Gone is a group of seniors who helped the Bonney Lake High boys record a sixth-place finish at last season’s Class 3A state track meet, but fourth-year head coach Andy Foster is excited about his mostly-underclassmen squad and new district.

More than 60 athletes turned out for track and field this season and Foster is encouraged by the large number.

“We have only nine seniors on the team and a large group of juniors and sophomores,” he said. “We’re pretty dispersed this season with talented athletes in all areas.”

Leading the team is senior Cale Snider, who finished sixth in the 400 meters at state and also is a member of the 4×400 relay team that took second and a 4×100 team that was sixth.

Senior runners competing for the Panthers this season are Eric Schroeder (100, 200 and 400), Cory Richardson (1,600 and 3,200) and Chris Pokorny (400 and 800). Joining them are juniors Brandon Barnett and Hunter Colegrove (100 and 200) and sophomores Reed Hawkins and Andrew Allen. Both Hawkins and Allen are distance runners and Barnett was a member of the Panthers’ 4×400 relay team that competed at state last season.

Seniors Bobby Nix and Alex Whitish lead a group of throwers and jumpers. Nix will compete in the discus and shot put while Whitish is a pole vaulter.

Junior Josh Zahnow and sophomore Lee Boggan will compete in the high, long and triple jumps.

Foster has a new addition to his squad, junior sprinter Tevante Christian, from Tacoma.

The South Puget Sound League 3A has a new look this year. Three teams have been added while Auburn and Auburn Riverside moved up to the 4A ranks.

“With the new additions this year, our district will be solid,” Foster said. “Lakes, Clover Park and Peninsula all have strong track and field programs.”