Year in and year out, the Dolores High School boys' and girls' track teams yield solid results.
Entering this season with a group of experienced upperclassmen and several promising newcomers, the Bears expect their success to continue.
Girls' team returns several state qualifiers
Less than a year after finishing fifth at the Class 2A state meet, the Bears' girls' track team appears ready to growl again.
Figuring to lead this year's team will be junior Taylor Elder, who, coming off an 18th place finish in the long jump at state, will look to place even higher this season.
Also sure to play a key role for the Bears in middle distance events will be sophomore Larissa Umberger and seniors Ali Umberger and Regan Umberger.
"I want to qualify (for state) individually in one of my events," said Regan Umberger.
Likely to provide the Bears with solid times in the sprint events will be junior Olivia Wright and senior Brianna Schwartz.
"We'll try to win league and take eight to 10 up to state," said Bears head coach Nick Kohler of his team's goals for the upcoming season.
Boys team young, looking to gain experience
Entering the year with no returning state qualifiers, the Bears' boys' team appears to be entering a rebuilding season.
That said, the team includes multiple freshman and sophomores, who, during the first few weeks of practice, have shown promise.
"Who knows how they'll do or what they'll do," said Kohler of his young team. "Our goal is to get some people to state. Hopefully we'll have half a dozen there ."
Hoping to establish a solid baseline in their young season, the Bears will travel to Farmington this weekend for a meet at Piedra Vista High School on March 15.
