The Covington boys track team returns a stable of athletes who have state experience - making for the anticipation for another outstanding season at an all-time high.

Junior Jett Murphy returns after placing fourth at state a year ago in the pole vault, where he set a new school record with a height of 14-4. Murphy looks to finish atop the podium in 2017 with another year of strength and experience under his belt.

Seniors Zane Barnes and Jayce Pond return with junior Nathan Lyle as three-fourths of the 4x400 meter relay team that qualified for state a year ago. Their quest to get back to state will be determined by finding a capable replacement for the graduated Brandon Magee - who was known as "Mr. Relay" due to qualifying for state in a relay in each of his four years of high school. Capable replacements could be senior Deron White, senior Adam Lefeld or junior Ethan Herron.

Also returning with state experience is junior Cade Harshbarger, who was a state qualifier last season in the 110 meter hurdles. Harshbarger came on strong in the second half of last season and looks to carry that momentum into 2017.

Rounding out the roster are additional athletes who have the potential to compete in Columbus, including junior high jumper Zach Parrett - who came up just short a year ago. With 35 kids on the roster, Buccaneer coach Kyle Moore sees a big season on the horizon.

"Jett Murphy is back after placing fourth at state in the pole vault last year, and he’s motivated to go higher," Moore said. "So is Zach Parrett in the high jump, after he placed at the regional meet last year. We've also got a lot of throwers this year – they were really young last year – and they're still young, but they've worked really hard in the football program to keep getting stronger. I'm excited to see what Sam Pritchard, Hunter Alexander, and a host of freshmen can do this year."

It all starts with taking care of business in the league and peaking for the post-season.

"We would always like to win the Cross County Conference and the district," Moore said. "But it's never easy with Miami East, Twin Valley South, Arcanum and Newton. But we've got a big roster – 35 guys – and we are looking forward to the season."

Get set for another great year on the track for the Covington Buccaneers.