Harper track teams off and running Saturday

The men's and women's outdoor track and field season for Harper College gets underway on Saturday, when the Hawks travel to Rock Island for the Augustana Invitational.

Harper's women's team is limited in numbers and features 10 freshmen. But Hawks coach Renee Zellner likes the overall skill level.

"I have more talent (this year)," she said.

The Hawks return three sophomores - Stephanie Chaires (Christian Liberty), Lori Delfin (Wheeling) and Taylor LoCoco (Prairie Ridge).

Chaires, a member of the cross country team in the fall, will be the busiest sophomore, competing regularly in four events - the 1,500-meter, 800, 4x4 relay and the 400.

Zellner likes the fact that Chaires has experience at the national meet.

"She goes after her competitors," the coach said. "She's a fighter. She is assertive in her running."

Zellner expects everyone to score points and believes the team's success will be dictated by the ability of the freshmen to adapt to the collegiate level.

"They have a lot to to learn," Zellner said. "But I think they will be able to improve be because of their enthusiasm and hard work."

Leah Kloss (Grayslake Central) will compete in all aspects (throws, jumps and on the track) of the sport.

"She is a really good athlete but has a lot to learn," Zellner said. With that learning curve comes a "great deal of responsibility. You have to prepare."

The coach said Kloss puts in a lot of the preparation time.

"Next year she will be even better," Zellner said.

Another newcomer to keep on eye on is Hoffman Estates alum Shayan Dussard, who will compete in the 100 and 200. She will also get into the throwing ring and compete in the hammer.

A trio of two-sport athletes are included on the roster.

Samantha Soriano (Hoffman Estates) and Danielle Reptowski (Schamburg) will compete after spending the fall with the women's soccer team.

Another two-sport athlete is Josyln Nicholson, who will compete in triple jump and hammer.

Nicholson spent the winter playing for the women's basketball team, averaging nearly 40 minutes as a second-team all-conference selection.

Zellner has always been partial to the throwing events, and the Harper men's team aims to make that a strength once again.

A trio of former Mid-Suburban League throwers are part of the men's team, including Brad Walls (Palatine), Edward Phillips (Schaumburg) and Laith Kanan (Palatine).

"The whole team works hard together," Zellner said.

The Hawks will also look to score big numbers in the middle distances races.

That group is lead by a pair of national champs, as Juan Barajas (Schaumburg) and Zach Stella were both members of the cross country team that won a national title.

Barajas (Schaumburg) will race in the 5 and 10ks with Stella entering the shorter 800 and 1500-meter distances.

"They just help each other" Zellner said of the duo.

John Majerus (Elk Grove) is another leader for the Hawks and sophomore Jordy Arriaga (Wheeling) will take part in the 400 and 800 runs.

Four Palatine graduates also will play key roles - Lamont Griffin (high jump, long jump, sprints), Nick Dorsen (400 hurdles), Eric Theis (hurdles), and Ricardo Ruano (400 hurdles, pole vault).

Sophomore Jalen Griffin will be entered in 100 and 200 along with relays, while Tyler Block (Conant) will take part in the sprints and the triple jump.

"The men are so driven," Zellner said. "This is a good group. All the sophomores are the leaders."