By PAIGE CARR

Staff writer

With no senior girls and only four senior boys, only one of which is a returner, Peabody-Burns coach Brian Simmonds will focus his efforts on improving individual athletes and team-building this track season.

“We have a lot of young athletes again this year as we continue to grow the track and field program,” he said. “We will be working to improve this year as a team with a young squad.”

Senior Xavier Mosca is a transfer from Wichita Northwest High School. According to Simmonds, Mosca is participating in track in preparation for the Marines. He will be competing in shot put and long distance events.

“He has a great work ethic,” Simmonds said. “You might have seen him running around town with weights.”

The team consists of 25 athletes, 10 girls and 15 boys. Sophomores are heavily represented with 13.

Key returners are sophomores Taven Scott, Caleb VanCuren, Clarissa Stokes, Madeline Beal, Sienna Richter, Tristen Wedd, and Tanner Wedd.

Lone junior girl returner Breanna Lett will compete in the 400 meter, along with relays, and is joined by newcomers Anna Johnson, junior, and sophomore Aubrey Craig, who will compete in shot put, discus, and javelin.

Simmonds is a veteran coach, serving in his eighth season as head track coach for Peabody-Burns, although not in consecutive years.

He began as assistant high school coach from 1992-1995 and served as head coach from 1996-2001. He returned as head coach last year.