While its dual-meet record was sub-par by basic numbers, Guilford boys’ outdoor track more than made up for that when it came to the states section of the postseason.

Under first-year Head Coach Chris Skaggs, the Indians finished 4-6 in the regular season (1-3 in the SCC Hammonasset Division) before coming in seventh at the SCC Eastern Sectional Championship and 17th for the conference title meet. Yet the boys had a strong showing for the Class MM State Championship by hustling to 18th place with 13 points, something that Skaggs said the boys can hang their heads high on heading into the summer and the future.

“I set out to get as many athletes to states as possible, and we ended up with over a dozen guys that qualified to run in relays and open events,” said Skaggs. “That was above the number I hoped for at the beginning of the year. The dual-meet record, SCC placing, and overall invitational and state performances met my early-year goals. I’d like our dual-meet record to be closer to a winning season, but some dual meets that were close meets fell in the other direction.”

The Indians had three solid senior captains on both sides of the coin with runners Sal Siciliano (team Distance MVP) and Tim Kenefick, along with thrower Ian Robinson. Siciliano qualified for states in the 4x800 relay, plus on a solo level in the 800, 1,600, and 3,200. Robinson, throwing the discus, shot put, and javelin, qualified for the discus while being the squad’s top points producer in field events and took home Guilford’s field event MVP. Kenefick (named team’s overall MVP) was also the state runner-up for the 3,200.

“Sal Siciliano, Tim Kenefick, and Ian Robinson left a huge impression on our guys. From beginning to end, they led our season in points and personal bests, urging and uplifting our younger guys to get on the same level,” said Skaggs. “Practices were controlled by the energy and discipline they brought in, making the workouts stronger and the team as a whole grow that much more because of it. Young guys looked up to these athletes, respected them for not only what they were able to do, but their leadership and experience. They anchored and lead our relay teams, teaching our younger athletes to rise up to the top levels of competition.”

Other seniors were long jumper, sprinter, and 4x400 relay leader Sam Wong; 100, 200 runner and 4x100 and 4x400 anchor Zach Ligham (state qualifier for 200 and 4x100); Noah Elmeleki (Sprint MVP; state runner in 100,200, and 4x100); steeple chasers Austin Sattler and Ben Moscow; plus 3,200 runner Ian Connell.

In Skaggs eyes, the biggest feat of the season was the club’s meet mark. While the four wins may not seem impressive on the surface, Skaggs stated that the six losses certainly didn’t happen from lack of trying.

“The team had great athletes but not the depth in all events that landed wins in the meets as a whole,” said Skaggs. “We really came together as a team, doing well in all events on the track to turn out some great and fun meets. It was exciting every time we left a track knowing we’d won. Also the state 4x100 time at 45.1 and 4x800 [8:25] at the State Open meet were big accomplishments.”

Looking ahead to 2015, the Indians return a pair of juniors in John Reagle and Nash Singleton, both of whom are now a year wiser and can really hit their full strides come next spring in addition to a young crop of guys aiming to build upon this season’s accomplishments.

“We have some great juniors in John Reagle and Nash Singleton taking the reins from our captains. The young guys who had just learned their events really peaked at the end of the year. They ended the year excited to have gained some much understanding and experience,” said Skaggs. “That will carry over well into next year. We had the benefit of having a young team, and the majority of our guys get to come back and expand on this year’s success.”

Finally in reflecting on his first campaign at Guilford, Skaggs said that this squad left it all out there, held nothing back, and did its best at the most opportune times.

“Finishing my first year really ended on a great note. Our athletes ran their best times, and relays saw success with personal records at state-level competitions. As the season progressed, we saw better times, more wins, and personal bests getting set and broken,” said Skaggs. “When that peak happens at the right time, it’s great to see the success of the hard work, and I feel like our athletes got to experience that. This experience for our younger athletes who competed at the conference and state levels is going to make a strong impact next year. They understand the goals and possibilities of their hard work. The success of this year will propel the program in the right direction. I will look to build off this success and continue to grow.”