The Covington girls track team is coming off a season where it accumulated 45 wins and 25 losses and finished second in the Cross County Conference.

Even with the graduating losses of Alyssa Angle, Rachel Rindler and Erin Waterfall, track coach Dave Tobias is confident his squad has the potential for a better season in 2011.

"We're looking forward to the competition this season," Tobias said. "We expect to challenge for the league championship with Miami East."

Miami East won the league a year ago with Covington finishing runner-up, but the Lady Buccs return sophomore Tara Snipes (the school record holder in the 800 and 1600), seniors Raquel Brant, Josselyn Tobias and Emily Fields. Juniors Haley Reames, Halley Murphy and Sami Snyder also return along with sophomores Rachel carder, Kayleigh Cecil, Jenna Rindler, Brooke Selanders and Anna Snyder.

Covington also has a strong freshman class joining the ranks, led by Shianne Fortner, who holds the junior high record in the 200 with a time of 28.0.

"Tara (Snipes) returns as a regional qualifier in the 800 and Emily Fields in the 1600 & 3200 after setting PR's in both events last year," Tobias stated. "Josselyn (Tobias) was our top point scorer last year and returns as a senior in the hurdles and long jump. Jenna Rindler did well in the discuss last year and she returns."

Numbers aren't a concern at all for Covington as 23 girls make up the entire roster. What could be a concern, however, is the youth on the team as 17 of the 23 girls are underclassman.

"We'll have numbers this year," said Tobias. "Hopefully that gives us some options and we're able to put girls in position to succeed."