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GLADSTONE -- The Gladstone boys enjoyed their season-opening invitational track and field meet here Friday, earning top honors among six schools.
Gladstone, with 38 on its team, will try to keep it going in Thursday's Delta County Invitational at Rapid River.
The Braves' roster includes eight seniors. They are sprinters John Hansen, Cam Kelly and Phoorianot Amernbonrak, an exchange student from Thailand, and Brett Boudreau and Mason Kinonen in the weight events, Sasha Olsen (high jump and sprint relays), Andrew Bracket (open 400 and 1600 and 3200 relays) and newcomer Mike Brazeau (pole vault).
"John looks real strong, and Brett is probably our top thrower," said coach Gary Whitmer. "Phoorianot is a nice, young man. We're glad to have him on our team. It's nice to experience that both ways."
Drew Hughes, who won the 1600 and 3200-meter runs Friday, leads the junior class.
Other juniors include Alex Eilola (distances), Owen LaMarche (400), Silas Breault and Kaden Simonson (sprints) and Gavin Depuydt (weight events.
"Drew has so much talent, and he's a real strong runner," said Whitmer. "I think we're a pretty well-rounded team. I think we're better in shot put and discus this year, and we're hoping Brett steps it up. We have a good bunch of kids who aren't afraid to work."
The sophomore class is Gladstone's largest this year with 14.
Among their leaders are Luke Bracket, Nick Matthews and Fred VanBrocklin (hurdles), Nate Young and Eli Berthaume (sprints), Tanner Howes (distances), Mike Stier (800) and Kostyn Olsen (pole vault).
"We have three decent hurdlers," said Whitmer. "Nate is probably our fastest sprinter. Eli is quick, a fast starter and strong.
Promising freshmen include Nehemiah Blair, Evan Woelffer (sprints) and Aaron Hughes (distances).
Assistant coaches are Mick Maslowski (hurdles), Casey Young (pole vault) and Christy Famonville (weight events).
While many coaches point to Marquette as the team to beat in the Upper Peninsula and Great Northern Conference, Whitmer says he's not sure what to expect from the Redmen this season.
"It will be interesting with them having a new coach, but their distances are strong," he added. "Houghton is also strong in the distances and Escanaba should be strong in the sprints. Kingsford is usually strong in the hurdles and sprints and it's the same way at Menominee."
The remaining schedule:
April 28 -- Delta County Invitational at Rapid River.
May 3 -- at Negaunee; May 10 -- at Escanaba; May 13 -- Negaunee Invitational; May 19 -- D-1 regional at Marquette; May 23 -- M-PC meet at Ishpeming; May 26 -- GNC meet at Marquette.
June 4 -- U.P. Finals at Kingsford.