The Warrenton girls track coach returns five of his six state qualifiers from last season. The 4x100 team that reached Jefferson City is back in full force. Juniors Kerri Cunningham, Meghan Stark and Sarah Spoede will team up with senior Nicole Arnold for another shot at the state meet. "That's a pretty good nucleus that's back," said Spoede. But sprinting should not be the Warriors' only strength. Spoede also welcomes members from his cross-country team who earned a state berth in November. Stark, Arnold and Spoede are among those. Cassie Dishman also reached the state competition last season. "Right now our distance is very solid," said Spoede. "We've got the school record-holder in the 3,200-meter back in Stark. We've also got the record-holder in the open 800 as well, with Cunningham returning." He believes the Warriors should be strong across the board, especially in those track events. "We are pretty balanced," said Spoede. "We brought in some more speed with our freshmen and hopefully have brought in some more hurdlers." Competing in the hurdle events will also be returners senior Kristen Schneider and junior Cheryl Waller. Headlining Warrenton's throwing crew is a pair of returning All-Conference performers. "We have the mainstay of our throwers back with Kayla Meine and Samantha Walch," said Spoede. Spoede also is excited about a freshman class that is down in numbers but packed with talent. "They're definitely going to work their way in at the varsity level," said Spoede. "It's a very capable group." The Warriors have 10 seniors on this year's team as well. The Warrenton boys team has a new but familiar coach this season. Steve McDowell has stepped back into a head coaching role after giving up the position last season. He is familiar with many of the athletes though, given his experience as an assistant with the football team. McDowell says the Warriors have the potential for success in nearly every event. "I think we're going to have a real good overall team this year," said McDowell. "I think we'll be consistent throughout. The numbers are good and we have strengths in all of our areas." The distance runners include a pair of cross-country competitors who made it to state. Junior Devin Sherry returns a wealth of success to the program, while senior Ben Tappmeyer is in his first year on the team. Cory Cameron, also a senior, has had proven success in the past. Warrenton also has the potential to score points in the sprinting events. Senior A.J. Wallace will take a leadership role in that department. "A.J. will be a big contributor this year in several events," said McDowell. The Warriors should not fall off in the field events either. Senior Matt Wortham and Trinity Durbin give Warrenton an edge in pole vaulting. The Warriors also have a pair of strong arms that should boost their team standings. "We had a pretty strong throwing program last year and we have those guys back out this year," said McDowell. Shawn Carey and Tony Sanchez return with experience in that department. "We've normally been strong in our 800's," said McDowell. "Our 4x800 team had been solid but we're replacing some seniors from last year. I think we're going to be able to put together some sprint relay teams."