Despite graduating some talented seniors, the M-P track and field team returns several state veterans hoping to lead the Tomahawks on another late-season run.
Like last season, the picture is clearer on the girls side.
Marysville returns two state sprinters in senior Nicolette Runyan and sophomore Alisha Oden, each of whom went late into last season competing in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Runyan earned a district championship in the 100 and an automatic berth to state. Oden ultimately qualified for the 200.
Both girls also competed in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays, part of a streak of girls teams that have qualified for state year after year. Though they graduated Megan Crenshaw, the remaining legs of the relays return, including senior Haley Nemra and sophomore Cali Cull.
Oden and Cull also provide strength in their respective field events Oden specializes in the long jump while Cull won several meets in the girls triple jump.
The M-P girls also have proven strength at pole vault, where they return two state veterans, seniors Robin Mueller and Michaela Caldwell. Mueller earned a trip to state her sophomore year, while Caldwell went last year as junior. Caldwell has twice broken the schools event record, clearing a height of 10-7 as a sophomore and 10-9 as junior.
Two more Marysville girls have had successful seasons in the past but await their first state meet high jumper Jade Hanson is back for her senior season. Last year, Hanson reliably jumped around 5-2, ultimately finishing fourth at the state-qualifying district championships. The top three go on. Junior hurdler Alex McDonald is back as well, vying in both the 100 and 300 hurdles.
And while the boys prospects are not yet clear, last season demonstrated that talent can come from anywhere. While recent grads Duane LaPeyri, Jonathan Jorgensen and Josh Rabung were veterans of the program, last year senior Kenny York picked up the javelin for the first time in March and a silver in the event at state two months later.
The Tomahawks do have a couple of known quantities on their roster. Junior Andy Abadam is the lone returner from a boys 4×100 relay that medaled at state last year. Abadam also posted impressive marks in the long jump.
And at pole vault, M-P returns senior Taylor Gibson, who recorded a season-best 13-6 at the Wesco North championships.
M-P hosts tri-meets March 27 and April 3, with the Tomahawk Track & Field Classic taking place at Quil Ceda Stadium April 26.