Indy Star

 

By Melissa J. Phillips

 

Distance events always have been a dominant force for the Fishers High School boys track and field team -- and with high-caliber runners like seniors Drew and Alex Shields returning, that will not change.

What will change for the team?

The rest of the squad is closing the gap, setting the stage for an exciting season.

"I honestly think now we've kind of turned the corner, and our sprints and our jumps are going to complement our distance team this year," said first-year coach Nathan Warneke, who spent the previous two seasons as the distance coach.

"Of course, they're not Drew Shields caliber where they'll get to be state champions. But in the conference, county and sectional (meets), they'll definitely score some big points for us."

Not many teams have the talent of athletes like the Shields twins.

Drew Shields, who plans to run for the University of Wisconsin next season, returns after claiming state titles in the 800- and 1,600-meter runs last season. Alex, who's off to the University of South Alabama, took sixth place in the 3,200.

The Tigers, who placed fourth in the state last year, have some other talented athletes who've progressed rapidly.

"We've noticed some marked improvement in the sprints and some of the jumps that we didn't have last year," Warnecke said. "Of course, we have Drew and Alex in our distance crew together. I think we're looking solid for the year."

Senior Marcus Johnson and junior Chris Johnson, who are not related, have been impressive in the long jump. Marcus, who did not compete last year, leaped 22 feet, 1/2 inch at the indoor Hoosier State Relays, while Chris, new to the event, went 20-2 against Noblesville.

Also looking to make an impact are sprinters Sean Hildebrand, a junior, and senior Phil Stamm. In addition, junior thrower Austin Gorge already has set personal bests in the shot put and discus and looks to get even better.

"You can kind of sense how the sprinters and the jumpers -- and even the throwers -- are starting to catch up with the distance (events)," Warneke said. "They're starting to figure this whole thing out."