Columbia Falls tracks squads should be in the top five again this year as they have some returning talent from last year and a host of upcoming athletes ready to make their mark.

On the boys side, the Wildcats return the likes of Easton Brooks, Joe West, Jett Brandeberry and Tripp Ross. Ross is a pole vaulter and coming off shoulder surgery so it may be a while before he is fully ready.

Brooks was an excellent jumper and all-around athlete and West was good last year at javelin and discus.

On the girls side, look for good things from Maddy Barker, Rylee Sweeney and Mila Johns. Olivia Hook, a sophomore, should do well in throwing events.

Sweeney took fourth last year in the high jump at state.

Barker was good at the triple jump last year, while Johns made her mark in the distance events.

Of course, there’s plenty of other athletes who shine as the season progresses.

Coach Jamie Heinz is in his last season, as he recently announced his retirement from coaching and teaching after a great career.

He said all of his coaching staff is returning from last year.

The Cats will not compete in the Whitefish ARM meet this year, as it’s been changed to April 3 and the team won’t have enough practices with spring break being this week.

They kick off the season April 7 at the Flathead Time Trials. In a twist, Whitefish will practice a couple of times a week this season with the Wildcats as Whitefish’s track will be torn up. The school is building a new athletic facility.

The state track meet this year is in Laurel. The Wildcats’ big home meet is April 25.