Matthew Graham, Staff Writer
Kevin Kim, Editor
Berea, KY. – The Berea College Men's Track and Field team come into the 2019 season with high expectations. Entering their second year as part of the USA South Athletic Conference, the Mountaineers hope to not only excel in conference, but also nationally.
The Mountaineers have lost key athletes in Aldrin Vinton, Zachary Raab, and Tyler Harris but have also added a talent core of freshman who look to contribute right away. Freshman cross-country standout, Sair Salgado comes out of high school as one of the top milers in the state and is expected to be utilized right away. Freshman Tyler Little, Damien Bowe, and Steven Mickens are also expected to make a big impact right away.
Berea also returns the NCAA DIII South/Southeast region runner of the year Logan McKenzie, who comes into the season ranked second nationally for the steeplechase. McKenzie could potentially end up ranked top 20 in the country in nearly every event he participates. Coach Shawn Jakubowski also hopes to see Junior Tanner Carson, Sophomore Corey Carroll, and Freshman Sair Salgado qualify for nationals as well.
Coach Jakubowski expects big things for this team as they bring both great leadership and young talent to the table. "We have a deeper team this year than last [year]… We have great leadership in all the disciplines and if we can all fire at the right time we are looking to bring home the USA South Conference Championship."
The Mountaineers will open their season Friday, March 15, in Memphis, TN at the Rhodes Invitational.