The Chagrin Valley Conference enters the 2026 track and field season with a mix of proven stars and rising contenders ready to make their mark.
From state placers already competing on the biggest stage to regional qualifiers knocking on the door, the CVC is once again loaded with talent across all three divisions. The depth is there. The experience is there. Now, it’s about who takes the next step.
Division I: Building Momentum
Harvey senior Ethan Eudell headlines Division I after qualifying for state in the 300 hurdles and continuing to show consistency at the regional level in both hurdle events. He remains one of the conference’s most reliable point scorers.
The Red Raiders also bring back junior Eryck McClain, who cleared 6-2 in the high jump at regionals and gives Harvey another strong presence in the field events.
Geneva features versatility across multiple disciplines, led by junior Joseph Pecore in the pole vault, along with contributions from junior Jacob Clemens in the shot put and sophomore Cooper Dubsky in the long jump.
Additional regional contributors include Madison senior Addison Wesley in the shot put and Lakeside junior Paul Siler in the discus, both of whom showed the ability to compete at a high level late in the season.
Division II: Speed and Power at the Top
Division II is once again led by Beachwood, where sophomore Kyrsten Ginn returns as a state placer in both the 100 and 200, while junior Meena Abdul-Basser is already a state runner-up in the 400 and a key piece of the Bison’s dominant relay groups.
Alongside Marley Readance and K’Dyn Harris-Tate, Beachwood’s sprint relays remain among the best in the state and will be a focal point throughout the postseason.
Crestwood senior Liv Martini provides elite versatility after qualifying for state in multiple sprint events, while West Geauga senior Kara Deister continues to stand out as one of the conference’s top all-around athletes in both the hurdles and high jump.
In the field events, Perry sophomore Emily Mechenbier returns as a state champion in the shot put, making her one of the most dominant throwers in Ohio regardless of division. Teammate Traxton Richards adds elite ability in the pole vault after a runner-up finish at state.
Berkshire also brings back emerging talent in the hurdles, where sophomore Makenna Felker turned in a strong regional performance in the 300 hurdles, adding another name to watch in an already deep event group.
Distance events are anchored by Conneaut sophomore Vivianna Cellini and Chagrin Falls sophomore Gabby Byrne, both of whom continue to trend upward after strong postseason performances.
Additional contributors such as Orange sophomore Marina Campbell, Fairview senior Molly Koczur, and Jefferson senior Gabby Talley add depth across multiple events, reinforcing the strength of the division.
Division III: Relays and Rising Stars
Division III continues to be defined by explosive relays and multi-event athletes.
Trinity returns one of the top sprint groups in the conference, led by juniors Orlando Smith-Carle and Jayden Moore, along with senior Davarie Bennett, all key contributors to state-placing relay teams.
Independence junior Carter Howard leads the way in the hurdles after qualifying for state, while also contributing across relays. Teammate Jacob Jurkiewicz provides strength in the 400, and senior Stephen Mlynarczyk adds consistency in the high jump.
Cuyahoga Heights brings balance across the board, with seniors Gavin Chamberlin and Tristan West leading the sprint relays, while senior Maurice McClardy enters the season as a regional champion in the high jump.
Distance strength comes from Kirtland, where senior Izzie Copeland and sophomore Kylie Sayle return from a state-placing 4×800 relay and will look to build on that success individually.
Additional athletes to watch include Kirtland senior Charlie Vignero in the throws and Cuyahoga Heights senior Aden Ewelt in the jumps, both of whom showed strong regional performances a season ago.
Closing
The CVC enters the 2026 season with no shortage of talent, depth, or experience.
From returning state placers to emerging regional contenders, the conference is positioned for another strong postseason run across all three divisions.
Now, it’s about turning potential into podium finishes.
