On your marks, get set. . .

Spring really is here. The days are getting longer, the sandhill cranes are back and athletes are out on the track, training to run faster, jump higher and longer and throw farther. Area coaches responded to a Q & A about their upcoming seasons.

Ennis Mustang track

Coached by Nick Burgess

1) What is your team most excited about this season?

We have a great group of athletes with a great attitude and outlook for this season. We are looking forward to improving throughout the season and hopefully peaking in the postseason with the ultimate goal of qualifying and participating at the state meet.

2) Do you have strong participation this season?

We have 21 athletes out for track.

3) Do you have returning athletes you're expecting to compete well? If so, how?

We have Shelbey Klein who was a state qualifier in four events, Noah Wilson qualified in two events and was a state placer in the triple jump, other state qualifiers - Marlyssa Ledgerwood, Addison Oliver and Ellawynn Morrison.

4) Do you have new athletes? What are they bringing to the team?

We have six new athletes competing this season. They are young and bring a lot of positive energy to the team.

5) When and where is your first competition?

April 9th at the Laurel Sports Complex

Twin Bridges Falcon track

Coached by Paige Paffhausen

1) What is your team most excited about this season?

Our team is mostly excited to compete! Almost every athlete is a returner from last year and they are very excited to show everyone how much they have improved in the off season.

2) Do you have strong participation this season?

We only have 16 athletes out this year. We lost five seniors last year which brought down our numbers.

3) Do you have returning athletes you're expecting to compete well? If so, how?

Almost every athlete is returning this year. We have four seniors who will do great for us in both the sprints and long distance. We have a great group of younger kids as well. The majority of our team is made up of juniors and sophomores which is great to see them develop and grow throughout the next seasons.

4) Do you have new athletes? What are they bringing to the team?

We have a new senior, Sam Konen, who brings a lot of energy and competition in the sprints. He is a very athletic kid so it'll be fun to see where he ends up on the track.

5) When and where is your first competition?

Our first meet will be April 2 in Frenchtown.

6) Is there anything else you want to share with readers?

We have a very dedicated team with some amazing students and athletes. Our coaching staff is really looking forward to working with them.

Harrison Wildcat track

Coached by Heather Hjelle

1) What is your team most excited about this season?

I think we are excited about getting out and competing. The weather has been a dream for the first couple weeks of practice and that puts everyone in a good mood.

2) Do you have strong participation this season?

Compared to last year we have very respectable numbers for this year. As of right now we have 11.

3) Do you have returning athletes you're expecting to compete well? If so, how?

Sage Buus and Gavin Hokanson are my returning athletes. Sage made his debut at state last year in his jumping but I know he is wanting to compete at the state level in his throwing events as well. Gavin is my lone hurdler. I am anticipating some big improvements from him this year.

4) Do you have new athletes? What are they bringing to the team?

Lauren Cima is new to track this season. Lauren is very athletic and has power behind her throws and jumps. I think she will be very competitive this season.

5) When and where is your first competition?

Harrison's first meet is in Laurel on April 5