Xavier, Mercy combine track teams

In an effort to grow the Xavier and Mercy boys indoor and outdoor track programs, starting this school year the two schools have decided to run combined programs in the winter and spring seasons.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Xavier athletic director Matt Martorelli and Mercy athletic director Tim Kohs.

“Xavier and Mercy have been working together and sharing practice facilities for quite some time,” Martorelli said. “Now, we have taken it a step further and will combine coaching staffs that will work together to grow both the Xavier and Mercy programs.

“This program model is for both the indoor and outdoor seasons.”

Martorelli also said the combined program wasn’t done for budgetary reasons and the main focus is to grow the programs.

According to a prepared statement released by both athletic departments, this is the first time the Xavier and Mercy athletic departments have joined resources to manage two of their teams together.

“This is an exciting move for both schools,” Martorelli said in the prepared statement. “We can’t wait to work together with Mercy and create a new tradition of success as one united group.”

As a result of the combined programs, the Xavier boys team and Mercy girls team will share coaches,

resources and facilities.

“Mercy looks forward to this partnership with Xavier as this move will be extremely beneficial for both programs,” Kohs said.

Xavier boys indoor and outdoor track coach Chris Stonier and Mercy indoor and outdoor girls track coach Matthew Conyers will run the teams together.

Stonier has been the Xavier boys coach for the last eight years. Matt Conyers was an assistant boys coach last season for Xavier. He will take over as Director of Track and Field for Mercy.

Stonier and Conyers will work with athletes from both teams and oversee all coaching responsibilities.

Martorelli also said there are no plans for Xavier and Mercy to combine any other sports programs.