Parkland boys track and field coach Stephen Ott is cautiously optimistic about his team’s 2021 prospects.

“We are off to a great start,” said Ott of the initial practice sessions. “I can’t wait to see the success our student-athletes will have on the track and in the field.”

Exactly what constitutes a successful season this year is different from normal.

“It will be one where we first have a meet, followed by the next, with the hope that we have them all along with the postseason of leagues, districts and states,” he said.

While wins and losses are not a focus, Ott knows a successful campaign will require a fast start. Only five dual meets are scheduled before the post season.

Ott’s Trojans shouldn’t have to stumble around finding themselves. They have plenty of talented, experienced and motivated athletes ready to rumble. Seniors Josh Beltrame and Ben Esquires are among the East Penn Conferences’s best distance runners. Each young man has achieved considerable individual recognition and it’s possible their best runs could occur this spring. Jumpers Elgardo Rolle and Gabriel Blocker provide more talent and senior leadership. The sprinter contingent - Mustapha Salau, Rhian Romain, Tyler Vicari, Connor Sherwood, Humza Imam and Justin Trexler - are not only fast, but technically sound and savvy. Senior Christopher Facchiano anchors the throwers.

Parkland’s team success will ultimately rest on depth. Sophomores Brady Hoffman and Brian Warren and freshman Paul Abeln are solid recruits in distance, while sophomores Dylan Simon, Kash Kern and Drew Czajkowski and freshman Trey Tremba are the top newest sprinters.

The Trojans’ season opener is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. March 31 at Allentown Central Catholic.