ITEM PHOTO BY KATIE MORRISON
Akeem Blake is expected to be a key contributor for the Tigers this spring.
By HAROLD RIVERA
Last spring, the Lynn Tech outdoor track team finished at 9-1 and surprised itself in the process. The Tigers knew they had talent, but they didn’t expect to have as strong a season as they did. Now that Tech knows it can win, the expectations are high for the upcoming season.
“We were 9-1 last season and we had some outstanding athletes,” Tech coach John Hogan said. “More or less it was a good all-around team. We had a good group of freshmen and sophomores.”
The good news is that Tech returns that freshman and sophomore core this season. The bad news is that the Tigers lose star athlete Justin Lewis, who graduated in 2016 and is now shining on the track team at Worcester State.
“Justin’s the kind of kid that you need to find two or three guys to replace him,” Hogan said. “He was solid in four events.”
Hogan added, “They know we have a lot of holes to fill after losing Justin. Everyone’s working harder this year to step up.”
Key returners for the Tigers include sophomores Akeem Blake and Elvin Gonzalez, junior Jamie James and senior Juan Bernabe. The Tigers will rely on a handful of newcomers as well, including junior Belmin Berilo and sophomore Trevon Baldwin. Both Berilo and Baldwin were key contributors on the Tech basketball team.
Other athletes expected to make big contributions are senior throwers Jason Leoup and Justin’s brother Brandon Lewis, junior Steffan Gravely and sophomore David Barrios.
For long-distance running, Tech will lean on Edgar Ortega and Brandon Mendez.
On the girls side, the Tigers are looking toward senior Makayla Handley, junior Franciny Lechtenberg, sophomore Michayla Lawrence and freshman Jaden Thackson.
“We have a pretty good, strong core group of athletes,” Hogan said. “They’re pretty enthusiastic. We’ve only had four practices but it’s coming into good shape. They’re starting to find the events they’re best at.”
Joining Hogan on the coaching staff are a pair of familiar faces in the Tech sports community in football coach James Runner and basketball coach Stevie Patrick.
“I wouldn’t be able to do anything without those two guys,” Hogan said. “They’re great. It makes a difference when you coach athletes in one season and help them out in another season.”
Tech’s strengths this season will be an experienced core of young, talented runners and depth when it comes to events. Hogan feels confident that his group consists of athletes who are capable of specializing in different events.
“Having many kids that can specialize in the events is huge,” Hogan said. “We have a good combination of speed, power and distance runners. That’s what you need.”
The goal for Tech this spring is to keep the program moving in the right direction by building on last year’s success. While last season’s 9-1 mark was a bit of a surprise for the Tigers, this season the expectation is to finish even better.
“In any sport, you always want to do at least one better,” Hogan said. “Maybe we’ll move up a little higher. Last year we came in second in the state vocational championships. We want to improve on that. We’re a big team, we have 78 kids and that’s pretty good to have at this time of year.”
Hogan added, “I think with our attendance and our attitude, I think we’re doing really well (thus far). It’s a different attitude coming in from last year. Last year we finished 9-1 and that was unexpected. One win better this year would be kind of nice.”
Tech’s first meet of the spring season is on April 6 at home.