SNOQUALMIE – Mount Si High School track athletes and their coaches are looking forward to qualifying more people for the state track meet this year. The boys’ team finished last year with a 4-3 record and is run by 16-year veteran coach Christine Kjenner.

Kjenner said the boys’ team usually scores most of its points in the field events, and this year should be no different.

“I’m pretty excited about our throwers,” she said. “It’s a really nice core.”

Junior Dan Haakenson returns this year to participate in all of the throwing events. He was one of three Wildcat boys who qualified for state last year in the discus by taking fifth place at district. Haakenson placed 15th at state.

David Bothel and John Varga will be on hand to throw javelin. Kjenner said Josh Flores, who went to school in Oregon last year, will be a promising javelin competitor. Kjenner is also expecting great things from Nick Verbon, the league champion in the hurdles from last year. Verbon was disqualified at the district meet last year because of a false start and lost the chance to qualify for state.

In the distance events, Payton Thompson will run the mile and two mile, and Jacob Waggoner will race the mile. Keith Rivers also rounds out the distance team.

Eddie Horstman will return this year to run the 100 meter, 200 meter and relays.

Kjenner is predicting to finish in the top half of the league and is pleased with the kids who turned out for track.

“I want to finish in the top five. That’s what I predict,” Kjenner said. “It’s an easygoing group that is real excited to be here.”

Joining her staff this year are Keli Lake, who is working with the jumpers, as well as David Ovall, a volunteer who is helping the javelin throwers. Dave Clifford heads the women’s team. And Chris Jackson helps with the discus throwers.

The girls’ team was 2-5 last year and sent discus thrower Tonja Smart to state. Clifford said several returners will do well again this year.

Ashely Wiegardt will compete in the long jump and triple jump; Sheena Kern will run the mile and two mile; and Nikki Belt, who is making a comeback after being out last year with a knee injury, is expected to rebound in the pole vault.