Roadrunners preparing to debut most talented team

The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Roadrunners track and field team is gearing up for the start of their indoor season. Head coach Brad Hagedorn is encouraged by the progress he has seen in practice.

"Practices have gone really well," Hagedorn said. "We've been able to be consistent. Our athletes work hard. We have a great group — they're smart, dedicated, and they care. They're fun to coach."

Hagedorn highlighted the efforts of several student-athletes across different events.

"Our throwers group is arguably our best collective of athletes," Hagedorn said. "Tucker Singer is throwing well. The shot put weight increased from high school to college, and he's already embraced that, throwing the heavier weight farther than the lighter one. Isaiah Waller has returned in the weight throw and is practicing well. Joseph Bland, who was injured during last year's outdoor season, is back and looking strong. Freshman Demarii Williams is also showing promise. We have high hopes for the throwers."

Hagedorn also praised other standout athletes.

"Peyton Ligon, an All-American in the high jump indoors as a freshman, is back after missing much of the outdoor season due to injury," Hagedorn said. "Legend Freelon is another high-flying high jumper, and Zeshaun Ballance-Gray was a fabulous triple jumper in high school. He's been practicing well. Collectively, this is our most talented men's group. We're also excited about Landon Ashworth in the javelin. We could have many athletes qualify for Nationals."

Leadership for the men's team will come from sophomores Peyton Ligon and Isaac Philips.

"Jasper DeGraffenreid is another sophomore who sets a great example in practice for our throwers," Hagedorn said. "Isaiah Waller works hard, never misses a lift, doesn't cut corners, and does a great job."

The Roadrunners will face a challenging schedule during the indoor and outdoor seasons, competing primarily against four-year institutions. The team will open the indoor season at the SEMO Redhawk Invite on Saturday, Jan. 11, and close the regular season at the Illinois College Hilltop Classic on Friday, Feb. 21. The NJCAA Indoor National Championships begin Friday, Feb. 28.

The outdoor season starts with the CMU Open on Saturday, March 15, and concludes at the Grand View Classic on Friday, April 25. The NJCAA Outdoor National Championships begin Thursday, May 15.

"Our schedule is great for some of our guys because they'll be able to compete at that level," Hagedorn said. "Our athletes will be very competitive at the Division II meets we're attending."

Hagedorn identified the high jump and shot put as the team's strongest events.

The coach has set ambitious goals for the season.

"I'd like to see double-digit qualifiers for both the indoor and outdoor national meets," Hagedorn said. "I think it's possible, but we'll have to do things right. We need to stay healthy, improve throughout the season, and maintain consistency. If we do those things, this will be a great season for us."

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics