CLASS 4A

Cheyenne Central Indians

COACH: Boys, Bruce Mowry. Girls, Craig Prine.

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Josh Franke, sr (6th-1600); Laine Parrish, sr (7th-1600, 3rd-3200); Matt Cook, sr (4th-discus, 3rd-shot); Justin Roberts, jr (8th-discus, 2nd-shot).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Matt McLaughlin, sr (sprints); Chris Jenkins, sr (relays); David Collins, sr (throws); Nick Owen, sr (throws); Nicholias Espinoza, jr (jumps).

2007: Boys, state champions. Girls, third at state.

OUTLOOK: If Central's boys win the state championship again, it will be off the strength of its distance runners and throwers, where the bulk of the Indians' experience resides.

Evanston Red Devils

COACH: Lance Morey

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Michael Bryant, sr (6th-100, 8th-200, 3rd-400, 6th-300 hurdles). Girls, Erin Kirby, so (2nd-400, 2nd-300 hurdles); Lauren Thomas, so (6th-300 hurdles, 8th-triple jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Alex Fritzel, jr (sprints); Jed DeCamp, sr (sprints); Corey Anthos, jr (sprints); Brady Ehlers, jr (hurdles); Caleb Carroll, sr (middle distance, jumps); Josh Spero, jr (jumps); Darien Short, jr; Rocky Schuler, jr. Girls, Breanna Sanders, so (hurdles, jumps); Gabbi Smith, jr (hurdles); Jessica Chandler, so (distance); Jade Bain, so (pole vault); Skyler Ellingford, jr (throws).

2007: Boys, 10th at state. Girls, eighth at state.

OUTLOOK: The boys look to be strong in sprints and hurdles, but depth is a concern in the other events. The girls are strong, especially in the hurdles, sprints and middle distance races and could be surprising if distance runners and field events come around as hoped.

Kelly Walsh Trojans

COACHES: Boys, Bill Bolles. Girls, Kevin Williams.

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Joe Munsell, jr (3rd-high jump); Beau Watt, sr (4th-high jump, 5th-pole vault). Girls, Jordan Merback, sr (1st-100 hurdles, 2nd-triple jump, 4th-200, 4th-300 hurdles); Kate Nyffeler, sr (1st-800, 5th-400); Shanae Hedlund, jr (4th-400, 6th-100, 8th-200); Emily Rochelle, jr (3rd-triple jump, 4th-high jump, 7th-long jump); Audrey Stevens, so (6th-triple jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Matt Nolan, sr; Franklin Henderson, sr; Brandon Douglass, jr; Oggie Watt, so; Lane Fischer, so; Anthony Ashley, sr. Girls, Bailey Kremke, jr (hurdles, jumps); Jordan Mestas, jr (middle distance); Kameryn Brewster, jr (distance).

2007: Boys, fifth at state. Girls, second at state.

OUTLOOK: The girls have good numbers and strong leadership, yet experience isn't strong in several events. Those less-experienced athletes need to develop - like they always seem to do at KW - in time for state. The boys are strong in most of the field events but need throwers and distance runners to step up to have a shot at state.

Sheridan Broncs

COACH: Art Baures

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Justin Will, jr (7th-100, 4th-long jump, 8th-triple jump). Girls, Taylor Gardner, jr (7th-400, 3rd-100 hurdles, 3rd-300 hurdles, 4th-long jump); Stephanie Brown, jr (7th-800); Kayla Fauber, sr (4th-pole vault).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Taylor Beard, sr (sprints); Dusty Daniels, sr (sprints, relays); Brandon Forrister, so (hurdles, pole vault); Kyle Grammens, sr (sprints); Mitch Hoy, jr (throws); Wes Neuman, sr (middle distance); Danny Rojo, sr (hurdles); Ryan Sorenson, sr (distance). Girls, Emily Bobinchak, sr (middle distance); Dana Morin, so (distance); Stephanie Pettit, jr (sprints).

2007: Boys, eighth at state. Girls, seventh at state.

OUTLOOK: Both the boys and girls teams are similar - one unquestioned leader fronting a good core group. The boys have a good group of sprinters and the hurdlers could be strong as well, while the girls have depth in distance races and a few field events.

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CLASS 3A

Buffalo Bison

COACH: Amy Rose

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Dakota Ramey, sr (2nd-discus); Drew Stafford, so (7th-3200). Girls, Danielle Barent, so (2nd-pole vault); Arielle Boone, so (5th-pole vault).

2007: Boys, seventh at state. Girls, 14th at state.

OUTLOOK: The Bison are young and inexperienced - only three seniors are on the combined roster of 45. Still, Buffalo is strong with throwers and could impact some meets with their solid numbers.

Douglas Bearcats

COACH: Wes Gamble

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Victor Caballero, jr (8th-1600). Girls, Raegen Scott, so (6th-100, 7th-triple jump); Elisa Etchemendy, sr (4th-high jump, 2nd-discus); Rachel Saunders, sr (1st-pole vault).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Cody Bohlander, jr (hurdles); Jake Marcus, so (hurdles); John Studie, jr (throws); Jake Vogel, jr (sprints); Scott Boner, sr (sprints); Julian King, jr (sprints, relays); Pierre Etchemendy, so (sprints); Max Deininger, jr (distance); Derek Enciso, sr (distance). Girls, Caty Hobza, jr (sprints); Nikkita Miller, jr (sprints, jumps); Mandi Pollard, jr (sprints); Megan Clark, sr (middle distance); Rhiann Dameron, so (middle distance); Jamie Geho, so (distance).

2007: Boys, ninth at state. Girls, fifth at state.

OUTLOOK: The boys will be led by an experienced and successful group of juniors and seniors, which will allow for more competition in practice and, hopefully, better times and marks in the meets. The girls have a solid group of seniors paired with a younger group that'll provide depth in jumps and middle distance races.

Glenrock Herders

COACH: Al Finch (23rd season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Nic Halvorsen, sr (8th-long jump, 5th-high jump, 3rd-110 hurdles, 2nd-triple jump); Nick Allington, sr (8th-3200); Jim Downs, sr (5th-discus); Ryan Lee, jr (7th-400, 6th-pole vault); Dustin Worthington, so (7th-high jump). Girls, Brooke Hughes, jr (2nd-1600, 2nd-3200); Nikki Tresch, jr (5th-300 hurdles, 2nd-100 hurdles); Janessa Clark, jr (7th-pole vault); Jaclyn Hunt, jr (7th-100, 6th-200).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Drew Nielsen, jr (sprints, relays); Jesse Bishop, jr (throws); Eric Davis, jr (pole vault). Girls, Hannah Dahlke, jr (pole vault, middle distance); Kaylee Gray, jr (throws); Jordann Stewart, so (jumps, sprints); Mary Nelson, so (distance); Kylie Walters, so (jumps, middle distance); Brittany Shaklee, so (throws).

2007: Boys and girls, fourth at state.

OUTLOOK: Despite not having any seniors on the girls' team, Glenrock has a veteran group of returning state qualifiers. The Herders have the right mix of individual talent and balance it takes to stay in the 3A hunt for both boys and girls.

Lovell Bulldogs

COACH: Joe Koritnik

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Carson Hessenthaler, sr (3rd-100, 1st-200); Braden Fink, sr (2nd-high jump). Girls, Mykel Anderson, so (6th-pole vault, 8th-long jump); Katie Walker, so (4th-long jump, 3rd-triple jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Tyler Anderson, so (throws); Michael Montanez, jr (throws); Jeremy Mangus, sr (distance); Dane Robertson, sr (jumps); Wes Mangus, jr (pole vault). Girls, Amber Savage, sr (throws); Sierra Phelps, jr (hurdles); Keesha Savage, so (throws).

2007: Boys, 11th at state. Girls, sixth at state (2A).

OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs are young and thin and probably won't factor into the 3A team race. But both teams have enough individual talent to compete for state titles in several individual events.

Newcastle Dogies

COACH: Boys, Brett Weaver. Girls, Pat Hayman.

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Brock Rose, sr (8th-800, 4th-1600, 2nd-3200).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Jeremiah Bayne, jr; Matt Gregory, jr.

2007: Boys, 12th at state. Girls, 13th at state.

OUTLOOK: The Newcastle boys are young - only two seniors are among the 23 out for track - and don't have a lot of state experience. It'll be up to the returning state placers to lead the new group if they want to finish higher than last year.

Powell Panthers

COACH: Scott Smith

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Kenny Smith, sr (1st-200, 2nd-110 hurdles, 2nd-100, 2nd-long jump); Michael Hildebrand, sr (2nd-800, 3rd-400); Gavin Mills, jr (2nd-400, 5th-100, 7th-200); Mitchell McArthur, sr (2nd-high jump); Matt Myers, sr (4th-triple jump, 6th-long jump); Rustin Myrick, jr (7th-300 hurdles, 8th-110 hurdles); Galen Mills, jr (8th-300 hurdles).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Gianluca Giaruzzo, jr; Dallas Robirds, jr. Girls, Shelby Willis, so; Skye Albert, so; McKenzie Danforth, jr; Lauren Fagnant, so; Hannah Pollart, so; Samantha Baker, so.

2007: Boys, state champions. Girls, sixth at state.

OUTLOOK: Powell's boys' drive for a third straight championship hinges on a team with solid depth (48 boys out), state experience and work ethic, but without a lot of depth in throwing or distance events. The girls are young, but they're talented and hard-working enough to improve on last year's finish.

Wheatland Bulldogs

COACH: John Skoog (20th season)

KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Cody Powers, jr (throws); Kasey Watson, so (relays); Garry Christopherson, sr. Girls, Kasey Ervin, so (hurdles); Nichole Hixson, so (middle distance); Darbi Yost, so (relays); Cassy Still, so.

2007: Boys, 13th at state. Girls, 16th at state.

OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs' strengths on its small team are in the sprints for both boys and girls. The girls could pull some surprises with their young team, especially in the middle distance and high jump, while the boys could open some eyes in the throws.

Worland Warriors

COACH: Ed Wise

KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Jacob Benson, sr (jumps); Robby Demunbrun, jr (sprints, jumps); Keith McPherson, jr (throws); Pat Sweeney, jr (sprints); Jordan Osbon, so (pole vault). Girls, Timbree Clark, sr (throws); Samantha Haun, sr (jumps); Taylor Willard, jr (sprints).

2007: Boys, DNP at state. Girls, ninth at state.

OUTLOOK: Numbers are down a bit in Worland for both teams. On the plus side, the boys have solid state experience and could be surprising this season, while the girls are a hard-working group that have the potential to be strong in sprints and throws.

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CLASS 2A

Big Piney Punchers

COACH: Joel Eskelsen (26th season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Girls, Haley Lockwood, jr (3rd-100, 4th-200, 1st-100 hurdles); Mary Colton, jr (7th-3200).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Rod Feiock, so (hurdles); Austin Doyle, so (hurdles); Jackson Priddis, jr (hurdles); Nick Mackie, sr (sprints); Chase Raza, sr (throws). Girls, Sierra Johnson, sr (middle distance); Hailey Turner, sr (pole vault).

2007: Boys, ninth at state. Girls, seventh at state.

OUTLOOK: The Punchers don't have big numbers from either squad, and there is not a boatload of experience, either. Overcoming either hurdle is tough, but Big Piney will be competitive from the start.

Greybull Buffaloes

COACH: Jeff Sukut (12th season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Girls, Layna Sukut, sr (8th-high jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Sean Sylvester, so (middle distance, jumps); Kyle Ellison, jr (throws); Trevor Jesnen, jr (throws). Girls, Carrinne Cheatham, jr (hurdles, jumps); Kate Wilkinson, so (sprints, jumps); Kinzie Baker, so (middle distance, jumps).

2007: Boys and girls, 18th at state.

OUTLOOK: Between the two teams, there are only 23 participants and only seven returning letterwinners. The incoming 12 freshmen show talent; all they lack is experience, especially in the middle- and long-distance races.

Guernsey Vikings

COACH: Glenn Freeburg (31st season overall)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Austin Montgomery, sr (1st-110 hurdles; 3rd-300 hurdles); Nathan Martinez, sr (4th-long jump); David Castle, sr (6th-1600, 4th-3200); David Moats, sr (7th-400, 4th-800); Rage Geringer, jr (7th-300 hurdles, 2nd-triple jump). Girls, Liz Leiws, sr (pole vault); Ashlee Eller, jr (8th-800, 8th-1600); Danielle Starr, so (4th-100, 5th-long jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Chris Hull, jr (sprints/relays); Kevin Boomhower, so; Matt Herman, so. Girls, Devonne Wambach, sr (sprints); Tyler Moats, jr (sprints); Jeri Jo Morgan, jr (distance); Dustin esquibel, so (sprints).

2007: Boys, second at state. Girls, fourth at state (Class 1A).

OUTLOOK: The Viking boys will make the 2A adjustment easier because of a consistent, athletic group of upperclassmen and a deep team overall. The girls aren't as deep and are quite a bit younger, but they have the talent to compete at 2A.

Lingle Doggers

COACHES: Boys, Mike Lashley. Girls, Ron Halley.

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Noah Strong, jr (5th-400, 2nd-800). Girls, Maggie Ochsner, sr (1st-100, 1st-200, 1st-100 hurdles, 1st-300 hurdles); Trae Patch, sr (2nd-100, 2nd-200); Leah Wilson, sr (5th-400, 7th-800); Samantha Wagner, sr (2nd-discus); Megan Weisshaar, sr (5th-pole vault); Kelli Johnson, jr (1st-discus, 7th-shot); Candace Wollert, so (1st-400, 1st-800); Alena Gronwald, so (6th-shot).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Philip Hansen, sr (throws); Skyler Lashley, jr (distance); Alan Hill, jr (jumps); Lance Berry, so (sprints, relays); Dakota Forkner, so (jumps/sprints); Jesse Duncan, so (pole vault). Girls, Brooke Kappen, jr (middle distance, relays); Jessica Ostrander, jr (throws); Lindsay Miller, jr (throws); Hannah McCafferty, jr (distance); Stephie Sandlian, so (distance).

2007: Boys and girls, state champions (Class 1A).

OUTLOOK: The girls return more than they lost from last year's 1A championship team and can remain in the hunt in 2A if they stay healthy and focused. The boys don't have the numbers they've had in the past, but strong relay teams plus a talented, balanced team should keep the Doggers in the mix.

Lusk Tigers

COACH: Boys, Dennis Zowada (21st season, 31st overall). Girls, Gary Hoopes (third season).

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Skyler Hoopes, sr (1st-pole vault); Taylor Johnson, sr (3rd-high jump); Kaare Sigvartsen, sr (7th-100). Girls, Dawn Jenkins, sr (1st-pole vault); Adrienne Hammond, jr (8th-100, 8th-pole vault); Tomi Glendy, so (4th-100 hurdles); Katie Glendy, jr (4th-high jump); Megan Miller, jr (7th-long jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Travis Santistevan, sr (distance); Kyle Herder, jr (throws); Hayden Hester, jr (hurdles, sprints); Austin James, jr (distance); C.J. Risley, jr (throws); Chad Trautman, jr (jumps). Girls, Chrisanna Lund, so; Dyann Diercks, jr.

2007: Boys, 10th at state. Girls, ninth at state.

OUTLOOK: The boys, anchored by a tough group of upperclassmen and some talented freshmen, have enough sprinters, jumpers and throwers to make some noise at state. The girls have a strong class of throwers and distance runners, but need every single athlete to qualify for state to have a chance.

Pine Bluffs Hornets

COACH: Boys, Bob Cochran (third year). Girls, Dustin Lee.

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Ruger Eastman, sr (7th-triple jump); Braxton Clark, jr (4th-long jump); Chris Gorman, so (4th-110 hurdles).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Travis Werner, jr (jumps, hurdles); Jorey Madden, jr (pole vault); Marc Bacon, sr (sprints); Tanner Eastman, so (pole vault).

2007: Boys, eighth at state. Girls, 12th at state.

OUTLOOK: The Hornets are counting on the leadership of their returning state placers to lead their younger athletes. The freshman class is 15 strong, and if they develop fast, Pine Bluffs will remain competitive in 2A.

Riverside Rebels

COACH: Steve Olson

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Toby Wood, sr (6th-discus, 4th-shot put). Girls, Chelsea Longhshore, so (2nd-100, 2nd-200); Ashley Vigil, jr (2nd-400, 2nd-800); Amber Getzfreid, so (8th-1600, 3rd-3200, 8th-triple jump), Jamie Hovey, jr (7th-300 hurdles).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Cole Mosegard, jr; Phillip Hoffman, jr. Girls, Nicole Vavra, jr.

2007: Boys, 16th at state. Girls, second at state.

OUTLOOK: Riverside's girls have a good chance to finish strong in a competitive class thanks to their sprinters, distance runners and relays. The boys have some strong throwers and could create a dent in those two events at state.

Shoshoni Wranglers

COACH: Tim Ervin (21st season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Chase McNamee, sr (2nd-110 hurdles, 8th-300 hurdles).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Tim Thompson, jr (throws). Girls, Amber Ackerman, sr (sprints); Tess Clemetson, so (middle distance, hurdles).

2007: Boys, 17th at state. Girls, 16th at state.

OUTLOOK: The Shoshoni squad is small and young this year, but that doesn't mean they don't have the individual talent to compete. The Wranglers have some skilled athletes who could compete for the top spot on the podium come May.

Sundance Bulldogs

COACHES: Boys, Jim O'Connor. Girls, Julie Cross.

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Cody Emrick, sr (3rd-400, 1st-800, 1st-1600, 3rd-3200); Ray Moore, sr (5th-discus); Dude Humphrey, sr (8th-discus). Girls, Sidney Materi, sr (1st-100, 1st-200, 2nd-long jump); Kylie Hughes, so (4th-100, 5th-200, 8th-400); Jessyca Cluff, jr (8th-800); Kelly O'Connor, so (5th-discus);

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Dalton Lyons, sr; Kirksey Dodd, so; Graham Veirgets, so.

2007: Boys, state champions. Girls, third at state.

OUTLOOK: The Sundance boys' quest for a third straight state championship will depend on their returners. The Bulldogs aren't as deep as in previous years and need younger athletes to develop fast. The girls have more depth and balance but are stuck in an extremely tough classification.

Thermopolis Bobcats

COACH: Matt Mason

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Kolton Stoner, jr (8th-triple jump). Girls, Kelsey Redland, jr (2nd-long jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, KC Lahoe, jr (sprints); Colin Herold, so (hurdles). Girls, Stormy Sharp, jr (distance); Elisa Hunter, so (hurdles); Sharena Hessenthaler, so (jumps).

2007: Boys and girls, 15th at state (3A).

OUTLOOK: Thermopolis has about 40 athletes, the most in several years and more than enough to be competitive at 2A. The team is still young, but anchored by a good group of returning state qualifiers.

Wind River Cougars

COACH: Dirk Gosnell

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Leithaniel Peahrora (3rd-300 hurdles, 7th-high jump); Doug Jordan, so (5th-110 hurdles); Zane Bell, sr (7th-400, 2nd-800, 4th-1600, 4th-3200); Eric Inman, so (5th-100, 5th-200). Girls, Bethany Bappe, sr (6th-long jump);

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Tyler Downing, sr (throws); Brent Horton, sr (sprints); Trent Jordan, so (hurdles, relays); Michael Smith, so (distance); Mattew Smith, so (distance); Lex Leonhardt, so (middle distance, relays); Trey Simmons, jr (jumps); Gage Blankenship, jr (jumps). Girls, Shay Nordwick, so (relays); Laura Friday, so (relays).

2007: Boys, third at state. Girls, 16th at state.

OUTLOOK: The boys have a ton of returning experience from last year, yet the Cougars still have depth to fill in the field events before May. The girls have a bigger team than last year and could place several athletes high at state.

Wright Panthers

COACH: Pat Neely (10th season, 17th overall)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Joe Mead, jr (8th-1600); Jesse Wolf, jr (7th-long jump). Girls, Brittany Rentas, so (3rd-1600, 8th-3200); Marie Cook, sr (5th-1600, 4th-3200); Ale Salas, jr (8th-pole vault).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Duncan Jones, jr (jumps, pole vault); Jake Spiedel, jr (distance). Girls, Tara Trottier, sr (distance); Makayla Porter, jr (middle distance, jumps).

2007: Boys, 20th at state. Girls, 10th at state.

OUTLOOK: Wright has several returners with state meet experience. The key to success at state, though, is transferring that experience to younger athletes in time for state.

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CLASS 1A

Arvada-Clearmont Panthers

COACH: Ross Walker (first season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Girls, Shem Lovato, so (7th-100).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Judah Lovato, so (middle distance); Ryan Baumgartner, so (sprints, jumps). Girls, Laurel Prusak, jr (throws); Nycole Scott, jr (sprints, jumps).

2007: Boys, 16th at state. Girls, 12th at state.

OUTLOOK: The Panthers are young and energetic. Most of the team is comprised of freshmen and sophomores - only one senior and two juniors - so improvement will be key, but the team already has good experience and could build to some success.

Chugwater Buffaloes

COACH: Shelly Van Why

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Girls, Kristine Hilger, so (7th-high jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Myron Lovett, so (throws); Weston Rogers, so (middle distance).

2007: Boys, DNP at state. Girls, 18th at state.

OUTLOOK: The Buffaloes have a young team - of the six competitors, five are sophomores and one is a freshman - so gaining experience will be Chugwater's goal this year.

Encampment Tigers

COACH: Howard Spenny (eighth season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Girls, Lauren Jenio, jr (6th-high jump, 8th-pole vault).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Max Doeble, jr (jumps, relays); Dane Herring, sr (sprints, jumps); Wes Keyser, sr (pole vault, sprints); Brian Lynch, sr (throws, sprints); Marion Marchetti, sr (throws, sprints); Brandon Russell, sr (pole vault, jumps). Girls, Jamie Marchetti, jr (sprints, throws); Theresa Wagnon-Sosa, jr (throws).

2007: Boys, ninth at state. Girls, 17th at state.

OUTLOOK: The boys are senior-loaded, with eight of their 12 athletes coming from the Class of 2008, and have their strengths in the throws and sprints. The girls have eight out, including four juniors and three freshmen, and could challenge in the throws and jumps.

Hanna Miners

COACH: Jackie Jones (eighth season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Justin Palm, sr (3rd-long jump, 3rd-triple jump); Emmett Vallot, jr (8th-discus). Girls, Amanda Booth, sr (5th-100, 4th-200, 6th-400).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Chris Meyer, sr; Travis Bohanan, jr; Jon Borah, so. Girls, Sarah McAtee, sr; Audrianna Cruz, sr; Sarah Farrell, jr; Chelsy Broderick, so.

2007: Boys, third at state. Girls, seventh at state.

OUTLOOK: Hanna's boys lost several seniors off last year's team, but remain strong in the field events. The girls have a lot of new athletes, and they'll all need to improve by May for the Miners to improve their finish.

Meeteetse Longhorns

COACH: Fred Thomas

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Sawyer Coggins, jr (2nd-long jump, 1st-triple jump); Macayen May, so (7th-high jump).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Evan Haywood, jr (sprints); Quinn Stossel, jr (pole vualt); Kyle Offley, sr (sprints); Levi May, sr (throws); Nolan Hicks, sr; Zach Ruppert, jr. Girls, Christina Barth, sr.

2007: Boys, 10th at state. Girls, eighth at state.

OUTLOOK: The boys have six returners with state meet experience, and a good group of upperclassmen combined with a some young talent could make Meeteetse a surprise. The girls have nine out and although they don't have much experience, they have a lot of potential.

Saratoga Panthers

COACH: Rex Hohnholt (eighth season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, David Capozzoli, sr (2nd-long jump, 3rd-200, 1st-100, 3rd-triple jump); Hayden Hohnholt, jr (3rd-1600, 2nd-3200); Ryan Larscheid, sr (1st-300 hurdles, 1st-triple jump); Jake Johnston, sr (4th-discus). Girls, Adria Grubb, jr (2nd-1600, 1st-3200, 4th-800); Brooke Forster, so (5th-100 hurdles).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Josh Rice, sr; Jonathan Jones, jr; Taylor Boydstudn, so; Ben Collamer, so; Paul Young, so; Joe Grubb, so; Josh Smith, so. Girls, Michaela Uhling, sr; Channing Love, so; Teal Barmore, so.

2007: Boys, second at state. Girls, fourth at state (Class 2A).

OUTLOOK: Moving from 2A to 1A comes at a good time for Saratoga. For the girls, it means a chance to stay competitive despite a lack of numbers and experience; for the boys, it means a chance to win a state championship with good numbers, leadership, talented athletes and depth in all events.

Southeast Cyclones

COACHES: Boys, Mark Bullington.

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Aaron Weglin, sr (7th-discus, 6th-shot). Girls, xxxxx.

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Brandt Herbst, sr (hurdles, relays); Stephen Easton, sr (sprints, relays); Steven Bullington, jr (hurdles, relays); Trevor Ross, jr (throws); Tanner May, so (sprints); Randy Peterson, sr (distance). Girls, xxxxxxxxx

2007: Boys, 14th at state. Girls, 11th at state. (Class 2A)

OUTLOOK: The boys aren't very deep, but they're talented and healthy and could be a surprise despite their lack of depth.

Ten Sleep Pioneers

COACH: Kermit Sweeny

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, John Erdahl, jr (5th-200, 6th-400, 6th-300 hurdles). Girls, Rissa Berger, sr (3rd-high jump).

2007: Boys, 11th at state. Girls, 10th at state.

OUTLOOK: Quality, not quantity, is Ten Sleep's motto. The Pioneers have ony five athletes - three boys, two girls - but the two returning state placers could cause a lot of trouble at state.

Upton Bobcats

COACH: Al Matthews (17th season)

RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Boys, Dalton Douglas, jr (3rd-100, 2nd-200, 6th-110 hurdles); Derek Kokesh, jr (5th-pole vault). Girls, Dani Esquivel, so (6th-200).

OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Boys, Hyrum Booth, jr; Shane Albert, sr; Matt Lougee, jr.

2007: Boys, seventh at state. Girls, 13th at state.

OUTLOOK: The boys are strong in the vaults and throws and have a couple solid sprinters, which is enough to throw some teams off in 1A. The girls only have three athletes out - two sophomores and a freshman.

Teams not listed did not respond to Star-Tribune questionnaire.

- Compiled by Patrick Schmiedt, Star-Tribune high school sports coordinator