Patriot Boys Look for Contributions in Multiple Events

Powell, OH – The 2026 version of the Olentangy Liberty Boys Track and Field team is hoping for a mixture of leadership and talent to field a competitive team. Head Coach Nate Cikach, in his 11th season with the Patriots, believes much is still undecided, but the potential for a big year is there. “We have a lot of kids that love track and field, and our senior leadership has been as good as it has ever been since I’ve been a coach. Those that are most connected, committed, and competitive will be who we trust when it matters most.” Cikach added that it is time for several guys who gained great experience last year, deep into the tournament, to take it to the next level this season.

DISTANCE
The distance team took a hit, losing all four members of its school record-breaking 4x800 relay, and will rely heavily on seniors Jacob Ogilbee and Gordon Kimberly to carry the load. Past that, the roster is filled with inexperience and youth, with spots wide open for the taking. Junior, Brandon Craig, has surfaced as one of the favorites to step up after an indoor season that saw him post lifetime bests in both the 1600m and 3200m. An abundance of depth in the sophomore and junior classes will provide a glimpse into what lies ahead for this unit both in 2026 and beyond.

JUMP SQUAD
Long jump should be an area of strength for the Patriots with three 20-foot-plus jumpers returning, led by senior Carter Sullivan. Senior, Nate Hodges and junior, Heath Helmling round off the top returners. Indoor state meet qualifier, junior, Maxime Edwards, and senior, Michael Kromhout, lead the high jumpers, and senior, Ryllan Williams, is the top returning pole vaulter.

THROWS
A revamped throws unit has the coaching staff optimistic, led by senior Michael Freiburger. The roster has also beefed up with some new additions from the football team, including juniors Ed Nichols and Ben Rucker, and sophomore Brock Allen. Senior Blake Leopold, sophomores Greyson Meyers and Kyle Flannery, and freshman Connor Williams should provide depth and competition.

SPRINTS
Junior Levi Smith and sophomore William Murphy return from the state qualifying 4x200 relay to lead the sprints unit, along with 60-meter school record holder Daniel Anyanechi, fellow junior John Mohler, and sophomore Luke Fowler. Competition will be fierce for the rest of the sprint squad, with seniors Brody DeMuth and juniors Max Ford and Mace Mantin, and sophomore Ian Sullivan, amongst others.

HURDLES
The hurdle unit should be one of the Patriots' strongest areas this spring. All-Conference, senior, Agustin Martinez returns, as well as junior state qualifier and 110H school record holder, TJ Lichter. The two should provide a tough one-two punch in hurdles all season long. Senior Luke McFarland and sophomore Lucas Straub will add solid depth and fill out the shuttle relay team.

KEY LOSSES: Sam Brockbank, Elliot Gilbert, Zach Gilbreath, Aadi Joshi, Cayden Kocher, Christian Moulton, Sam Perez, Louie Perry, Zee Rabi, Logan Randolph

KEY RETURNEES: Daniel Anyanechi, Brody DeMuth, Maxine Edwards, Max Ford, Luke Fowler, Kyle Flannery, Michael Freiburger, Heath Helmling, Nate Hodges, Gordon Kimberly, Michael Kromhout, TJ Lichter, Agustin Martinez, Greyson Meyers, Jacob Ogilbee, Mace Mantin, John Mohler, William Murphy, Levi Smith, Carter Sullivan, Ian Sullivan

REGULAR SEASON MEETS: 4/8 Home vs Delaware (Opening Day); 4/11 @Dick Dei Invite (WV); 4/14 Home vs. Jerome; 4/17 @Delaware Invite, 4/20 Home vs. Whetstone; 4/24 Freedom Relays; 4/27 Home vs. Bradley; 4/30 Wayne Invite; 5/1 Wayne Invite & OHS Invite; 5/4 Home vs. OHS (Senior Day); 5/6 9th-10th Grade Invite @Orange; 5/8 Delaware County Invite; 5/12 & 5/14 OCC @Orange