Despite roster changes, Franklin Regional track teams set sights on section titles

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Franklin Regional track coach Bob Ralston was surprised when he heard sophomore Monroe Law, who was a freshman sensation, transferred to Class 2A Winchester Thurston before the season.

But despite her departure — Ralston said he doesn’t know why Law transferred — he said the Panthers girls have enough talent to challenge for a Section 5-3A title.

That’s the goal of both Franklin Regional teams, according to Ralston: winning the section. The Panthers will battle Gateway, Penn Hills, Woodland Hills, Central Catholic (boys), Oakland Catholic (girls), Plum and McKeesport for the titles.

“We have a lot of kids who will contribute on both squads,” Ralston said. “The first goal is to win the section. All the teams in the section are equal.”

The top returning boys are senior Eryk Ralston, the coach’s son, in the middle distances, senior Gunner Perez in the high jump, senior Nate Kociela in the distance events and junior pole vaulter Jack Silvis.

Coach Ralston said to keep an eye on sophomore Arden Tomley in the pole vault. Silvis placed sixth in the WPIAL by clearing 13 feet. To qualify for states, he has to go 14-3.

“Arden has really made some strides this season,” Ralston said. “I also expect Nate to go far.”

Perez qualified for states in the high jump by clearing 6-foot-1 and finishing in the top four. He’ll also help in the throwing events

Ralston also expects the 3,200 relay team of Kociela, Ralston and Cristian Larson to be strong if he can find a good fourth runner.

“They’ll all have to contribute if we’re going to compete for the section title,” Ralston said. “We have to build back up and try to find more depth.”

Ralston said he expects junior Abby Paterline and freshman Caroline Shirley to lead the girls squad.

Paterline was a PIAA qualifier in the 100 hurdles by placing fourth (15.46). She owns the school record in both hurdle events. She ran a 49.05 in the 300 hurdles.

Shirley is a distance runner. Ralston said she will compete in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200.

“She had an excellent cross country season,” Ralston said. “I expect her to continue to be strong in the spring.”

Franklin Regional has a young team.

Ralston expects freshmen and sophomores will continue to make the Panthers stronger down the road.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

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