The Parry McCluer High School boys indoor track and field team will look to build off the Blues’ cross country season, where the PM boys won their third consecutive Class 1 state title.
Last winter, the Blues placed high in several events in the Class 1 state indoor track and field meet at Liberty University. Kebryl Chandler, now a junior, won individual titles in the 1000-meter and 1600meter runs, and he was a member of the winning 4 X 800-meter relay team. As a team, the PM boys placed fifth at the state meet.
Among other highlights last year, Chandler broke school records in the 1000 and 3200meter runs, and the Blues set a school record in the boys’ 4 X 800-meter relay. Last month, Chandler won his first individual state cross country title.
This winter, PM features a strong core group of returning runners, including last year’s 4 X 800-meter relay team of Chandler, seniors Josh Cooper and Logan Wheelock, and sophomore Caleb Cooper.
“We had some school records last year, and when you return the people that broke those school records, obviously those will be the big goals to get those times,” said PM head coach Chris Poluikis. “This applies to a lot of the team, but Caleb and Logan, who were a part of that 4 X 800 record and title, have gotten quite a bit faster during cross country, too.”
Senior Caden Mason, who ran cross country, also returns. Joining the core group of returning runners are newcomers Sebastian George, a sophomore; and Kayleb Vassar, a freshman. Vassar and George both ran cross country.
Poluikis says that Chandler, Caleb Cooper and Wheelock will target the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs this season. “They are three of the best distance runners in the state,” said Poluikis. Josh Cooper’s focus will be the 1000-meter run.
“I know the boys are really excited about this year,” said Poluikis. “Indoor is a little more relaxed. You don’t worry about weather, the races are great, and the competition is stable. When the boys have been away from the track for a while and they’ve gotten in better shape between that, they get excited for it.”
The Blues have several throwers out this year, under the direction of coach Danny Cole. The PM boys throwing are seniors Griffin Harlow, Vincent Wilson, Levi Hepler and Brendan Holdren. The Blues are hoping to add female throwers also.
PM will send its throwers to the first meet of the season, the Liberty Flames High School Invitational on Saturday at Liberty University.
The PM runners’ first meet will be the Liberty Christmas High School Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 13, also at Liberty. The PM boys’ 4 X 800--meter relay team will aim to achieve a state-qualifying time then.
Editor’s note: The team photo will be published after it is taken.
