Track and field has many athletes who are predicted to do well this season.

The girls sprinters lineup should be strong because all three girls are returning state qualifiers in the 400 relay. With junior Chloe Igo, junior Jada Hopson and senior Aneesa Abdul-Hameed leading the pack, success seems likely.

“I think we could have a winning season if everyone puts the effort in for each other,” Hopson said. 

As for the female distance runners, freshman Katie Hazen, junior Vivian Kalb, junior Abigail Monaghan, sophomore Hailey McComb and junior Gretta McEntire have been working hard and are prepared to see results. 

“I am always nervous when the season starts, but I’m grateful we still get to have one, and I’m excited to see what this year holds,” McComb said.

For the boys, junior Austin Hock, senior Dylan Roe, senior Magnus Moeder and senior Trent Padilla will lead the distance runners.

Roe, just coming off an injury, is eager to get back into this competitive sport. 

“I feel more driven than ever,” Roe said.

Both throwers, junior Jonas Vickers and sophomore Leshaon Davis, are expected to start the season strong.

The Panthers also have a new head coach, Cedric Shell, who is a Graceland University graduate and a former All-American competitor, placing fourth. 

He has high aspirations for this season and hopes that after the last track season was canceled, the Panthers will come back ready to compete.