With the first meet under their belts, the track team is preparing for a season of success. Head coach Matt LeCount said he is viewing the upcoming season with high hopes and expectations.

“I’ve seen some really good things happening so far this season,” LeCount said. “Last time I counted we have 127 on the team and we have nine kids returning that went to state last year.”

The increase of athletes that are participating in track, LeCount said, is so great that they are ordering new uniforms so each person on the team will have one. LeCount said the amount of athletes the program has taken on this season will help the team tremendously.

“On the Varsity level we’ll be very competitive,” LeCount said. “The sheer number of kids will help our JV and our program in general.”

In addition to a new increase in athletes, LeCount said the track team has also taken on new coaches.

“We had coaches get promoted and go on to newer and better things and I feel really good about the new hires we have,” LeCount said. “I’ve seen things [between the coaches and athletes] happening faster than they usually do; I’ve seen coaches interacting and sharing ideas more than they usually do at this phase of the season.”

Long distance runner Sam Guinn shared LeCount’s optimistic view on the introduction of new coaches.

“We’ve got quite a few new coaches but they are experienced so it will be nice to see how their attributes will help the athletes on the team,” Guinn said.

With the new coaches, the large number of athletes and the amount of state qualifiers returning, Guinn said he has high hopes for himself and the rest of the team.

“We should definitely be in the spot to contend for an EKL title and maybe even place as a team at state this season,” Guinn said. “I’d like to defend my state title in the 1600 meter race, and also add titles in the 3200 meter and 800 meter.”

LeCount said he as well has a positive perspective on the upcoming season.

“Right now I haven’t ever seen more excitement or interest from the athletes,” LeCount said. “I feel really optimistic about that. I’m anxious to get started and have a great season.”