Warsaw boys track and field coach Troy Akers has accomplished something over the last few years that very few, if any, other local coaches have accomplished.

In four of the last five years teams coached by Akers have posted regular-season undefeated records. In his final years at Wawasee Akers coached the girls program to three consecutive unblemished seasons. Last year, his second season at WCHS, Akers coached the boys track team to an 8-0 regular season record. Along the way the Tigers won the Max Truex Invitational, the Northern Lakes Conference championship and tied for the sectional title with Elkhart Memorial.

When Akers was questioned about his list of accomplishments he simply said: "I've been pretty fortunate."

Last year a handful of Warsaw runners finished their season at the state track finals, Akers said earlier this week there is a possibility that it could happen again.

"Our 4x800 relay team placed fourth in the state last year," said Akers. "Three of those kids, Jon Dock, Greg Seiss and Justin Rice, are back. The neat thing is they're all three in different grades."

During most of the interview Akers was fortunate enough to be able to talk about returners or a large platoon expected to fill holes left by graduation.

"We've got a pretty good nucleus," said Akers. "We have 70 kids out, which is about double what we had two years ago. I'm pleased with the direction the program is going. Having a lot of numbers is good but it can spread you thin as far as coaches."

When asked the strengths of this year's team the Tiger mentor mentioned nearly every event.

"We're pretty balanced but I think we've got some of the best sprinters in the area," said Akers. "Then we've got some young kids who I hope can fill their shoes."

Mentioning the sprinters was just the beginning.

"Middle distance has always one of our strengths and that will be anchored by Rice and Seiss," he said. "Steve Fussell is a real solid runner in the 400. The distance group itself is about 17. They have their own group of kids, depth will be good there."

From there Akers went on to brag about his core of throwers.

"You could start an NFL franchise with those guys," said Akers of his shot put throwers. "They just keep getting bigger and stronger. Coach (Gary) Fribley, who is one of the better throwing coaches in the state, probably has five guys who can throw the shot put 50 feet and not many schools can say that. We have three seniors (Wes) Rodman, (Steve) McKinley and (Jamie) Elliott who will be strong in the shot put but Marvin Farmer has thrown the farthest to date."

"It's a unique thing we have with the numbers," said Akers. "The kids can concentrate on either shot put or discus. Jerrod Leisure and Ryan Brennan will be strong in the discus behind Steve Fribley, the defending conference champion."

Akers was then asked if there was an event or individual he couldn't mention.

"I don't know if we have a weakness persay," said Akers. "I told the kids it's much easier to get to the top than stay on the top. We know we have to work hard to defend our titles."

Warsaw will compete at Penn on April 1 at 5 p.m.

AREA TRACK CAPSULES

WAWASEE

Coach - Kerry Murphy

Last year's record - 2-6, 1-5 NLC

Key losses - Josh Cole, sprinter; Aaron McFarland, sprinter, long jumper

Key returners - Chris Lambert, hurdles; Rustin Mikel, 400M; Jeff Morchen, 3200M

Murphy - "Our strength will probably be the 400 on up through the distance races. I think we'll have one of the better hurdlers around."

TIPPECANOE VALLEY

Coach - Terry Screeton (12th year)

Last year's record - 7-5

Key losses - Joey Manns, sprints, hurdles

Key returners - Adam Smith, hurdles; Eric Carlin, hurdles; Jay Haywood, distance; Kevin Hileman, middle distance; Noah Silveus, high jump

Screeton - "The strength of this team will be in the middle distance events. Our weaknesses will probably show up in the field events."

Note: Coaches from Triton, Whitko, Manchester and NorthWood could not be reached. [[In-content Ad]]