The River Ridge boys track and field team has its sights set high.

With 37 members, it’s the largest the team has been in its brief history.

Coach Shane Giardina returns the bulk of the team from a year ago and feels his athletes are ready to take the program to the next level.

“I feel we will field an extremely competitive team in all events,” he said. “We have a good mix of kids.”

Leading the group will be a returning state-qualifier in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs, senior Joe Mayes.

Other returners include seniors Austin Terrell (100, 200), Austin Kile (100, 200), Austin Bennett (discus, shot put) and Austin Dillard (discus, shot put); juniors Josh Schulz (hurdles) and Omare Reeves-Miller (400, triple jump); and sophomores Tanner Hicks (100, 200, long jump), and Nathan Trottier (800, 1,600).

Joining the team are sophomore Tim Hooper (400, 800) and freshmen Tremain Carr (100, 200, long jump), Marcus Norman (100, 200, triple jump) and Marcus Spears (1,600).

Woodstock will also be led by a returning state-qualifier in the 1,600 and 3,200. J.C. Cornett, a senior, holds the school record in both events and is the defending county champion in the 1,600.

Hurdler Kylon Drones, a junior, qualified for state in the 110 and 300 and is the defending county champion in both events.

Other key runners for the Wolverines include sophomore Owen Bailey (1,600, 3,200), senior Max Pinion (400, 800), sophomore Reagan Amos (400) and junior Justin Jones (hurdles). Senior Wes Pella (shot put) and sophomore Chris Steele (pole vault) will also contribute.

Woodstock does have some holes to fill after graduating Jon Wiener (long jump, high jump, discus), David Brown (discus) and Mike Owenby (pole vault). Also gone is Kyle Beard, the school recorder-holder in the 400 and the defending county champion in the 800.

Creekview coach Tim Smyrl returns for his fifth season with the team.

The Grizzlies will be led by Trey Peppers (400), Hunter Carter (800, 1,600), Brennan Garriques (3,200), Elijah Cloy (1,600, 3,200), Stanton Slocum (long jump, triple jump) and Nathan Pelletier (discus).