EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence High School outdoor track and field teams began their respective 2023 Eastern Division regular seasons by hosting the inaugural competitive meet at new stadium complex two weeks ago, the first home contests of significance for the locals in about a quarter century.

Both the boys' and girls' sides swept their opponents that day from Middletown, Shea, Tolman and Rogers to start off their respective slates with 4-0 marks. Earlier this week they each split with Barrington and St. Raphael to move to 5-1.

Boys' preview
East Providence went 6-4 in dual meets to place in the Eastern Division regular season last spring. The Townies finished fourth in the Eastern Division meet, seventh in the Class A gathering and scored a point in the state championship competition.

In 2023, the Townies count some 60 athletes in their ranks, including reigning indoor 300 meter champ senior Kit Ruddock.

"I am excited about this team because we have a good mixture of talented veterans and newcomers with potential," said EPHS boys' head coach Bob Lyons, assisted once again by renowned throwing teacher Deb Bellamy.

"There is an excitement once again regarding our program," Lyons continued. "I feel the energy at practice daily and my hope is that once again we will be amongst the state elite teams. I look forward to coaching these young men and seeing them progress throughout the season."

Ruddock is the team captain and should contend at the state level in the 100, 200, and 400. Senior Yusef Abdullah should be a factor at the state level in both the 100 and 200. Juniors Jaidin Ivy, Max Whiting along with junior Martim Moniz, and freshmen Justin Jardine could also compete on the state level in the 400.

Juniors Dylan Slavick, Cameron Evora, and Kenaz Ochogwu should vie for top spots in the high jump, triple jump and long jump. Emmanuel Kanger should be in the mix at the state level in the shot put, hammer and discus as he leads a group of throwers with potential that includes junior Jasper Chakouian, sophomore Machar Francis, senior Jacob Francis, Dylan Mays, sophomore Michael Precious, senior Isaiah Brown, junior Marco Cordeiro and freshman Peter Caron.

The 4x100 meter relay team will include a combination of Ruddock, Moniz, Abdullah, Whiting, sophomore Kwamahn Gilliard, Ivy, sophomore Lucas Santa Cruz, David Vieira as well as freshmen Roger Beaudet, Julius Cortes, Brady Platt, Tristen Nunes and Jietan Ruiz. The 4x400 meter relay will be among Jardine, Ivy, Whiting, Ruddock, Martim, and Santa Cruz.

Freshmen Jonus Rivera, Emmanuel Taveras, Stephane Mardy, Bryan Rivera, and Jaziah Cardenas are part of a developing group of hurdlers. Sophomore Will Anthony, senior Jayden Delgado, freshman Daniel Lukusa and sophomore Will Massey lead a group of young distance runners.

For the first time, due to the inclusion of the pit at the new stadium, the Townies also will have pole vaulters who will compete once they are deemed ready in Santa Cruz, Mardy and Rivera.

"My team's realistic expectation is to have a winning record during the dual meet portion of our season, finishing in the top three at the Eastern Division and top five at the Class A championship meets," Lyons added. "Regarding the state meet, the ultimate goal, as it always is, will be to win a state championship. The realistic goal this year is to score 20 plus points at the state meet and have a few individual and/or relay champions."

Girls' preview
After a solid season last spring, the Townies are setting their sights high on the girls' side.

A year ago, East Providence went 5-6 in Eastern Division duals to finish sixth in the regular season standings. The Townies were also sixth in the Eastern title meet and scored six points in the Class A competition to place well down the ranks. EPHS did not point at the state championships.

This spring, the Townies and head coach Mike Almeida have over 30 athletes on the squad, only three of whom are seniors.

East Providence's 4x100 relay team consists of sophomore Nazarae Phillip, junior Kandace Daniel, freshman Kendra Daniel and junior Giselle Raphael, who should form one of the best around. In Phillip and the elder Daniel the Townies boast of two top level 100 runners.
Freshmen Audrey Lepine, Keira Mullen, Aliyah Evora, and Jalena Gist are also promising sprinters.

Almeida expects his 4x400 relay of senior Gladys Barrera, Raphael, Mullen and sophomore Samantha Clarke to be among the top six quartets at that distance heading into states.

Mullen, as well, has already raised eyebrows with her performances in the 100 and 300 hurdles.

Freshman Kathryn Patalano is an aspiring 800 and 1,500 runner, giving the Townies some strength in distance events according to the coach.

In the field, Madison Slavick is a capable jumper, competing in the long and high variations.

"All in all if we can get one good thrower and a couple more distance runners, we could have a shot to win the state meet," Almeida added. "That is our mission this season, to bring our first state title since 1996 back to East Providence."