The cupboard certainly isn’t bare this season for Goessel track coach Curtis Guhr, who welcomes back six athletes with state track meet experience.

The riches are greatest on the girls’ side, where state 800 champion Brittney Hiebert leads the way. She also placed fourth in the 400 meters and ran on the 4x400 relay. Stephany Meyer placed eighth in triple jump, and qualified in long jump, 400, and 4x400 relay.

Lauren Rymill is the third state 4x400 relay member on this year’s team, and Olivia Duerksen returns for a shot at qualifying again in high jump.

“With four returning state qualifiers, two letter winners, and some new faces, we are looking for the girls to have another good year,” Guhr said.

While Guhr expects the Bluebirds to do well individually, he said he’s looking to put together several competitive relay teams. With the right combinations, the Bluebirds could be poised to repeat as Wheat State League champions.

The boys team that placed third in the league last year returns two runners from the state 4x400 team, Josh Schmidt and Zach Zogleman. Returning letter winner Jordan Griffin will add leadership to a team that’s small in number but strong on competitiveness.

Guhr anticipates most of Goessel’s points will come in the jumps and sprints, and said individual events will be key to the team’s success.

The teams will open the season April 4 with a meet at Hillsboro.