With the graduation of Sheldon Goerzen, Brett Goerzen and Garrett Hiebert, the Bluebirds will be face a steep challenge to reach those same lofty heights.
But with state medalists Craig Banman, Travis Fensky, Weston Hiebert and letter-winners Cameron Stultz and Anthony Esau returning to lead the team, Guhr expects the team will continue to compete favorably with the likes of Berean, Bennington, Remington and Peabody-Burns.
Banman, a junior, took second place in the 300-meter hurdles, fourth in pole vault and added second-place finishes with the 4×100 and 4×400 relays.
Fensky, also a junior, is a veteran of the 4×100 unit. Hiebert is a sophomore veteran of the 4×400. Cameron Stultz ran with the 4×100 for much of the year a season ago. Esau is a distance runner.
The team will be joined by Grady Stultz, who is known widely for his football and wrestling prowess. Guhr expects his athleticism to be a boon to the squad, particularly in the field events.
Sophomore thrower Tyler Dickerson will contribute via field events, Guhr said.
?He?s a big kid,? Guhr noted. ?He did well for us, and we think he?ll be able to get some points in discus and shot.?
Guhr said the strongest part of the team is sprints and relays.
?We have speed and quickness, and we hope to put together some good relays,? he said. ?Relays were a strong point of the team last year, and we think that will be a strong point again.?
Guhr said his Bluebird girls are ?pretty young.?
The team returns state medalists Aspen Frey and Kristen Hoffman. Hoffman finished eighth in the 3,200 and Frey took seventh in the 1,600.
?We have small numbers, but we have good athletes,? Guhr said. ?I?m pretty excited.?