A solid core of talented upperclassmen and a very promising group of freshmen and sophomores has hopes high in Thompson Falls’ track and field for the 2023 season.

That combination of experience and talent adds up to depth in most events as the Blue Hawks prepare to open their season this Friday at the Dave Tripp Memorial Invitational in Polson.

Last year’s successful relay teams have returned mostly intact, sparking hope for consistent team points for both the boys and girls teams.

Head coach Trenna Ferris said the overall outlook for the team is indeed based on the quality depth they have.

“I believe that we will be represented in all areas of track and field,” Ferris said. “Our leaders and veterans are doing a great job this year of starting the season with goals and a positive outlook”.

High on the list of returnees being counted on this season is Breck Ferris, a senior who placed fifth in the long jump at last year’s state championships. Ferris was also a member of the fifth place state 4X100 relay team.

“He (Ferris) has big potential in the high jump, long jump, sprints and relays,” the coach said. “And we have Trinity Riffle, who placed sixth in the state in the high jump. She is a junior this year and has potential on the track and the high jump”.

Ferris said she has big expectations for the men’s and women’s 4X400 relay teams, along with returnees that will make up the bulk of the 4X100 relay events.

“Both men’s and women’s 4X400 and 4X100 teams are experienced and looking to move on into the post season,” coach Ferris said. “The women’s 4X400 team made state last year and we would love to see them return”.

Members of those relay teams back for another season are: juniors Braxton Dorscher and Justin Haagenson, and sophomore Kaiden Robins on the men’s teams.

The womens relay returners include senior Chesney Lowe, and juniors Faith Palmer and Hatie Neesvig.

Ferris said Lowe, has “big potential in the javelin and pole vault”, while Palmer should do well in the distance races after being a key member of this past Fall’s successful cross country team. Neesvig, Ferris added, is expected to “come back strong in the high jump and long jump” and in several track events.

“I’m very excited to see what they do this season”, she said. “We have a great group of young adults. We also have a group of new athletes who are ready to compete”.

Among the underclassmen hoping to shine this year are sophomores Bryson LeCoure in the javelin and Braedon Ferris in the discus. Senior Wesley Powers also has team point potential in the shot put, as part of a solid weight thrower group.

Newcomers to this year’s roster include senior all-around standout Ellie Baxter, who is also a member of the school’s golf team, as is the case with junior Cael Thilmony. Other’s new to the team this year include: Nick Tessier, Katelyn Subatch, Jaden Bewick, Veronica Bewick, Blake Shuslerman, Colton Arnold, Gabe Hutton, John Taylor, Sean Nowlan II, Maika Hammer, Zack Ames, Isaac Wilhite, James Schmidt and Brock Ryan.

Ferris also had praise for the team’s manager, Kael Brown, “Kael is also returning, he is such a huge help and we appreciate him very much”.

After the Dave Tripp meet this Friday, the Blue Hawks will participate in Bigfork April 8 and at Libby April 15.

This year’s Thompson Falls invite is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18.