05/09/2008
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Staff photo by Joe Phelanfrom the Kennebec Journal
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Staff Writer
Cony High School sophomore Rick Orio played a little for the varsity football team last fall. He spent some time as a receiver, defensive back and a kick returner. He was, however, no impact player.
Thanks to impressive indoor and outdoor track seasons, that could be about to change.
"I can't wait for football," Orio, 16, said. "I'm hoping to be one of the fastest kids out there. That's one of my goals, to be the fastest player on the team. I want to shock opposing defenses with my speed."
He's going to get the chance.
"He will be an impact player in the secondary for us," Cony football coach Robby Vachon said. "The jumps that he's made because of indoor track and outdoor track, it's unbelievable. He's gained 15 pounds of muscle and he'll be an impact kid for us for sure."
Orio is one of several football players who compete in track and field with the hope of becoming faster, stronger and more agile. Orio runs the 100-meter dash, 400-meter run and competes in the long jump and 300 hurdles.
Although he's participated in track and field since middle school, Orio says the results are finally paying off now.
"You see a big speed increase," he said. "My times are getting better. I'm getting a lot faster."
Added Cony track coach Shawn Totman: "He's also become a lot stronger."
Vachon and some area football coaches say they encourage their players to compete in track and field. Skowhegan football coach Mike Marston says track helps his players stay in shape and also provides a competitive atmosphere.
"We want our kids to play as many sports as they can," said Marston, who said about two-thirds of his team is playing a spring sport. "It helps with conditioning and building speed. The most important thing is being part of a team. I talk to them about it all the time. It makes them better athletes."
It also makes track and field teams deeper and better.
Waterville track coach Ian Wilson says he recruits anyone and everyone in the school's hallways. He usually convinces at least 10 football players to come out for the team. In return, he says he will teach them skills and techniques that will also translate on a football field.
"There's a close relationship with football," Wilson said. "Linemen make very good throwers and it helps them with footwork. Skilled position players come out and work on speed. We've encouraged football players to come out. They see obvious benefits of coordination of strength and the footwork in throwing events is enormous.
"For linemen, to be able to move feet quickly is really an important technique for them."
Not every track coach, however, is drawing football players. Kelley Cullenberg, who coaches the Mt. Blue track teams, says she rarely sees football players come out for track.
"It's frustrating," she said. "I haven't been able to break through. We're not known for throwing and not known for having super-fast boys. If we got the football players, we'd have a better chance of having that type of athlete."
Mt. Blue football coach Gary Parlin says most of his athletes play lacrosse in the spring.
"It's definitely a game that fits a football player," he said. "There's a lot of similarities. Lacrosse does give the opportunity for aggressive kids to be aggressive. Track is competitive, but certain kids are made for team sports not the individual sports. In lacrosse, you go to practice and work on game plans. In track, you're doing your individual things to qualify for state meets. It's just different."
Winthrop football coach Joel Stoneton is helping Ed Van Tassel with the school's track and field teams this spring. Like Vachon, Stoneton encouraged his players to come out this spring. Ramblers running back-linebacker Joe Morey, wide receiver Jason Raymond, guard-end Travis Hutchins and tight end-defensive end Mytchell Wilbert are all competing in track.
"We were in the weight room and we talked about them doing it," Stoneton said. "It's been cool to see them grow."
Said Van Tassel, Winthrop's track coach: "The offensive and defensive linemen, they need that quick, explosive power and that translates into shot put instantly because you try to get power from your legs. The shot and discus are just perfect for that linemen-type mentality. Any of the skill positions, those tend to be your sprinters and jumpers. That raw explosive speed is what you're looking for.
"Joel (Stoneton) brought instant credibility to the track program. He knows the kids. They have that level of respect for them. It's been tremendously helpful when recruiting kids to come out. Plus, it's a great way to make an impression on the football coach."
At Cony, one athlete already has.
"I enjoy track," Orio said. "It's a lot of fun, and I can't wait for the fall. I hope I'll see more time in the secondary and more time as a receiver. We'll see."
Bill Stewart -- 623-3811, ext. 515
bstewart@centralmaine.com
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