Coach Sue Wright says the strength of this year’s Wright City track team will depend on the success of a strong core of seniors.“They’ve been great leaders,” said Wright. “They’ve really taken on their responsibilities.”The numbers are deeper on the boys side, but talent also exists for the girls program.Earning points will fall strongly into the hands of the same senior boys crew that has competed in the MSHSAA Cross Country Championships the past two seasons.Ben Randolph is returning after qualifying for sectionals last May and has his sights set on breaking Larry Paul’s 800 meter record.“He’s excited about the season and pushing himself to that next level,” said Wright.Joining Randolph are Zac Murri, Brendan Geier and Cody Klemp. They will help fill out the 1600 and 3200-meter relay teams, along with Alvin Chenoweth and Gary Meyer.“There’s a lot of opportunity,” said Wright. “It’s exciting to have Cody out (having played baseball in the past.)Chenoweth is also expected to excel in the jumping events.A combination of veterans and newcomers has Wright optimistic about the faster events.“We should do well in the sprints,” said Wright, eluding to the talent of Lamone Davis and Steven Soltysiak.She believes the Wildcats have the ability to score in more events than in the past.“We’ve got some quality people in a lot more events across the board,” said Wright.Among those is Ty Davis, who Wright says should help out in the long jump.On the girls side, Jynna Fritz will be expected to lead the distance crew, with Karlee Pelton and Abbie Ogborn heading the sprint relays.“Our nucleus of the sprint relays will be the same,” said Wright. “The kids have been working really hard, and I’m excited about what they can accomplish.”The majority of the girls team is comprised of sophomores and seniors.“It’s not the largest team we’ve ever had, but sometimes quality is better than quantity,” said Wright.BEN RANDOLPHDerrick Forsythe Photo.