Suffolk, Nassau boys track 2012 preview

SUFFOLK

DIVISION ILongwood returns versatile senior Mark Jackson, who will compete in sprints, long jump and high jump. Mike Engesser (middle distance) and Dennis Russell (throws) emerged during the winter and should continue to produce.

Bay Shore has Kadesh Roberts -- the defending state champion in the 400 hurdles -- as well as triple jumper Omari Buckmire and throwers Angel Rosario and Stanley Constant.

Brentwood will be strong in the field events with jumpers Myles Fowler and Tevin Foster.

West Islip has a potent 4 x 400 led by Colin O'Connor, and Mikey Branigan and James Dickinson lead a young Northport squad.

DIVISION II

Smithtown West fields a balanced team with jumper/hurdler Devin Mirenda, thrower Matt Morganelli and pole vaulter Karl Nils. Michael Catalano leads a deep distance squad.

SEE PHOTOSTrack athletes to watch

North Babylon has Kris Moran, the indoor state 3,200 champion. Kamar Mills should contend in the high jump after clearing 6-4 during the winter.

Hurdler Tyriek Johnson is back for Huntington, as are throwers Trayvon Toney and Shaheem Lewis.

Bellport is led by Derek Palafox (distance), Travis Correa (middle distance) and Osei M'Bhaso (hurdles).

Half Hollow Hills West is young but talented, with sophomore sprinter Jarried Redwood and junior jumper Frederic Fils-Aime.

DIVISION III

With a talented distance core featuring Andrew Keresztes, Cole Conte and James Burke, Port Jefferson should be strong. Ben Neiman (hurdles) and David Grier (throws) will also be factors.

Amityville returns sprinter Vincent Jackson, thrower Cory Carter and jumper DeJuhan Gray.

Shoreham-Wading River has John Lee (distance), Tyler Keys (middle distance) and Tommy Sager (pole vault).

Stony Brook's Taylor Colucci is one of Suffolk's top 100 runners, and sprinter Andrew White could make noise come state qualifier time.

NASSAU

CLASS AAA

Uniondale returns its entire indoor state champion 4 x 200 team (Derrick Ingram, Nyder Chardonnette, Tresean Goodwin, Davon Henry) and adds sprinter Will Stanback and thrower Tyler Desire.

Syosset should thrive in the throws with John Aronson, Evan Kappatos and Brian Sheng. Michael Wilkens (pole vault) is back and Simon Nwana leads a strong middle-distance group.

Massapequa brings back indoor long jump state champion Joe Caraciolo and middle-distance runner Danny DeLuna.

Farmingdale has a strong hurdle duo of Kenneth Outing Jr. and Jeziel Roman.

Other teams to watch include East Meadow with hurdler/jumper Chris Garzia, Freeport with Jonathan Greenwood (middle distance), and Port Washington with distance runner Taylor Titcomb.

CLASS AAElmont's 4 x 400, led by Ayo Obadare and Brandon Atkins, will be tough to beat.

Hewlett's Brian Durdaller leads the pole vaulters and hurdlers. Brian Chambers will contend in middle distance.

Ryan Billian, who is strong in the hurdles and the jumps, is back for Division.

Lynbrook has middle-distance depth, with senior Brendan Dunn leading the 4 x 800.

CLASS A

Valley Stream North returns a balanced team led by Tom Bardabelias and Zach Bugge in the 800 and Kendel Levy in the throws.

Manhasset features distance runner Stephen Bourguet and Travis Burger in the 800.

Roosevelt has a quality sprinter in Erin Parker. Island Trees is led by Lucas Pugliese (middle distance) and Tyler Blauvert (jumps).