A very young but skilled group of girls are expected to keep the girls track team running and jumping in the right directions.
Second-year coach Dave Hutson said he has a very good mix of about 75 girls on the team and so far it seems loaded with freshmen and a good mix of veteran leadership.
Last season they finished fourth in the OAA Red Division and had two dual meet wins. The four prior years the girls had not won a single league meet. Hutson is excited about the progress made last year.
‘We are to create a winning culture and we are doing very well, especially with some of our freshmen and sophomores.
‘I am very excited about our freshmen class. They are hard workers and I expect they will step up and really contribute this season.
Leading the way is senior Madeline Martindale, who is one of the top pole vaulters in the state.
‘She was outstanding last year,? Hutson said.
Mary Cech will be counted on in the shot put and discus. She is a junior and Hutson said she has thrown well so far.
In sprint events, junior Hannah Cady, is expected to excel.
In the middle distances, Hannah Dietz and Casey Stribbell are being looked at as key contributors.
The longer distances will see Danielle Carr and Erin Womack do well. In the jumping events, sophomore Lauren Harris did well as a freshman and is being counted on..
Top hurdlers will be senior Corey Flanders, juniors Claire Berschbach and Jadin Fields.
Freshman Sydney Johnson is expected to perform well in the sprints.
Hutson said he will rely on junior Madeline Ray to help out when needed in several distances, including the 400 and 800 meters.
‘She is a very valuable runner who can fill in at several distances. She is like our utility player,? he said