*UPDATE: ALL SPORTS HAVE BEEN CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS*

Spring sports began the first week in March this year and the Lopez Island High School track team is ready to take off.

“Track and field is already off to an exciting start this season,” Coach Marina Steinbrueck said. “With five returning state competitors and tons of fresh potential in uprising freshmen, I already believe state is in our future.”

Last year, the Lobos team was three times larger than the previous year and included eight freshmen runners, this year seems to be a repeat of last year’s freshmen influx.

“It is really exciting to see freshmen turning out for the team,” Steinbrueck said. “Track can be intimidating as a whole but it is always worth the work you put into it.”

Though practice just began, Steinbrueck has her athletes working a variety of track and field skills.

“We have kids focusing on throwing, jumping, sprints, long-distance and hopes for an amazing relay as well,” Steinbrueck said. “So lots of diversity which means lots of pathways to the state tournament hopefully.”

Last year, the Lobos sent a runner to state. Steinbrueck is excited to see what this season brings to her enthusiastic team.

“The energy is high and the attitude is one that is contagiously happy. I have the highest of hopes for this group of young athletes,” Steinbrueck said. “As a coach that’s all you can ask for.”