CHESAPEAKE – When you’re building, always start with a strong foundation.

Monday, March 27, 2000

CHESAPEAKE – When you’re building, always start with a strong foundation.

When coach Phil Davis began building the Chesapeake Panthers track team this season, he had two cornerstones to start the process.

Seniors Robby Isaacs and Danny Wassell are just two of the quality runners Davis has at his disposal, but these two have some impressive numbers behind them.

Both qualified for the state meet last year and Isaacs turned in a superb performance as he won the Division II long jump and 200 meter dash while finishing fourth in the 100 meters.

"Those are two outstanding athletes," said Davis. "We have some young and inexperienced people, but they’re not too bad."

Isaacs will again compete in the long jump, sprints, and relays, but he could also pole vault.

Wassell, who is capable of 6-6 in the high jump, went to the state in the 400. He will run the 800 as well.

Chesapeake won the Ohio Valley Conference last season and many other meets as well. Davis is looking to repeat or improve last year’s success.

"We won a lot last year, so you hope the players don’t think it’s going to be easy. We’ve got some guys who have to step it up. We have some sophomores who have got to score points," said Davis.

Waugh is not the only strong distance runner. Sophomore Ryan Slone was impressive as a freshman and he is joined by senior Scott Perry, junior Jayson Holland, and sophomore Brad Fulton in the middle distances and relays.

"Those four have to step up in the middle distances and relays, and they have to help us in other places. They’re all pretty good," said Davis.

Chesapeake will count on junior sprinter and high jumper Josh Waugh, throwers Eric Myers and Travis Jones, and hurdlers, sprinters, and long jumpers Jason Adkins, Jason Brammer, and Michael Hunt.

"They all have pretty good talent, but there’s not much experience with them at this level," said Davis.

"Our throwers are a year older and stronger, so they should be better. We have some people with ability, but we have to wait and see."