ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's track and field teams looks to continue its growth and progress heading into the 2024-25 season.
"We're looking to see where the athletes are at heading into this meet in early December, " Head Coach Matt Phillips '10 said. "It's a good first look to see what people look like in this meet, how competitive are they, and gauging what we can't see in practice."
For numerous members of the team, they're off on the right foot and conditioned thanks to recently-finished cross country season. Just a few of those faces include Yuner Sesmas (Apollo, PA/Kiski Area) and Finnegan Dean (Potsdam, NY/Potsdam).
Those who are returning have to fill the holes left behind by five graduating seniors. While it's yet to be determined who will step up, they'll have the assistance from two new coaches: Bill Sortore and David Brannigan.
"You can your specific groups now working with your specific coach," Phillips said. "It's not just like you're fighting for the time or having 40 kids for one or two coaches. We can pick apart form and technique, being able to teach some specific things to certain individuals rather than generalizing, so now each member of the team can excel at a much faster rate."
Some of those specific groups will come in the field as well. Jason Crocker (Oreland, PA/Springfield Township) will return for his senior year off the back of being the Outdoor Discus Throw Champion at the Empire 8 Championships.
Not far behind him will be second-year thrower Daimel Fowler (Baldwinsville, NY/Baker), looking to make an impact. Alongside the runners and jumpers, the team as a whole is looking for consistency heading into the season – and with their squad, there's a good chance of finding some.
"We're definitely in a better position, and we have a large team and getting in some good talent," Phillips said. "Our returning athletes are going to be better. We are getting in some new athletes who are showing a lot of potential, so we should be able to score some points."
The Saxons will look to start scoring points this week at Houghton on Friday at 4 PM, before heading into the month-long holiday break and then really ramping up their season from there.
-- Swords Forward Saxons --
