Carrollton High boys track squad youthful, focused on growth

The Carrollton boys track and field squad is entering its 2026 season with the scales tilted heavily toward youth rather than experience. That being said, one thing is certain: the Warriors share a commitment to continuing the program’s tradition of success.

Under the direction of head coach Mike Aukerman, now in his 12th season at Carrollton and 16th overall as a track and field coach, the Warriors plan to make the most of a season centered on growth and development. That’s because while the roster features several experienced seniors, much of the team’s success will depend on how quickly a young group can mature.

“We have a really young and inexperienced group and some promising young athletes,” Aukerman said. “Our focus will be on daily progression and development.”

Carrollton returns a core of senior leaders, including Brayden Limbacher in distance events, Killian Sweeney in mid-distance, and Christian Tejada in the sprints. Alex Carlisle and Tucker Burgett will provide versatility in the field events, contributing in throws and jumps.

The junior class also offers key contributors, with CJ Ash expected to make an impact in the sprints and Landyn Winker bringing some flexibility in both mid-distance and sprint events. A sizeable group of sophomores, including Aiden Fierstos, Andy Husk, Jakob Husk and Grant Thompson, will be counted on to gain valuable experience while contributing more and more as the season progresses.

In addition to the returning athletes, several names are expected to emerge as ones to watch. Cooper Fry will look to make his mark in the throwing events, while distance runners Andrew Childs and Carson Murphy could provide a boost in the longer races.

Childs and Murphy look to continue Carrollton’s tradition of excellence in distance events. This includes a landmark moment from last season, when Ricky Sibila set the East District and school record in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 9:27. In Sibila’s last time competing in the Warriors’ black and white colors, he placed 14th at the OHSAA Div. II State Championships.

Despite the preponderance of youth on the roster, Aukerman maintains that expectations will remain high.

“Our season will be dictated by how far our leaders are willing to take us,” Aukerman said. “The potential to compete at the highest level is there, and we look to build on the standards of excellence our program has been built on.”

With a strong coaching staff supporting both the boys and girls teams across all event groups, Carrollton hopes its development-focused approach will pay off by the time the Eastern Buckeye Conference championship meet arrives.