State participants returning from last year include seniors Bree Nelson (400, 4x400 relay) and Anna Steer (4x400 relay), sophomores Lily Olson (4x800 relay) and Ingrid Rustad (4x800 relay, 4x400 relay) and eighth-grader Katie Vetter (4x400).

Nelson (sprints/mid distance), Steer (sprints/mid distance), Marissa Ahles (throws), Jada Carlson (distance), Katelyn Kleven (throws) and Isabella Briard (mid distance) are the returning senior letter winners.  Juniors coming back are Alexa Reep (jumps/sprints), Julie Stromm (distance) and Casidy Hoban (sprints).

Joining Olson (distance) and Rustad (high jump/mid distance) as returning sophomores are Laura Burkel (sprints), Dru Dauner (distance), Katherine Geeslin (distance), Izzy Steer (hurdles/sprints), Addison Strawsell (high jump/sprints), Elsa Stigen (sprints) and Taya Carlson (thrower).

Also in line to provide a varsity impact are freshmen Kylee Geray (sprints), Annika Hanson (hurdles), Gracey Hecker (sprints), Kaysa Erickson (throws), Kylie Isaman (sprints), Alexis Newman (throws) and Katelyn Smith (sprints), along with eighth-grader Katie Vetter (sprints/mid distance/jumps).

“I am very excited about this season,” said Coach Hinrichs.  “In the early part of the season we will have to determine how we can fit kids together so we can determine the best combinations for the relay teams.  Our freshman class should help strengthen our sprinters and hurdlers, and with the number of returning state participants, we hope to be very competitive by the end of the season.”

Hinrichs says Perham, Pelican Rapids and DGF are Heart O’ Lakes Conference favorites.