What the Galion girls track team lacks in overall numbers, it will make up for in top-notch athletes this season led by returning shot put state-placer Miranda Stone.

Stone, a senior committed to continuing her career at Duke University, placed sixth in the state meet and earned All-Ohio honors. She returns to lead a senior-laden group that hopes to build on its sixth-place finish in the MOAC last season.

“She has a great opportunity to qualify for both the shot and discus throw,” head coach Ryan Scribner said of Stone. “Coming off a great indoor season where she placed sixth in the shot put and fourth in the weight throw, making her All-Ohio in both events, we look forward to seeing her compete and lead this team as well.”

In addition to Stone, seniors Nora Harding and Mia Felder are expected to be among Galion’s top competitors this season. Harding was part of the 4×800-meter relay team that qualified for the OATCCC State Meet and will be one of Galion’s strongest distance runners. Felder will contribute primarily as a hurdler but will also be a part of relay teams as well.

Sophomore Kalynne Butterfield will contribute in both the long and high jump events this season. She qualified for the OATCCC Indoor State Meet in the high jump and is also expected to play a big role in sprints and relays. “She is a great competitor and may have an opportunity to make it to the state meet this year in Dayton,” Scribner said of Butterfield.

A pair of freshmen will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the team. Makayla and Makenzie Halbisen were members of the 4×800-meter relay team that qualified for the OATCCC Indoor State Meet, and Scribner said he is looking forward to seeing what the duo can do with the distance group this outdoor season.

Other returning letter winners include junior sprinter and pole vaulter Maddie Barros, senior hurdler Elisha Brown, senior mid-distance runner Raygann Campbell, junior jumper and sprinter Jillian Capretta, sophomore jumper and hurdler Bianca Davis, senior sprinter Ashley Dyer, and sophomore sprinter Brooke Kuehlman.

“This team is ready to go out and compete,” Scribner said. “They bought into the process and have worked extremely hard this offseason to have a successful outdoor season. We are extremely excited to see what our girls team can do.”

While Scribner lamented the low overall numbers — the team sits at around 30 girls — he noted the team should be in good hands with the returning seniors.

“Our girls team will be led by some solid senior leaders this year,” he said. “We look for them to lead these underclassmen. Our distance and field events should have a solid year. We had some success this indoor season that we are looking to carry over to our outdoor season.”