The Dukes will enter the 2015 season with robust momentum from last season’s success. Led by Hall of Fame Coach Stan Reddel, York brought home its first track title since 2000.

This year, the Dukes are looking like a brand new team. The most immediate change was the hiring of Charlie Kern as the teams’ new head coach. Kern, a York Social Studies teacher, has experience with York Cross Country and Track dating back to 20 years ago. He hopes his bevy of knowledge and arsenal of training methods can help the team in the long run.

“My initial reaction to be hired was excitement,” said Kern. “The number one reason for improvement is the ability to constantly train and avoid injury.

Although the Dukes have a young team with a rookie coach, team goals from last year have stabalized. The team is now lead by sprinter Alex Teague and distance runner Matt Plowman, who both have previously represented the team down at state.

“As reigning champions we have a target on our back, we really need to stay focused and not be distracted,” said Plowman.

An event of the team that will be vital to reaccuring state success is the the results from the pole vaulters. At the Downers Grove dual meet, Sophomore Brian Maderino posted the 25th best vault in the state at 12’6. With three vaulters (Manderino, David Prigg, and Ethan Kett) in serious contention for the state meet, prospects are high for the squad.

“We have to have two guys qualify for the state meet and score some points for the team,” said pole vault Coach Petranek.

With such large, talented group of vaulters this year, one athlete sticks out to Petranik as the leader of them all.

“David Prigg will step up, he’s a senior and he’s our best vaulter. If he jumps to potential, he will score at state,” Petranik said.

As the new season begins, the hype of the indoor season hits the runners. Some key indoor meets the team will be performing at as a judgement of their talent include the Proviso Invite and the York Invite. Even though Indoor season does not matter in terms of state meet placement, the goal still remains clear.

“We just have to win,” said Teague.

Essentially, a bulk of valiance and maturity will determine whether this team can repeat as state champions.

“The ultimate goal for our team is to set personal bests, enjoy the process, and love to compete. If we accomplish these three goals we will have achieved a winning season both individually and collectively,” said Kern.