Indoor Track Winter Preview

The Archbishop Moeller Crusaders had an outstanding 2025 indoor track season, finishing third overall at the State Championship with 28 points, trailing only Wayne and Westerville Central. During State, Moeller was very successful in the 4x400M relay where they were crowned state champions. The relay team consisted of Jackson Butler, Gavin Barry, Dana Walker, and Trey Webb. Butler, Barry, and Walker were senior’s last season. The Crusaders first meet last season was the Ohio State University HS Qualifier. Moeller was first in high jump by Christian Stewart, first in shot put by Richard Obioha, and third place in the 4x400M relay. Moeller significantly improved throughout the 2024 season.

            There were many athletes that stood out during the 2025 season, but the 4x400M relay team exceeded expectations. Not only did they place first in state, but it was the second fastest recorded time in school history. Gavin Barry not only was a part of the relay team, but he also earned the All-Ohio honors with a 4th place finish in the 60M hurdles. Dana Walker finished 5th in the 400M Dash setting a personal record of 49.91 second and earning All-Ohio Honors, in addition to the relay team. Some other key athletes were Camden Pawlick who earned All-Ohio honors by finishing 3rd place in shot put with a 52-10” throw. Christian Stewart finished 6th in state in the high jump clearing 6’2.

We interviewed the Varsity Head Coach, Frank Russo, and asked him some questions about his team. Coach Russo is extremely excited about this upcoming season revealing 89 athletes have signed up for indoor track. This is four times the number of athletes in the previous year. “Our goal is to build on the success and momentum of recent years by continuing to give our athletes the chance to compete, develop, and measure their growth throughout the season” he stated. Coach Russo said the most memorable moment from last season was watching his 4x400 relay team capture the state title. He says there are some key players to look out for such as Trey Webb, Laden Adams, Gavin West, Teague Boland, Owen Speed, Preston Wesley, Kayleb Willis, and Henry Ocariz.

            Tony Acito, Varsity Assistant Indoor Track Coach, was also very pleased with last season. He is excited for his new roster this upcoming season. He is excited to see his Shotput throwers return such as Christian Harris, Koa Anoa'i, Alex Bolar, and T.J. Walker. Coach Acito’s favorite memory last season was when Camden Pawlick hit a personal record, at the Skyline Open, throwing 180.0 ft in the Discus tying the school record.

We also interviewed one of the key players. Trey Webb, now a junior, had positive thoughts on their past season. “It was really special because we made history finishing first in the 4x400 and setting one of the fastest times in school history,” he said. He is excited for this year because of the high expectations people have for Moeller this year. “I’m most excited for State this year to see if I can break my own record,” he added. Trey believes their team this year can do just as good, if not better than last year at State. He has a goal to win and is willing to put in the work.

For this year’s team the most important meet other than the State Championship is the Dave Wottle Invitational because it is hosted by Moeller this year at Bowling Green State University on Friday, March 6. This is important not only is it their home meet but is also their last meet before they make their state run at the State Meet in Geneva, Ohio. In last year’s 4x400M team, three out of four runners graduated. Trey Webb (sophomore) was a huge part of that team and will continue to have a huge impact on the team.

Some key players to look for this season are Landen Adams, who participates in the long jump, Owen Speed in the 1600M, and Trey Webb in 4x400M.  Owen was very successful with his 1600M run last year, placing 8th at State. He also runs a cross country which will help him increase his placement. Speed also runs the 2 mile where he was ranked in the Boys' Top 25 at the Michigan Indoor Track Showcase. Landen Adams, last year, had a heartbreaking injury and could not participate for most of the season. This year he is competing in the long jump and will likely run in the 4x400 along with Junior Trey Webb. Webb will look to repeat his success along with others like Landen who is ready to have his comeback season.