EDITORS NOTE: Continuing series of winter high school previews to appear in The Citizen.

Indoor track often gets lost in the shuffle of winter sports such as basketball, volleyball and wrestling. However, its ever-growing popularity is proof that running is an all-year sport. This seasons area teams include an interesting mixture of well-established and novice programs of competitive teams and teams whose athletes who will have to focus on individual achievement.

Auburn

OHSL, Class A

Coach: Al Wilson

The Maroons belong to the former group, and Wilson is optimistic about his teams chances, even though his team is re-tooling.

Were young. We have a lot of new kids, he said. Were a little stronger than last year, but we will probably be focusing on individual achievement this year.

The team, however, is comprised of mostly seniors and freshmen, and it will be interesting to see if the veteran leadership will outweigh the inexperience of the younger athletes.

Moravia

IAC, Class C

Coach: Jan Hunsinger

The Blue Devils are not in the process of rebuilding their program. They are simply in the process of building it. While some would be tempted to shirk such a responsibility, Hunsinger readily accepts the challenge.

Last year was the programs first, he said. Were just looking for individual improvement over the season.

Hunsinger will be looking to outdoor track star Gemma Hall to bring some much-needed senior leadership to Moravias fledgling program. If their good numbers and enthusiasm can win out over their youth and inexperience, the Blue Devils could be a force in the coming years.

Skaneateles

OHSL, Class C

Coach: Jack Reed

One event does not define a team. However, Reed is very high on his distance medley team and with good reason. The team of Zandra Wilson, Erika Geiha, Katae Figura and Emily Everding is ranked number one in the state.

That group has a good chance to do well in the state tournament, Reed said. But our numbers are just too small to be competitive in every event.

Southern Cayuga

IAC, Class C

Coach: Bill Mullarney

Mullarney isnt exactly sure what to make of his team. The ability and potential are there, but the numbers are not.

We have a small team this year, he said. So all of the members will play important roles.

The Chiefs finished third in the Section IV, Class C meet last season, but the key losses of Molly Carlisle, Katie Trojner-Riley, Danielle Ryan and Jen Troy have left some vacancies in Southern Cayugas roster.

This is a good group of kids, Mullarney said. We have a chance to do well this year, but only time will tell.

Union Springs

IAC, Class C

Mark Gaffney

With a five-girl roster, the Wolves will be focusing on individual achievement this season.

Gaffney will need the senior leadership of Kristen Zimmer to help the team maintain a positive attitude during what may be a rather tough season.

EDITORS NOTE: The Citizen did not receive any information from Jordan-Elbridge for this story.