South keeps improving times
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Nick Hoffman, left, and Yahs Williams are the captains of the Williamsville South boys outdoor track team. Both will compete in the hurdle and jumping events. Photo by Joe Eberle

The Williamsville South boys outdoor track team didn't win any meets in 2007 but even if the Billies don't win any league meets in 2008, coach Dan Syracuse said if everybody on the team improves, it's a successful season.

To improve on their record and times, Syracuse said every athlete needs to realize their potential.

"Once the kids know they have the potential to run with other teams, it gives them more confidence," said Syracuse.

Syracuse returns 15 athletes and debuts another 16.

Some of the returning athletes are seniors Alex Podvezko (distance) and Russ Schiess (mid distance - 400, 800), junior Yahs Williams (hurdles, jumps) and sophomore Huron Hill III (hurdler, high jump).

Williams and junior newcomer Nick Hoffman (hurdles, jumps) are the team captains.

Other newcomers who should contribute are junior Dan Polis (hurdles) and senior Tim Krempa (hurdler, high jump, long jump, pole vault).

Polis came on at the end of the indoor season by taking seventh in the 55 hurdles at the Section VI Championships.

The team is still young. Syracuse has nine juniors and seniors and 24 freshmen and sophomores.

Syracuse thinks Polis, Hill and Krempa will be strong in the hurdles and the team should do OK in the 400 and distance events. The 4x800 relay should also do well, he said.

Syracuse said defeating Pioneer and Williamsville East are some team goals.

Former East girls outdoor coach Paul Pignataro is Syracuse's assistant.
South 2008 Schedule
4-19 East at WNY Officials Relays
(Erie Community College - South
Campus, Jim Ball Stadium) 9 a.m.
4-24 East ....................... 4:30 p.m.

4-26 at Kenmore Track and Field
Invitational (Crosby Field) 9 a.m.
4-29 at Iroquois............ 4:45 p.m.
5-3 at Depew Wildcat Relays (John
F. Kennedy High School) .. 1 p.m.
5-6 at Amherst ............. 4:30 p.m.
5-10 at Holland Tulip Festival Invitational
(Holland High School)
.................................................. TBA
5-13 Starpoint............... 4:30 p.m.
5-20 Pioneer (senior farewell to
follow meet)................. 4:30 p.m.
5-24 at WNY Boys Track and Field
Classic (Clarence High School) 9
a.m.

5-27 at Town of Amherst Championships
(Amherst High School)
......................................... 4:30 p.m.
5-30 at ECICs (John F. Kennedy
High School) ..................... 4 p.m.
5-31 at ECICs (John F. Kennedy
High School) ................... 10 a.m.
6-6 at Section VI Championships
(Jamestown High School, Strider
Field) .................................... noon
6-7 at Section VI Championships
(Jamestown High School, Strider
Field) .................................... noon