Thierolf believes the depth of talent among the boys will enable Marion to compete for team titles throughout the season as well as qualify a good number for state competition.

The girls, meanwhile, lack the depth to compete for team accolades but have several quality athletes to showcase.

"The boys are going to be right there this year," Thierolf said. "We're very senior dominant on the track and in the throws and even in the jumps."

Included are state qualifiers Casey Nelson (pole vault), Jeremy Vondenkamp (110 hurdles) and Adam Depler (shot put).

"Our girls just don't have the numbers to compete for team titles since we only have 15 out," Thierolf said. "But the girls will have strength in the throws, jumps, sprints and distance races."

Toni Gordon represented Marion at the state meet last year in the shot put.

Boys' outlook

Leading the way in the throws will be Deppler and Shawn Britton in the shot put. Those two will be joined in the discus by Kyle Hett.

In the javelin, Michael Brookens will carry the load.

Nelson placed at state in pole vault as a sophomore but had a difficult regional last year and failed to return to Wichita.

"I expect him to challenge for a state title this spring," Thierolf said.

In the long jump, Marion will rely on Russell Ploutz and Emmanuel Jackson along with Ben Leppke. Ploutz and Leppke also hope to show well in the triple jump.

Thierolf said high jump is up in the air at the moment with unproven jumpers vying for position.

In running events, Vondenkamp leads the way in the 110-meter hurdles while Jacob Czarnowsky hopes to earn points. Both will also compete in the 300-meter hurdles.

"Jeremy is capable of winning a state championship in one or both of the hurdle races," Thierolf said.

In sprints, the Warriors will be led by Jackson in the 100 meter dash along with Kyle Hett and Ben Leppke. Jackson and Hett also look strong in the 200 meter.

In the 400-meter dash, Nelson looks to lead the pack.

The 800-meter run features Jason Hett along with Riley Ross, Adam Regnier and John Barr. The 1,600 meters will have Daniel Goentzel along with Gavin Moore and Justin Heidebrecht.

"Those three are running well in practice," Thierolf said. "We're glad to have Gavin back and he's shown great leadership thus far. Heidebrecht played baseball last year and has been a very pleasant surprise for us this spring."

Competition among teammates will produce quality relay teams, Thierolf said, with only the 4x400 team already established with Jason Hett, Vondenkamp, Ploutz and Nelson.

"Those guys are seniors and were just a hair off of qualifying for state last year," Thierolf said. "I expect them to be awfully competitive in every meet we go to and to win their fair share."

Girls' outlook

The girls will concentrate on individual improvement because their numbers dictate they won't challenge for many team titles.

Returning state qualifier Gordon will throw the discus along with Emalee Versch and Adrienne Chamberland. Thierolf said he is excited also about Erika Riggs and Kimber Hardey.

Versch, Hardey and Gordon also throw the shot.

In the jumps, Thierolf said Kalaya Jackson "is just blossoming this year and we look for her to get better and better."

Jackson competes in the long jump while Erin Carr represent Marion in the triple jump. Erin Richmond looks to attain new heights in the pole vault.

"Erin is a year faster and stronger and understands the technique better," Thierolf said. "She's gotten back into gymnastics and I think that's really going to help her."

On the track, Carr , Jackson and Jayde Hess will compete in the 100 meters.

"Erin was obviously very competitive in every race last year," Thierolf said. "And this year she has a lot more confidence."

The 200 meters will include Carr and Jackson.

Thierolf said he has no one to represent Marion in the hurdles but Amanda Richmond hopes to leave her mark in the 400 meters.

In the distance races, Thierolf said Katie Hett and Camille Christensen will compete in the 800 meters and the 4x800. Christensen will add the 1,600 as well.

Danielle Cope may be the leader in distance races with times times of 5:58.5 in the 1,600 and 12:54.6 in the 3,200.

"Danielle will just get better and better and continue to grow," Thierolf said. "She understands better how to race now."

Tacy Taylor occasionally will fill in a leg for the 4x800 in between her obligation to help coach Charlotte Waner's softball team.

"These girls realize it's still an individual sport so they won't focus on the team aspect," Thierolf said. "Instead, we'll try to qualify as many as we can for state."

In his seven years as coach, Thierolf said his personal satisfaction comes from camaraderie.

"The onus is more on the kids in track than in other sports because they get out of it exactly what they put into it," he said. "It's fun being outside and working with the kids."

Marion opens the season April 4 at home as part of the Centre Quint before hosting the Marion Invitational on the following Friday.