Indoor or Winter track is not yet recognized as a varsity sport by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Therefore the indoor season is more of a club sport or activity. In the East Coast, indoor track is a recognized varsity sport which includes state championships, Eastern States Championships and Nationals. The high school coaches of Ohio are working for the possibility of making indoor track a varsity venue.

The winter sport seasons are generally the longest of the three high school sport seasons. Typically the winter season starts in early November and terminate in early March. Outdoor track typically commences on the second week of March and culminates at the state meet usually the first weekend of June. Thus the season can range from 8-12 weeks for individual athletes. This is a very short time for athletes to get into peak condition, especially living in Northeast Ohio where the weather doesn't warm up until May.

Dr. Mendeszoon started the Chardon High School Indoor track program in 2001-2002. That year he had only 7 full time athletes and with the backing of the Maple Leaf Track Club and the assistance of the Chardon athletic department, the team was able to compete at different college track facilities throughout Ohio. More importantly, all of the athletes had highly successful outdoor track seasons, all surpassing previous personal records and some school records.

The following year the program grew to over 25 athletes with some athletes participating from other high schools. More importantly, Coach Mark Shafer and Chardon High School's head boy's and girl's track coach, Eric Bartley, expanded the program with their expertise in coaching. The team went to more meets not only in Ohio but also Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Yet again, more personal bests, school records and all-conference, district and regional performers excelled in spring track. In 2003-2004, the program had over 35 athletes from several schools culminating in All-State honors and a state championship performance. Ben Robinson (Chardon), Nick Ivancic (Mentor), Adam Stanowick (Solon) and Josh Cook (South) were outstanding performers last spring.

In 2004-2005 the program grew to over 60 student-athletes from different high schools. Last year was a tough winter with snow covering the track from November to mid March. Training was difficult due to lack of facilities and even some meets were canceled due to severe weather. Nevertheless, many athletes persevered and had very good outdoor campaigns. Maple Leaf Athletes that obtained All-State honors in spring track were Cassie Schenck (Crestwood), Hannah Cope (Mentor), Emil Heineking (Chardon) and Bridget Franek (Crestwood).

The 2005-2006 campaign had near 70 participants in the program. Once again the winter was very brutal with snow covering the track and several indoor meets were cancelled due to inclement weather. Another tough winter made for difficult training but all athletes set personal bests during the outdoor campaign. Culminating the season saw 15 Maple Leaf Track Club athletes earning 23 medals at the meet. Leading the way was Bridget Franek with 4 golds in the 4 x800, 1600, 800 and 3200. A feat never accomplished by an Ohio athlete male or female. It was a great year.

The 2006-2007 season continued with success with the Chardon Boy's distance squad. The Chardon quartet of Matt Stratman, Luke Grau, Will Porter and Emil Heineking set the Ohio Indoor State record with an All-American Performance in the Distance Medley Relay at the Indoor National Championship meet in Landover, Maryland. Luke Grau set the Chardon indoor school record in the 5000 meters and earned All_American honors. Outdoors the same four boys set the Ohio 4 x 1600 meter relay Outdoor State record. Emil Heineking won the outdoor Ohio State Meet Division meet in the 3200 meters and Luke Grau was 3rd. Matt Stratman placed 3rd in the 1600 meters. An All-American effort was earned in the Distance Medley Relay outdoors by these athletes. Katelyn Williams earned All-American honors in the indoor and outdoor High Jump. She set the Ohio Division 2 state record. Liz Hess placed 2nd at the Ohio indoor state meet in the 800 meters. All athletes that trained in indoors all went on to personal records outdoors.

The indoor program is designed to prepare the athletes to have a strong foundation for spring track. The program allows the coaches to develop a 6-7 month training regimen so the athlete can excel during outdoor track. Conditioning, base work, strength, event technique and speed work is emphasized. Different techniques and philosophies are applied to the team and individual athletes. The season is long and sometimes difficult to train in the inclement weather but the dedicated coaches develop unique programs and the serious athletes continue their training . Although the coaches would like for the athletes to train 5-6 days per week, we request that athletes attend at least 2-3 days of structured coaching. The team attends approximately 7-8 track & field meets, typically on Saturdays at colleges or universities. The competitions are generally spaced two weeks apart. Although the meets are not mandatory, it is required by Ohio High School Athletic Association, that any athlete that participates in indoor track must compete in at least ONE meet in order to maintain their outdoor track eligibility.