KINGSFORD — Kingsford’s boys track coaching transition has been made easier by the veterans back on the team.

“Our returning letterwinners have provided excellent leadership in our workouts,” said new coach Jeff Harry, who took over the program from Doug Roberts. “They work very hard and have been a positive influence to our very young team.”

Kingsford’s returning letterwinners are Michael Halley, Carter Stanchina, Cory Strong, Lance Waise, Michael Creighton and August Early. The Flivvers have 22 underclassmen and 17 of the 28 athletes are in their first year of track.

“Inexperience is a concern and plugging guys into places where they will best help the team and have individual success is always a concern,” said Harry, assisted by Steve Lehmann and volunteers Bryan Johnson, Dick Berlinski and Roberts.

Creighton, Strong, Stanchina, Waise and Early will shoulder most of the load in the sprints, sprint relays, and long jump, along with newcomers Ben Backlund and Jacob Viau, according to Harry.

“Middle distance runner Michael Halley will continue to contribute while newcomers Reid Harry, Bryce Quick, Ethan Wilcox and Janak Hudson have been great additions to the team,” Harry said. “They will help fill roles in the 800, 1600, 3200 and distance relay.”

Throwers Kevin Schillerstrom and Harrison Klossner are back with a “really nice crop of freshman throwers in Matt Wilson, Lucas Tappy, Mike Bird, Levi Fiorucci, and Marcus Doucette.”

“Versatile Paul Ruesch will contribute in the sprints, shot put and, possibly, the hurdles,” Harry said.

Toby Wilcox, Trent Watkins, Aidan Richtig, Ethan Gribble, Christian Miller, Christian Vazquez, Chris Hallenbeck and Jaron Hudson provide depth.

“We look forward to good things from them as the season progresses,” Harry said.

Kingsford graduated three big UP Track and Field Finals point producers in Brad VanRemortel (hurdles and relays); Preston Strong (dash); and Liam Gayan (second in shot put and discus).

Gayan, Joe Rietveld and Eddie Plumley “consistently scored points in the shot and discus last season,” Harry said.

Kingsford competes Tuesday in the Superior Dome.

Roster:

SENIORS — Michael Creighton, August Early, Reid Harry, Jaron Hudson, Jacob Viau, Ethan Wilcox

JUNIORS — Benjamin Backlund, Chris Hallenbeck, Michael Halley, Harrison Klossner, Bryce Quick, Carter Stanchina, Cory Strong, Christian Vazquez, Lance Waise

SOPHOMORES — Janak Hudson, Christian Miller, Paul Ruesch, Kevin Schillerstrom

FRESHMEN — Michael Bird, Marcus Doucette, Levi Fiorucci, Ethan Gribble, Aidan Richtig, Lucas Tappy, Trent Watkins, Toby Wilcox, Matthew Wilson