More numbers may mean for opportunities.

With a roster of 28, Ironton Fighting Tigers coach Greg Cronacher said arranging events could be a little easier this season.

"We have more depth in the sprints than we've had in the past. We have about seven instead of three or four. That opens up some other events like high jump long jump and relays," Cronacher said.

Cronacher listed Derique Bacon, Aaron Quinn, Darien Gantt, Jeff Pleasant, Marcus Turner, Marland Turner, D. J. Carter, Shawn Miller, Shane Kerns and Marcus Williams as sprinters. Cronacher said Quinn and Bacon both looked strong in the hurdles, too.

"The competition juices within the team are flowing pretty good. They're really working hard and pushing each other. They'll all benefit from the competition and make each other better," Cronacher said.

With a large group of sprinters, Cronacher said it should help in building relay teams.

The addition of Ben Murphy in the shot put and discus adds depth to returnee Josh Carty. But Cronacher said Robin Fout and Jeremy Akers both "have some strength. We've got seven throwers and they're all pushing each other. They know they have to throw well every day to keep their spot."

Williams will high jump, long jump, and run in the relays. Bacon qualified for the regionals in the long jump as a freshman and Quinn figures to be in the mix. Quinn could also high jump.

"Our jumpers should be good all the way around," Cronacher said.

Justin Gillum, who cleared 12-6 last year, leads the pole vault. He is joined by Aaron Hasenauer who saw some action last season.

"Gillum should get better as the year goes on. We expect him to do well," Cronacher said.

Jeff Flegel and Jason Philabaun are the top returning distance runners.

Daniel Murphy will give Ironton a solid 800 runner. He will be joined by Hasenauer who could also join some relays.

"Daniel Murphy is working hard and providing a lot of leadership. He always gives you his best effort," Cronacher said.

Some of the track runners are late in coming out due to the basketball team's extended season. Ironton reached the district finals.

"I wouldn't care if we had guys coming out late every year. I'm all for the basketball team going as far as they can," Cronacher said.

IRONTON BOYS TRACK

2003 Roster

Player, Event,Grade

Daniel Murphy, Mid-Distance, 12

Jeff Pleasant,Sprint/LJ, 12

Marcus Turner,Sprint,12

Jason Philabaun,Distance,12

Aaron Wileman, Distance,12

Dontue' Royal,Distance,12

Eddie Roach,Distance,12

Justin Gillum,PV/MD,11

Aaron Hasenauer,PV/MD,11

Derique Bacon,H/LJ,11

Darien Gantt,Sprints,11

Jeremy Akers,SP/Discus,11

Robin Fout,SP/Discus,11

Ben Murphy,SP/Discus,11

Marland Turner,Sprints/LJ,11

Jeff Flegel,MD,11

Carl Harvey,Sprints,11

Aaron Quinn,Sprt/LJ/HJ,11

Marcus Williams,Sprt/LJ/HJ,10

D. J. Carter,Sprints,10

Josh Carty,SP/Discus,10

B. J. Robinson,SP/Discus,10

Greg Igo,SP/Discus,10

Shane Kerns,Sprints/LJ,10

Brent Ervin,SP/Disc,10

Shawn Miller,Sprints,10

Jess Zornes,Pole Vault,9

Cole Friend,SP/Discus,9

Shawn Rucke,rDistance,9

Head coach:

Greg Cronacher

Assistant coaches: Kevin Richardson, Joe Young, John Pemberton

2003 Schedule

MARCH

29at Fairland Early Bird

APRIL

5IRONTON INVITATIONAL

8at Fairland Quad Meet

11at Chesapeake Invitational

15IRONTON QUAD MEET

17at Coal Grove Invitational

22IRONTON JR. HIGH INVITATIONAL

25at Fairland Invitational

MAY

2at Charleston Gazette Relays

3at Charleston Gazette Relays

6at Chesapeake Relays

9at Rock Hill Invitational

21District Track Meet

24District Track Meet

28Regional Track Meet

30Regional Track Meet

JUNE

6State Track Meet

7State Track Meet