Quick Stats

● Sport: Boys Track and Field
● Coach: Coach Frank Dalton
● Key Athletes: Tymar Brickus, Connor Fogel, Noah Jones, Branden Long, Anthony
Tornambe, Chase Woodeshick
● New Faces: Jeffrey Crawford, Hernie Rivera Medina, Billy Myers, Dakota Randolph
● Meets to Watch: HOKA Henderson Invitational (May 1, 2026) & District 1 AAA
Championships (May 15–16, 2026)

The Outlook

The Upper Merion Boys Track and Field team enters the 2026 season at a crucial turning point. Athletes who have been training since the late fall and grinding through a demanding winter now have the opportunity to showcase their progress during the spring season. After finishing the 2025 season with a 2–3 record, the Vikings are looking to improve their standing within the Pioneer Athletic Conference and establish themselves as a competitive program within the district.

This year’s squad is built around a strong core of experienced juniors and seniors, supported by a talented group of underclassmen ready to step into larger roles. The team appears to be in one of its strongest positions in recent years, combining an experienced distance group with a rapidly improving sprint program, along with developing throws and jumps teams.

The 2026 season also marks the first year under head coach Frank Dalton, a young and energetic leader who hopes to guide the Vikings to levels the program has not reached since the early 2000s. Dalton has emphasized both physical preparation and mental development during the offseason, with athletes spending additional time in team meetings discussing leadership and mental toughness.

One factor that separates this team from others in the area is the sense of unity across the program. Many of the team’s leaders have long-standing friendships or family connections, creating a culture of trust and accountability between the different event groups.

Another key factor is the impact of a talented freshman class. Several first-year athletes have already begun to make an impression, particularly in sprint and mid-distance events. Four freshmen currently rank among the top 100 athletes in their class across the state in the 200 and 400 meters, while one freshman distance runner has posted the ninth-fastest freshman 800-meter time in Pennsylvania this season.

With strong offseason training, a new coaching staff, and an influx of young talent, the Vikings believe they are prepared to take a major step forward this spring.

Roster With Experience & Potential

Upper Merion will rely on several experienced athletes to lead the team throughout the season.

For the distance squad, senior Anthony Tornambe and junior Connor Fogel will play major leadership roles. Tornambe, a state qualifier in cross country and the 33rd-ranked miler in the state during the indoor season, is aiming to cap off his senior year with a return to the PIAA State Championships in the 1600 meters. Fogel has been a district qualifier as part of the team’s 4×800 relay during both indoor and outdoor seasons over the past two years and hopes to qualify individually for the District 1 Championships in the 800 meters this spring.

The two distance runners will also join junior Hudson Etezady and freshman Billy Myers on a 4×800 relay team that hopes to compete for a spot at the PIAA State Championships.

In the sprint events, junior Noah Jones stands out as one of the team’s top performers. Jones qualified for the TFCA of GP Meet of Champions in both the 200 and 400 meters and will attempt to break the school record in the 400 this season. He will be joined by senior Chase Woodeshick and sophomore Tymar Brickus, who helped power the Vikings’ 4×200 relay during the indoor season.

Meanwhile, sprinter and hurdler Branden Long will compete in multiple events including the 100, 200, 110 hurdles, and 300 hurdles after also qualifying for the Meet of Champions.

Freshmen Billy Myers, Hernie Rivera Medina, Dakota Randolph, and Jeffrey Crawford are expected to contribute throughout the season, especially in relay events, giving the team valuable depth.

What the Athletes Are Saying

For many athletes on the team, the culture of the program is one of its greatest strengths.

Junior sprinter Noah Jones described the team in three words: “hardworking, confident, and gritty.” According to Jones, the group balances competition with camaraderie. “This is a team that can have fun, but when it comes down to it we’re very serious about what we’re doing.”

Junior runner Connor Fogel also highlighted the team’s growing depth and competitive mindset, “There are a lot of young guys who are going to be put in positions where they’ll have to compete at a higher level than what’s typical for their age. But we have a group that’s capable of stepping up.”

Those sentiments reflect a common belief among the athletes that the team’s mix of youth and experience could help them compete with some of the top programs in the district.

Big Goals & Big Meets

While improving the team’s record is a clear goal, the Vikings are also focused on helping athletes reach new competitive levels and extend their seasons into championship meets.

Senior Anthony Tornambe hopes to close out his career with another appearance in the District 1 1600-meter championship and potentially qualify for the PIAA State Championships. The sprint group will also look to build a strong 4×100 relay capable of competing late into the postseason.

One of the most anticipated meets of the season will be the HOKA Henderson Invitational, which features many of the top runners from across Pennsylvania. The event will provide the Vikings with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best competition in the state.

The team will officially open its season at the Phantom Invitational at Phoenixville High School on Saturday, March 14. The meet begins at 9:00 a.m. and is expected to run through midday. Fans who cannot attend in person can watch the event live through 2L Race Services on YouTube.

For the Vikings, the season opener marks the first step in what they hope will be a long successful spring season.