invitational, which is also at Mineral Ridge. Chiclowe threw 56-5. Chiclowe and Springfield's Stephen Lyons, who finished second to McDonald's Matthias Tayala at last year's Division III state meet, should have some interesting battles - all the way from dual meets to state.
NEW TOURNAMENT SITES: The Division II district at Lakeview is in its second year. Last season, the Bulldogs were the only local team with the rest of the area teams going to Andover and Salem. This year, the Andover District is no longer held and most of the Ashtabula County team move up to Perry High School, while the area teams go to Lakeview. It's the first time since Lakeview held the Division III District in 2005 that a plethora of area teams have competed in a Trumbull County-area district. ... The Ravenna Regional is no longer held and those area Division II district competitors move on to Bedford High School. ... Finally, there no longer a regional divide in Division III as some teams like Maplewood were heading to the Tiffin Regional and the others went to Navarre. Teams competing in the Independence District all go to Navarre. No local teams go to the Tiffin Regional this year.