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Hayden seniors Jesse Dren--nan and Kenny Gehrman bega--n preparing for this year's track and field season several months ago.

But the itch to get back on the track started last spring, moments after finishing a disappointing second in the 400-meter relay at last year's state meet.

"They are looking forward to the season," Tigers coach Kevin Kleckler said. "Telluride beat us last year, but they won't have (Kevin) Ludwig, so that's good for us. But you never know what schools will be able to put together."

Hayden has to be considered among the favorites to win the 400- and 800-meter relays after posting some of the state's best times in the events last year. A dropped baton at regionals prevented the Tigers from qualifying for state in the 800-meter relay, but all four members are back and hungrier than ever to win.

In addition to Drennan and Gehrman, senior Evan Hilling and junior Tyson Letlow are expected to be on the team. Last year was the first time the quartet competed as a team.

All four also run individual sprint events.

But the sprints are just one area where Hayden is expected to do well. The Tigers have spent the past several years grooming young throwers to excel in the discus and shot put. This year, juniors Tyson Sweetser and Keenan Bruchez, and perhaps Robert Culver, are poised to break through.

"We're hoping we can be top dog with our throwers," Kleckler said.

On the girls' side, sophomore Jessica Varah had an impressive first season last year. Joining her are sophomore Emily Whiteman and freshman Samantha Varah.

But Kleckler isn't content to let all of his throwers focus exclusively on those field events. He has visions of putting together formidable 1,600-meter relay teams using several of the throwers.

More than 30 athletes are out for track and field this year in Hayden. While the boys draw most of the attention for the success in the sprint relays, the girls have several experienced runners, too.

Senior Lauren Branstetter is the leader of the girls team based on age and results. She is a multi-year state qualifier in the 400 meters and placed seventh last season.

Kleckler said Branstetter is going to focus on her individual events -- the 100, 200 and 400 -- this season. Joining her in the sprint field will be sophomore Jessica Martin. Martin started to come into her own toward the end of her first season, and she should provide Branstetter with quality competition during practice this spring.

"We have a lot of freshman girls," Kleckler said. "So it will take some time to develop."

Junior Mariah Doolin and senior Levi Sheldon are two former track and field athletes back out this season. Sheldon broke his arm last year and had to quit, but he is back to compete in the high jump and likely the 400. Doolin is a jumper, as well.

Hayden doesn't open the season until the West Grand Invitational on April 2 -- after spring break. Most of the teams in the Tigers' region will have several meets behind them. In Kleckler's experience, however, competing early when the body isn't ready sometimes translates into nagging injuries and a premature end of the year.

"Early season, we do a lot of hill work," Kleckler said. "We do a lot of ladder drills and really push them this way. Athletes come in and they are in shape for running on the basketball floor or the wrestling mat, but track is different. It's intense cardio. We have to build the lung capacity. With throwers, we do a lot of lifting weights and plyometrics working all the quick-twitch fibers."

-- To reach Melinda Mawdsley call 871-4208

or e-mail mmawdsley@steamboatpilot.com