MONUMENT Its been 10 years since Monument High School has had a track program.

This year, the spring sport is back.

Four members of this years team will get a little preseason training by running up the Great Wall of China, taking part in a March 4-13 student trip.

Because of that, track practice wont start until March 14, although several team members will attend clinics while they wait, said Earl Pettit, coach and district superintendent.

We are excited to revive track as an activity for the students, said Pettit, who noted that the school board supported renewing the sport. We are excited to get this up and running. We are hopeful that the activity is here to stay.

Pettit said the school has a great group of student-athletes, willing to work and set personal goals for improvement and team-building for this start-up year.

The district committed to funding uniforms and equipment. Pettit and assistant coach Cara Dailey, though certified to coach track, are unpaid volunteers.

The teams first meet is Saturday, April 7, at the Condon Invitational.

Our goal for the first meet is to compete and learn, said Pettit. Goals for the season are to learn and develop technical skills, and for individuals to meet their personal goals by the end of the season.

At least four other meets are on the schedule, plus the district, and potentially the state event, he said.

The team is still determining the students individual strengths in the various track events. The athletes and their interests, although not necessarily what they will compete in, are:

Boys:

Stephen Binger, senior: shot put and discus.

Clint Milton, senior: javelin, shot put, and discus.

Jamen Schafer, sophomore: high jump, long jump, and sprints.

Wilson Dailey, junior: discus, high jump, and middle-distance running.

Girls:

Mary Cade, senior: shot put, discus, and javelin.

Emily Dailey, freshman: hurdles, middle-distance running, long jump.

Desiree Robison, sophomore: javelin, long jump.

Treiquella Osborne, freshman: discus, shot put, high/long jumps, sprints.