Cougars have talent, but depth will be a factor

By DEAN DELLAMALVA JR.

MVI Sports

After the spring sports season was wiped away by the COVID-19 pandemic last year, most local athletes are now feeling a bit of relief being back out on their fields of play. 

The Charleroi track and field team is just as anxious to resume competition as anybody.

“We’re just excited, the kids are excited to be back out on the track getting to compete again,” Cougars coach Joe Grodz said. “Even with all the COVID restrictions, it is still nice to have that sense of normalcy of being able to go out and compete, have fun, work hard and spend time with your friends.”

While the excitement grows for this season, there is still some resentment about those athletes who graduated last spring without the opportunity to compete as seniors.

“It was disappointing with what happened last year. I had several athletes who could have competed as individuals at the WPIAL championships and possibly the state championships,” Grodz said. “It was upsetting that they could not go out there and show what they could do.”

One of those graduated athletes is Jonah Ruschak who broke several school records during his junior campaign. Ruschak is continuing his education at the University of Pittsburgh.

This year’s Charleroi track team will not only be missing Ruschak but depth as well. 

There are only 11 girls and 20 boys on the roster. But those who are on the team have the flexibility to be used in various spots throughout the event schedule.

“I have a great group of kids who like to work hard, they’re great to coach,” Grodz said. “A lot of my top kids are what I like to call ‘jack of all trades.’ I can put them anywhere and they’re going to do well.” 

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