KELLOGG — Change and opportunity will define the Kellogg track and field program this spring, as longtime assistant Amy Miller steps into the interim head coaching role while inheriting a roster rich with postseason experience. 

“I've been an assistant coach for seven years. This is my first year as a head coach,” Miller said. 

While the title is new, Miller’s familiarity with the athletes and the program provides continuity during a transitional season, one that features both high expectations and the challenge of building numbers. 

Returning State Experience 

Despite a smaller roster, Kellogg brings back a core group of athletes who have already proven they can compete on Idaho’s biggest stage. 

“We have seven returning state qualifiers,” Miller said. “Trieste Marek, Darby Sager, AJ Peak, Davin Harju, Draeden Taylor, Porter Lewis, and Radley McDonald.” 

Harju and Lewis both finished fourth in state last year, with Lewis placing in javelin and Harju in the high jump.  

That experience gives the Wildcats immediate scoring potential across multiple disciplines, from field events to sprints and hurdles. 

Events to Watch 

Several returning athletes headline Kellogg’s event groups this season, giving fans plenty to keep an eye on as the schedule unfolds. 

“Davin Harju and Draeden Taylor in high jump, Porter Lewis in javelin, AJ Peak in shot put and discus,” Miller said. “Trieste Marek in high jump, Darby Sager in 300m & the 400m, Laine Smith in both hurdle events.” 

McDonald, fresh off a torn ACL will look to reclaim his spot at state in the 110m hurdles.

The variety of strengths across events has allowed Kellogg to remain competitive even with limited numbers. 

Freshman Impact 

One newcomer expected to contribute right away is freshman hurdler Laine Smith. 

“Freshman Laine Smith will be exciting to watch this year in the hurdle events,” Miller said. 

Smith’s arrival adds depth to the hurdle group and highlights Kellogg’s focus on developing younger athletes alongside proven veterans. 

Goals and Expectations 

With postseason experience already in place, Kellogg’s objectives are straightforward. 

“We are going to try and get as many to state as we can and bring home some medals,” Miller said. 

That goal reflects both confidence in the returning group and optimism about the team’s ability to maximize opportunities throughout the season. Kellogg continues to compete in a league where many programs have bigger rosters, making efficiency and versatility critical. 

“Other teams in the league have better numbers,” Miller said. “We are small and trying to build numbers right now.” 

The Wildcats’ approach has centered on making the most of each athlete’s skill set while laying groundwork for future growth. 

Looking Ahead 

As Miller settles into her first season leading the program, the focus remains on consistency, development and capitalizing on experience already in the lineup. With state‑tested athletes setting the tone and younger competitors gaining valuable reps, Kellogg enters the spring aiming to compete beyond its size and make noise when it matters most.