Springfield track teams showing potential

Of course big sis did. Cassandra, about five years older than Caleb, was a state hurdles champion at Springfield South and All-American at Wright State University.

Caleb, a junior, gets a pass on his boast; no brother is going to admit his sister is faster. But having a couple of Lloyds on the Springfield roster – including sophomore thrower Crystal – is a plus for the Wildcats.

“Caleb’s actually one of the few guys who can go to his sister and have that state-champion mentality there, too,” veteran Springfield coach Elliot Shuman said. “It’s not anything really special for him, but it is nice (for us).”

Neither Springfield team was a factor in the 63rd running of this meet, which saw Centerville sweep both the boys and girls titles.

Untimely injuries to key sprinters are still ailing Springfield’s boys. Senior sprinter Jeru Lolis tweaked a hamstring last week and was held out. The boys designated relay anchor, he’ll be key to how the Wildcats fare in next week’s Clark County Invitational at Northeastern and the regular-season ending Greater Western Ohio Conference meet at Centerville.

Caleb Lloyd is solid in both the 110-meter high hurdles and 300 hurdles. Junior Thaddeus Snodgrass also is a blowout wild card in the 100 and 200.

Snodgrass, a promising wide receiver, has verbally committed to the University of Kentucky. He’s faster than ever – he said he’s posted a 10.8 in the 100 this season – and like Caleb will be a key relay member.

Whatever Snodgrass does this season, it’ll be his last with the Wildcats. He plans to graduate early as a senior and play spring football at UK next year.

At this point Springfield’s boys are strongest in the sprints and hurdles. The girls are mostly underclassmen who have the potential to make their marks at big meets like this next season.

Shuman, formerly the head coach at North, likes what he sees.

“As long as the times keep dropping and we keep working hard, I can’t complain,” he said. “I get a little frustrated at times, like every coach, but I like the worth ethic and team chemistry.”