There are so many variables to the start of a new sports season, including the dreaded injury bug.

That variable is on the minds of the track and field coaching staff as they prepare the Hot Springs Savage Heat and Lady Heat track and field teams for the 2024 season.

Neither group was decimated by graduation as is the case with some teams every year. But the injury factor has raised its often ugly head as Hot Springs works toward the season opening meet, the Bigfork Invitational, Saturday, April 6.

The athlete who would have been one of the boys’ few returning seniors, Quincy Styles-Depoe is likely out of the year as he faces potential surgery to repair a knee ligament that has been damaged for some time.

The loss will take away some points Styles-Depoe was being counted on via his skill in the hurdling events.

“Quincy has been a great hurdler for us and qualified for the state 300 meter hurdles last year,” said head track coach Andrew Leichtnam. “He will miss this year, his senior season, as he receives an ACL repair in April for an old injury which he has played on for years. His leadership will be greatly missed”.

Another top performer from last year, junior Nick McAllister, is currently listed as questionable for his return following a severe ankle injury he sustained late in the recently concluded basketball season.

McAllister emerged as a promising high jumper and hurdler last season. He will be evaluated as the season progresses to assess a possible return this year.

Despite those two pieces of not so good news, Leichtham is optimistic in the abilities of the athletes he has on hand.

Tops among the boys is David Chapman, a junior who wrestled for the Plains-Hot Springs co-op this Winter. Chapman qualified for state in both the 110 and 300 meter hurdle events.

“He should do the same this year and potentially get on the podium (medals) at State”, Leichtnam said. He is also high on senior distance runner Elijah Campbell, who qualified last year in the 3200 meter event, and is expected to “make some noise” this year in the distance events.

On the women’s side of the team, sophomore Kara Christensen, who did not qualify for state last year, has a good chance to qualify in several events this season, her coach said.

“Kara will do well in both hurdle races, discus and javelin. I would suspect her for qualifying in three or four events this year”.

The coach and team are also high on freshman Ben Aldridge, who emerged as a standout basketball player this season.

“Ben will be a great addition to our hurdles crew,” Leichtnam said. “I expect he will make a name for himself in the coming years in both hurdle events”.

For now, Leichtnam is evaluating the talent he has on hand.

“Once the season starts, I will have a better idea of what we have, what we need to work on, and what direction the team is headed. We have several first year athletes that I will be evaluating and trying to find a role for them this season”.