The beauty of any season opener is that for at least one day, anything is possible.

For the 2021 Parkland boys track and field team this season contains many possibilities, including contending for a District 11 title. The Trojans started the year by handily downing Central Catholic 133-17 on March 30.

“Each of them put in the effort to improve,” said Parkland head coach Stephen Ott of his athletes. “The meet was more about that than about the score. They took care of focusing on getting better, and the score reflected that.”

Lopsided score aside, Ott said don’t sleep on Central.

“They have a great coach in Dave Ackerman,” Ott said. “He is leading a young team. The competition helped both teams get better. It was a successful meet.”

One Trojan who had a very successful meet was Mustapha Salau, who broke the school record in the 100 with a blistering 10.74 sprint. Setting a new mark, previously held by Andre Williams in 2009, was a great accomplishment and could spur the entire roster.

“This was not a simple task,” Ott said. “I believe Mustapha’s performance will be contagious on our team. This set the tone for the season. His leadership is very important. His teammates seeing him break a record gives all of them a belief they can do it too.”

Other Trojans who did it too were Brady Hoffman, who ran a solid race in winning the 800, and Paul Abeln, who was outstanding in winning the 1600. Joshua Beltrame looked good winning the 3200, and Rhian Romain edged out teammate Justin Trexler to take the 110 hurdles.

Elgardo Rolle won the high and long jumps and Brian Warren claimed the top pole vault spot. Connor Sherwood took the triple jump and Noah Rode was supreme in the shot put competition. David Vahrmeyer won the discus throw and Christopher Facchiano claimed first in the javelin throw.

Over the next few weeks, Parkland will focus in practice on pacing in distance races and fine-tuning aspects of its jumps and throws. Ott is a forward-looking coach and that future looks good.

“I know our team will continue to improve,” he said. “It is about moving forward. We are on to the next meet. That is our focus. Move forward and get better.”

Their next opportunity to get better came April 7 against Whitehall, followed by a road trip April 14 to J. Birney Crum Stadium to take on William Allen.