In his first year as head coach for the Potter-Dix track team, Dale Frerichs returns a slew of seasoned athletes and adds a few enthusiastic newcomers.
Joined by assistant coaches Jerry Brown and Krista Deal, Frerichs will build on the core group of competitive athletes that earned MAC second place (girls) and fourth place (boys) last year.
The boy's team also earned third place in the 2016 district contest while the girl's team were named district champs.
Frerichs will expect his returning athletes to lead the newcomers and set a good example for the younger tracksters.
Returning starters and letter earners on the boy's team are seniors Tyrus Gawith and Levi Kasten, juniors JT Herboldsheimer and Connor Williams and sophomore Michael Steele.
The returning ladies are seniors Payton Franklin, Alexus Rozelle and Tapanga Spencer, juniors Presley Christensen, Payge Hoffman and Trinity Langley and sophomores Jessica Gingerich, Brooke Moench, Michaela Rotert and December Wright.
"We have a solid nucleus of talent to build around. Enthusiasm and willingness to compete will also be strengths," Frerichs said. "We will need some kids to try some new things due to our lack of depth."
While he expects his lack of depth to be his biggest challenge, Frerichs has great expectations for each of his team members.