Young Core Looks to Lead O’Dea Track into New Season

SEATTLE — After a strong season last year, the O’Dea track team enters the new year with a new look and a younger roster ready to prove itself. The Fighting Irish finished second at Metros, sixth at Districts, and 36th at the state meet last season, showing they could compete with some of the top programs in the region. With several key seniors now graduating, the team will rely heavily on juniors, sophomores, and freshmen to step into larger roles and continue the program’s momentum.

Despite the youth on the roster, senior distance runner Maddox Fox believes the team has the talent needed to compete at a high level this season.

“The team looks very strong across the board,” Fox said. “We just have some all-around fine-tuning in every aspect of our team to dial in, which comes with the beginning of the season and not competing yet. But we should be ready to go later down the line when championship time comes.”

One athlete expected to play a major role this season is Elijah Cabrera. Cabrera was considered one of the best throwers in the state as a freshman but was forced to sit out last year due to a transfer rule, preventing him from competing during what many believed could have been a breakout season. Now back in competition, Cabrera also takes on a leadership role as a first-year captain and will look to make an immediate impact in the throwing events.

Another thrower to watch is Kyler Harden, who showed promise last season. Harden did not compete in a full season as a freshman due to grade eligibility issues but still managed to qualify for the state meet, finishing 20th. With a full season ahead of him and more experience under his belt, Harden has the opportunity to climb the standings and become one of the team’s key contributors in the throwing events.

The team will also need to replace a major contributor in the sprinting events. Sage Salopek, who graduated last spring, finished fourth at the state meet in the 200 meters, making him one of the fastest athletes in program history. With Salopek gone, younger runners will be asked to step up and keep the team competitive in the sprints.

Fox said one newcomer who could make an immediate impact is freshman distance runner Aiden Little.

“For the distance crew, we have a very talented young runner named Aiden Little,” Fox said.

“He got a varsity letter in cross country and swam all winter, and he will be a great addition. Outside of the distance boys, I’ll have to wait and see how we do at our first competition.”

In the field events, Brayden has already started to establish himself as one of the team’s key athletes. In just his second year, he developed into one of O’Dea’s top jumpers, using his athleticism and improving technique to strengthen the team’s field events. With two more seasons ahead of him, Brayden has the potential to become one of the program’s standout performers.

According to Fox, the team may be strongest this year in the hurdles and high jump events.

“I think the team will be strongest in the hurdles and the high jumps with two very talented people, Amani and Andre,” Fox said. “Both represented O’Dea at state last year and are returning as captains this year.”

The coaching staff will also see a temporary change this season, as Coach Nick Baker steps in to lead the program while Coach Mueller is away. Baker will guide the team while continuing to help develop the younger athletes who make up much of the roster.

Early in the season, Fox said the team’s energy and chemistry have already stood out.

“I would describe the team's chemistry as energetic,” Fox said. “We’ve got a lot of guys coming to practice even when it’s raining, bringing energy and excitement every day. They’re keeping the mood up, putting in the work, and we’ll see the results later in the season.”

The goals for the team are clear. According to Fox, the Fighting Irish are focused on bringing home a Metro championship.

“The team’s main goal is to win the Metro championship and bring it back home,” Fox said. “I think this is well within reach. After that, it’s about building a team that’s bonded and sending as many athletes to state as possible.”

For Fox, success this season comes down to one simple goal.

“A successful season is plain and simple: Metro,” Fox said. “There’s no other team that’s as well-rounded as us and deserves it more after all the work we’ve been putting in. There’s no reason why we should fall short of our goals this season.”

With experienced juniors, promising sophomores, and determined freshmen stepping into bigger roles, O’Dea’s young core will look to rise to the challenge and make another run at Metros, Districts, and the state meet.

By Justin Laylo, Max Phillips, Zion Moimoi