With over 90 athletes participating for both the boys' and girls' teams this season, 30 of whom are seniors, both coaches have a great deal to look forward to. And if that wasn't enough to build excitement, many of these athletes made nice runs at the Western Massachusetts trials last year.
Third-year head boys' coach Jim Buffoni is delighted to have the numbers.
"This is the first time in a long time where we'll be able to fill every event and have two or three kids at each one," Buffoni said. "Our numbers haven't been this high in as long as I can remember, probably back to the time when Herb Johnson was the coach."
Last year's squad had adequate numbers and ended at 2-5 for the season. This year, however, Buffoni has 58 boys, many of whom have the potential to earn serious points for Drury. And he hopes these numbers will create a more competitive program.
"I'm looking forward to a very competitive year," Buffoni said. "Hopefully we'll win some, but I want to be very much in every meet."
These high numbers are due in part to a large senior class. Two of these senior returnees, Alex Scheuckler and Wyatt Demo, are expected to do some damage in the 800 meters and 100 meters, respectively. Last year, Scheuckler finished eighth at the All-State Meet and Demo won the 100 in Division 2 at Western Mass.
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Demo will certainly do that as his personal goal this year is "to be the fastest kid in Western Mass". He'll have some tough competition throughout Berkshire County, but Demo is comfortable with the challenges. In addition to the 100, Demo will run the 200 meters as well the high jump and a new event, the long jump.
In addition to Demo, runners Scheuckler, Ben Carlson and Justin McCarthy will lead the team in distance events. Scheuckler and Carlson have been a part of the program for three years, while McCarthy has been a four-year member of the team. All three will serve as leaders for a large crew.
"I want to lead by example in practice," Scheuckler said. "If I work hard, people will want to work and will get better. As a team, we'd like to go 7-0; it's definitely possible with the strength in numbers and field events.
"Personally, I'd like to win Western Mass in the 800 meters."
Leading by example is what Buffoni expects of his large senior class and what could impact the program for the upcoming years.
"We've got great seniors this year," Buffoni said. "They are respected, they work hard, and they are all-around good kids. They will serve as nice role models for our young kids this year and next."
Rounding out the running events will be Buffoni's Division 2 winning 4x800 relay team of Nick Andrews, Scheuckler, Ethan Cohane-Mann and Anthony Milazzo, Drew Boudreau in the 300 hurdles, Chris Milanesi running the 110 hurdles and Jake Hopkins in the 400.
In the field, Buffoni is anxious to see what senior returnees Dave Carrigan, Adam O'Neil and Kyle Cahoon can accomplish as throwers. Senior newcomers Jason Menard and Matt Lefebvre will also add depth to the already strong lineup.
As if the Drury squad wasn't complete enough, Buffoni is overjoyed to welcome senior Adam Cottrell (McCann) and juniors Bill Bostwick, Colton Andrews and John Tietgens, who will also contribute in a variety of ways as newcomers to the program. Each will bring their athleticism and successes in other sports in hopes to earn some points for Drury this season.
While Buffoni is unsure where these and other newcomers will fit in, he hopes, "they will improve, find something they're good at and prove stronger as they get older."
He certainly will have an exciting season, one that may turn out to be a memorable one.
The girls' squad is also elated to host large numbers and even more excited to welcome first-year coach Jenn Allard. Allard, a Drury track and field standout in 2002, is thrilled to see the program back where she remembers.
"Track was a big sport when I was in high school, and it's nice to see the excitement (back). It's awesome to be back at Drury and wear the Drury blue," Allard said.
Allard takes over for former Drury track standout and coach Lauren Hobbie-Welch, who did a nice job rebuilding a program whose numbers had decreased over the years. She brings her own experience in the field and on the track with her to every practice, and so far her knowledge has paid off.
"We've broken down the events into the little things, the smaller steps," Allard said. "I hope the girls will learn all the ins and outs of track. So far it's been really, really fun."
Two veterans Allard will look to for leadership will be senior Stephanie Therrien and junior Miranda Bona. Both have a deep past on the track and a passion for their events.
Therrien will enter the 4x800 relay as well as a distance event. Bona will compete in the 300 hurdles and the 4x400 relay.
Both athletes said they are excited to work with Allard.
"Coach is a lot of fun and has tons of energy," Bona said. "Practices are different because she has experience as a thrower and sprinter and she's been helping them improve their technique. I'm really excited about this season because we have more people and overall we have a good group of kids".
Seniors Michelle Grant and Alyssa Senecal will also run distance events, while Shauna Lyden-Fortier will run the 100 hurdles as well as compete in the long jump.
Junior newcomers Stephanie Lindner and Molli Rennell, who made the move from softball, like the transition so far. Lindner hopes to compete in the 2-mile, shot put and 4x100 relay, while Rennell will tackle the 100 and 4x100 relay.
Both rookies are happy with their decision to participate in track.
"I like how track keeps me in shape and coach makes practices fun -- tough, but fun," Linder said. "I think I will learn a lot this season."
Throughout the season, Buffoni and Allard will interchange and work with all 90 athletes in hopes to create energy and passion for the sport that has been lost over the years. It's evident by way of numbers that their energy is being passed on to their team in hopes to bring the program back where it was years ago.
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