Warrenton boys track Coach Steve McDowell called it a pleasant surprise.

The boys roster is up nearly 50 percent from last season, and McDowell believes the increase in participation directly correlates to the success his teams have head recently.

“It just goes to show you how far our program has come in the last few years,” he said. “This is by far the best turnout I’ve had since I started in 2004.”

The Warriors don’t return any state qualifiers, but high jumper Braydan Chmiel is hoping to qualify for the Class 4 tournament after finishing fifth in sectionals a season ago.

“I really think Braydan is going to have a big year,” McDowell said. 

McDowell said he is excited to watch Jacob Crump, as well.

Crump qualified for sectionals last season in the 400-meter relay, and set the school record in the 300 hurdles.

“He’s really doing well this year so far,” McDowell said. “He’s working hard to have another successful season.”

McDowell also pointed out Paul Lanigan, who competed in the long and triple jumps, as well as the 200 relay.

“I expect a good senior year out of James Goetz, too,” McDowell said. “He really came on strong for us last year in the mile and 2-mile.”

McDowell said his expectations are roughly the same every year.

He wants to win two or three meets, including the Warrenton Invitational April 29, qualify eight athletes for sectionals and another five for the state meet.

“If we do that,” he said. “It will be a successful season.”

On the girls side, first-year head coach Steve Wuertzel is excited for the future.

“We’ve nine freshmen, which is a pretty big freshman class,” he said. “And most of our upperclassmen are juniors.”

Senior high jumper and sprinter Lalita Andrews has caught Wuertzel’s eye in practice, and he hopes she can produce for the Warriors early in the season.

Other notable returning runners include juniors Emma Housewright and Andrea Poole, sophomore Susan Broker and senior Mary Broker.

The 200 relay team of Andrews, Housewright, sophomore Rylie Cox and junior Dajah Ray all return for the Warriors this season, as well.

The group finished fifth in the district meet last season, but Wuertzel expects big improvements this spring.

He also expects to build for the future.

“I tell the girls to put that money in the bank every practice, and to save it for when they need it in May,” he said. “It might not be this May, but I think we’re setting up a solid foundation for success down the road.”