“Excitement is high,” said Scott Smith, as track season began in Naselle.

The squad is gearing up with significant promise, including three-sport athlete Mylee Dunagan, who has earned state medals the past two years.

“Mylee is a solid, consistent competitor,” said Smith, who has been head coach for more than three years and previously served as an NHS assistant coach under Rob Baker and Debbie Denny. Dunagan, a junior, will compete in the three jumps — high, triple and long.

Last year saw the emergence of June Miller, now a freshman. She came within millimeters of winning the high jump at state and earned two other medals. She will compete in three sprints. Twin sister Halle Miller will compete in high jump, as well as running the hurdles and 400 meters.

Shaylee Suomela, a sophomore, placed fifth in the state pole vault and returns in that event with freshman Karsen Green, who also runs the 3,200. Strong hurdler Sophia Colombo is in the mix and Clara Davis is a throwing prospect.

Junior Jessica Underhill will return. “She just keeps improving and I expect she’ll have a great year,” said her coach.

Smith will be looking for personal records (PRs) to improve, building the boys’ program after losing two tall, speedy athletes to graduation. Derek Suomela and Jacob Pakenen both earned medals at their final state championships. “I was proud of the team’s improvement last year,” Smith said. “We were anchored by two outstanding seniors: Jakko and Derek were amazing athletes.”

Fresh from earning an eighth-place state medal with the Comets’ revived wrestling program, junior Jason Gardner will return. “He loves to win and has the potential to excel, and I expect lots of pole vault PRs,” said his coach.

A group of enthusiastic sophomores includes Andy Rosas, Caesar Garcia, Logan Wirkkala-Scheller, Reilly Browning and Bo Dunagan. “They are growing and mature. They should continue to get stronger and stronger. I suspect they will surprise us with some new PRs,” said Smith.

Rosas has been competing in triple jump since middle school and placed seventh at state with a personal best of 37-8.5.

Newcomers joining the squad include Elijah Johnson and Alicia Knight. “I expect them to do great,” said Smith.

The coach is optimistic as he studies league opposition, though he expects Willapa Valley and Ocosta will field good athletes.

“Our girls team is very strong,” said Smith. “The boys are really young, but I am expecting hard work and good attitudes and PRs from everyone.”

•••

Naselle track

March 20 South Bend

March 27 Ilwaco

April 3 Rainier

April 10 Raymond

April 12 St. Helens, Ore.

April 22 Rainier

May 1 Ocosta

May 6 Ilwaco

May 14 League meet TBA

May 22 District meet, Tacoma

May 23-25 State meet, Yakima