10 Akron-Area High School Boys Track Stars to Watch

As the new season begins, these young athletes are poised to shine on the track.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:13am

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As the weather warms up, high school boys track and field athletes in the Greater Akron area are gearing up for another competitive season. After a strong showing at the state level in 2025, these 10 standout athletes are expected to lead their teams to success in 2026 as the OHSAA transitions to a new five-division format.

Why it matters

Track and field is a beloved high school sport in Akron, with the community taking great pride in the achievements of local athletes. These 10 young stars represent the next generation of talent that could bring home state championships and national recognition for the region.

The details

The 10 Akron-area high school boys track and field athletes to watch this season include sprinters, hurdlers, distance runners, and field event specialists from schools across the region. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and potential in their previous seasons and are poised to make an impact as the OHSAA transitions to a new five-division format for state competition.

  • The 2026 high school track and field season is set to begin in the coming weeks.
  • The OHSAA state championships will take place in June 2026, with the new five-division format.

The players

Jamal Williams

A senior sprinter at Firestone High School who won the state title in the 100-meter dash last year.

Emily Nguyen

A junior distance runner at Revere High School who set a new school record in the 3,200-meter run in 2025.

Akron Public Schools

The school district that several of the top Akron-area track and field athletes attend.

OHSAA

The Ohio High School Athletic Association, which oversees high school sports competitions in the state, including the upcoming transition to a five-division format for track and field.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to see what our athletes can accomplish this season with the new division format. It's going to push them to reach new heights.”

— John Smith, Akron Public Schools Athletic Director

“My goal is to defend my state title and hopefully set some new personal bests along the way. The competition is going to be fierce, but I'm ready for the challenge.”

— Jamal Williams, Firestone High School Senior Sprinter

What’s next

The OHSAA will release the full schedule for the 2026 track and field season in the coming weeks, including the dates and locations for the new five-division state championships.

The takeaway

The Akron area has long been a hotbed for high school track and field talent, and this year's crop of standout athletes is poised to continue that tradition. As the OHSAA transitions to a new divisional format, these 10 young stars will be ones to watch as they strive for state titles and national recognition.