Like indoors, a tight three team race can be expected between Newark, Dover, and Salesianum. Newark is led by perhaps the best sprint corps in the state with Brandon Reeves and Kenneth Black heading the squad. Kevin Muhammad is a top jumper and John Squier is now the man to beat in the 800. Newark needs Brian Kennedy to score in the longer events to give them more balance. Salesianum looks to defend their outdoor title and avenge their 2^nd place finish indoors. Austin Whittington is a star, while Mike Kowal and Mike Buonocore can provide help anywhere from the 200-800m. The distance team was somewhat depleted by graduation, but expect big things from Delle Pelle, Dececchis, Donnelly, and Gambogi. Dover is always strong and this year looks to be no different. Charles Gibson is one of the premier distance runners in the state, as is sophomore Gary Sumpter in hurdles and sprints. Maurice Miles is a contender in the 800 and Eric Blount is among the top jumpers. Sussex Tech was 3^rd last year, but was hit very hard by graduation. Justin Hardy and Andre Johnson need to step up if they want to stay with the states’ elite. Christiana should be among the top teams with Chris Simpson in the sprints and indoor winners Mike Williams (shot put) and Samuel Rurigi (triple jump). St. Marks can be expected to make a push behind sprinter Scott Vari and distance runners Erich Komdat, Jacob Martin, and Matt O’Brian. Other top individuals are Chris Bramwell of Middletown (800/1600), Chris Hill of Caesar Rodney (jumps), Gerald Backus (sprints) and Eric Hoover (800/1600) of Brandywine, and Andy Riesenberger (1600/3200) of AI DuPont, assuming he can return strongly from an indoor injury.

Girls track in Delaware begins and ends with Padua. They absolutely dominated indoors and this spring should be not be expected to be too much different. The Pandas are balanced, with sprinters Lauren Wallace and Simone Seal, pole vaulter Samantha Adams, and distance runners Jen Watunya, Samantha Lichtner, and Jessica Walsh. If anyone can be expected to challenge Padua, Dover would be the most obvious choice, as they finished 2^nd this winter. Falon Desselles is a strong sprinter, Jasmine Baldwin is versatile, Christen Dillard is a top jumper, and Ashley Walker can be expected to provide points in the throws. Glasgow is an automatic challenger because of the talent of Jernail Hayes. Maureen Lafate is also a top-flight sprinter. Brandywine is anchored by multi-state record holder Aysha Gregory as well as Anna Brousell, who has been dominating every facet of distance running since last year outdoors. Jessica Leitsch promises to give her teammate a challenge, and gives the Bulldogs a great 1-2 punch. Caesar Rodney should be a contender again this season. Elizabeth Paul is one of the best distance runners the state has to offer, while Rashonda Dennis and Ashley Cox lead the sprinters. The three headed monster of Morgan Hovington, Maddison Evins, and Micki Younger should provide tons of points in throws.

Enya Spence (Newark) is a contender in any distance event and Katelyn Ealer (Middletown) is a threat at 1600/3200m.

Division II Boys is a toss-up. No clear favorite strikes the eye as of yet. If there was any, Tatnall may be the team, simply because of their overwhelming dominance in distance. Coach Pat Castagno has assembled the best group in the state led by returning 1600/3200m State Champion Kyle Kershner. Jeff Strojny looks to defend his 800m championship. Steve Brown and Mike Ward have both dramatically improved since last track season and sophomore Mark Giblin quietly finished 4^th indoors in the 3200m. The only strike against Tatnall may be the lack of sprinters, at least on paper. Last year’s state champion Howard was weakened by graduation, but Mike Schmidt returns to buoy the team. Expect them to make a strong push, as they do every year. Cape Henlopen finished a mere 1 point behind Howard last season and can never be counted out. Marcus Hazzard and Derek Savage lead the sprinters and senior Nick Lemmon returns in the pole vault after winning last season. Archmere is anchored by Mike Hall, one of the top hurdlers and jumpers in state, and Peter McBride in distance events. Top individuals are Ross Horsey of Woodbridge (sprints/jumps) , Brent Gaines (sprints/jumps), and Darrell Lockhart of Hodgson (sprints).

The Division II Girls race to the title is as wide open as the boys. Cape must be considered the favorite with the versatile Katherine DeVilbiss leading the way. Elizabeth DeCastro won both the triple and long jumps indoors, but is also strong at the middle distance events. Stephanie Huerta is a solid sprinter and Rebecca Reidel anchors the distance. Woodbridge is led by Rayna Horsey, but was hit hard by graduation. Tower Hill should be among the top teams simply because of their distance team, made up of Sara Casscells, defending 3200m champion, as well as the Pike sisters and Myra Trivellas. Heather Reinhardt provides some balance in sprints. Tatnall’s girls are in much the same boat as their guys. If Lisa Klein forgoes lacrosse for the first time, she will undoubtedly be among the best in the distance races, and the Castagno twins provide support with 8^th grader Katie Kershner. Ursuline is led by veteran Julie Taylor. Polytech has a strong sprint corps led by Esther Okeke and Paula Green. Expect a challenge from perennial competitor Seaford, led by Caitlin McGroerty (distance), Cristina Garmendia (sprints/hurdles), and Christie Tobin (pole vault).