By Niles Lashway (March 12, 2004)

The track and field team is pinning its hopes of success on the few remaining seniors and the strong performances of the cross-country runners who have transferred their skills to the track.

The Mustangs will need to recover from the losses of talismanic graduates Mark Murchie and Annie Maynard. They will be led this year by senior Luisa Fairfax, who placed 12^th at states last year in the 1600 meter, and by hurdler Niles Lashway, an 8^th place finisher in the 300 meters at states. Orie Bumgarner also holds promise based on his 12h-place finish in cross-country.

Despite retaining only half of the six state-qualifying athletes from the previous season, the Mustangs still have reason for optimism. In her second year as head coach and fifth in all with the track team, coach Julie Bravin has managed to organize and recruit three new coaches who specialize in hurdling, jumping, and sprints. 

Along with these new coaches come a large number of younger athletes, assuring the team a competitive future.

The team’s first meet is the Wolverine Invitational at North Stafford High School April 10.