Over the past couple of years for boys track, the team has faced some adversity, and has had admittedly lackluster seasons. Now, legendary head coach Mike Moore left the team last season to spend more time with his family after having years of success at City, including a state championship, and most recently third place at state in 2023.
Filling in for Coach Moore is the new head coach Kevin Johnson, who has mobilized his efforts to recruit new students for track. Despite the new head coach, most of the strong assistant coaches on the team have been retained, which are a huge part in the team’s community and culture.
“My focus is not on last year; my concentration is on this year. Each year is different, and challenges come and go. As long as I bring my energy and enthusiasm, I hope it inspires everyone else to do the same and have a successful season,” head coach Kevin Johnson said.
With this new fresh start, and an extremely strong senior class, the team has a chance to make a run in Johnson’s inaugural season, and facing adversity.
“Honestly, I never worry about adversity. My primary concern is the athletes who show up, and I focus on giving them my full attention to help them develop in track and field. Those who care will be there every day, and the ones who don’t won’t stress me at all. As a coach, it’s not just about having the best athletes on the team—though that would certainly be helpful—it’s about creating a team that works hard together and supports one another in achieving success. This collaborative spirit can build a strong program, and then others see and feel that energy, they will be motivated to show up as well,” Johnson said.
Most notably for the seniors are veterans Linus McRoberts, Dominic Roe, and Raphael Etuma. Roe is committed to Wartburg for hurdles, one of the most esteemed division three track programs in the country, and Etuma is committed to Hawkeye Community College for shot put and discus.
Etuma’s older brother, Michael, went on a similar course, originally committing to Indian Hills Community College, and after two years of eligibility, he transferred to Iowa State’s track and field program. Etuma also broke his older brother’s record in shot put last year.
McRobert’s future in the sport is currently uncertain after this season, with no current plans to run in college; it’s possible this could mark his last season of organized racing.
Other key members of the track team include Ivan Shinkunas ‘26, who is committed to Hawkeye CC alongside Etuma. Tyler Rindels ‘25, who was key in the team’s throwing success at the two spots. Distance running is also backed up with runners like Max McDowell ‘26, Henry Vandeberg ‘27, David Randall ‘27 and Emmett Palmberg ‘27. They all will be crucial to scoring points in their distance solo events and relays.
Damari Lacy ‘26 has found success with the Little Hawks in track after transferring from West High. Committed to St. Ambrose University for football, Lacy boasted a 22-01.75 personal best in long jump last season.
Marshall Sheldon ‘28 is leading the team’s times in the 400-meter hurdles, beating the next closest by more than three seconds.
However, the team did lose a few notable runners this past season due to some foreseen, and some unforeseen circumstances.
Bernard Grant graduated from City last year after winning the state high jump, which helped the team score a huge amount of points at state. Dawson Kahl ‘27 transferred during the summer to Prairie High for football. Kahl had the second fastest time for the 100 meter dash, with 11.18, and only second to another graduate, Jermaine Holmes, who boasted an 11 second flat sprint. Adan Carbajal ‘26 exited the team this year after transferring to West High. Carbajal has consistently battled injuries throughout his time with the Little Hawks, and now is on the Trojan Track team.
The Little Hawks did gain transfer Savion Miller ‘27 from Regina. Miller is a three-star recruit at running back for football, but also dabbles in track, specifically in long jump and the one hundred meter dash. Miller will help the team fill the hole left by the departure of Kahl and Holmes.
City High has now started their indoor track season, with the IATC Indoor Championships taking place on Thursday, March 12.
