Highlands track and field coach Chet Foster was walking his dog past the heap of rubble formerly known as Nick J. Staresinic Stadium when it dawned on him his team would not have a home track to run on this season. The construction project that will bring a new football stadium to Highlands will force the track team to run a schedule full of away meets this year. The same is true at Valley, where its track is undergoing a facelift. "The kids are going to have to get used to the traveling and adjust somehow," Foster said. "It hit them pretty hard because they were excited about this year. But they have been working out in the grass areas. "When I grew up we didn't have a track either. I'm sure it will all pay off in the long run." Even without a home meet, Highlands appears to have the talent to compete in Class AAA. The Golden Rams return several standout athletes, including senior jumper Ben Ostrowski and distance-runner Andy Tomaswick, who finished eighth in the WPIAL in the 3,200-meter run. An influx of cross country athletes has added a new dimension to Highlands' lineup. "Some boys from the cross country team have stuck together and have been running well together since they came out," Foster said. Valley has some football players out for the team who could give the Vikings a lift. "We could have the best boys team in five or so years," said longtime coach Larry Rowe. "Usually, we don't get football players. We have a good group. "You have to get kids from other sports. That is what makes track go." Newcomer Pat Weber already has thrown the shot put 50 feet in practice, Rowe said. Marcus Hill has long-jumped 18 feet and has been solid in the quarter-mile run. With the track under construction, Valley has practiced at Springdale, Rowe said. Elsewhere locally in Class AAA, many eyes could be on Kiski Area come postseason time. Two Cavaliers seniors in particular could fare well. Joey Tutchstone returns after a sixth-place WPIAL finish in the 110-meter hurdles, and Mike Wagner was seventh at 1,600 meters. "I have some real high goals this year," said Tutchstone, who is coming off an outstanding basketball season which most likely will land him a college scholarship. "I believe I can do well. Last year, everyone that beat me (in 110 hurdles) was a senior. I hope to get a top three in WPIALs and maybe place at states." Also back is 400-meter specialist Greg Hutcherson, Mike Rairigh in the javelin and Willie Brown in sprints. Deer Lakes could be competitive behind a host of seniors, including sprinter Jake Collosimo and long-distance runner Paul Fleischer. Third-year head coach Lou Nellas also expects his relay teams to be solid. "Depth-wise, this is the best team I've had," Nellas said. "Our goal is to contend for the postseason. We're unproven, but we're cautiously optimistic." Team-wise, Deer Lakes will compete in Class AA. Individually, the Lancers will be in AAA. Plum will be young and inexperienced, but could see some good things from junior Cam Christeson at 1,600 meters and junior Alvin Hill in jumps. The Mustangs lost all of their throwers to graduation. Do-it-all junior Nick Novotny is back for Knoch. He was the team's leading scorer last season and should compete in the long jump, triple jump, 100 and 200 meters, as well as a relay team. "He could probably do other things, too, but you're only allowed four events," said Knoch coach Les Shoop, who will enter his 16th year as head coach. Junior Dusty Ziacik also should figure into the mix for the Knights as a 100, 200 or 400 runner. Fox Chapel's Chris Nirschel returns after a strong second-place finish in the WPIAL in the 3,200-meter run. Kittanning will debut boys and girls teams this season. In Class AA, Burrell has high hopes for senior 800-meter runner Adam Sharick, who ran to a third-place finish in the WPIAL and took the 15th spot in the state last year. Bucs coach Bob Kariotis said he had 58 athletes out for the team at last count, a staggering number for a Class AA team. That number includes 16 freshmen. Kariotis said he hopes the added depth will help the Bucs recover from a 4-6 season. Ford City, which has become famous for fast relay teams, should fare well in that area again. But the Sabers will also be strong in the 800-meter run behind senior Phil Hahn, who was sixth in the WPIAL in that event last year. Freeport has to replace state hurdles gold medalist Bobby Woods, but it could have a viable replacement in junior Talan Conjack. Senior Tom Sprajcar will look to get Riverview in the hunt as he competes in various events, including the 100, shot put and javelin.

Local athletes to watch

Dan Dynys, Jr., Burrell, 400-, 800-meter runs. Adam Sharick, Sr., Burrell, 800-meter run. Seth Fox, Jr., Ford City, 100-meter run. Phil Hahn, Sr., Ford City, 800-meter run. Chris Nirschel, Sr., Fox Chapel, 3,200-meter run. Talan Conjack, Jr., Freeport, 110-meter hurdles. Ben Ostrowski, Sr., Highlands, long, triple jumps. Andy Tomaswick, Jr., Highlands, 3,200-meter run. Mike Rairigh, Sr., Kiski Area, javelin. Joey Tutchstone, Sr., Kiski Area, 110-meter hurdles. Mike Wagner, Sr., Kiski Area, 1,600-meter run. Nick Novotny, Jr., Knoch, 100-, 200-meter run. Cam Christeson, Jr., Plum, 1,600-meter run. Alvin Hill, Jr., Plum, long, triple jumps.

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