A-J boys’ track team in rebuilding mode

The Anna-Jonesboro High School boys’ track team lost a lot of quality athletes to graduation last season.

The Wildcats will be in a rebuilding mode for the 2010 season.

“We have a lot of holes (to fill) for the boys’ team,” A-J track coach Michael Eudy said.  “We graduated a big senior class.”

However, the squad does return senior J.R. Woodward, a sprinter and hurdler. He has been a state qualifier in the hurdle events the last several seasons, but is presently nursing a ham string injury.

Other seniors expected to contribute are shot putter Alez Gonzalez; middle distance runner Jesse Webb; and middle distance/sprinter Louis Denny.

Another senior who came out this season and could help in the middle distance events is Jordan Adams.

“We knew our senior class would be thin, but we’ll be relying on their senior leadership,” Eudy said.

Juniors expected to contribute are sprinters Aaron Smithey, Brett Turner, Austin Tweedy and Adam Bennett; shot putter/discus thrower Taylor Fitzgerald and shot putter Josiah Miller.

Dalton Yunker is another junior out for the first  time and could contribute in sprint events.

Sophomores who could contribute varsity points in meets are distance runner Caleb Mixen and sprinter/pole  vaulter Andrew McMahan.

“Hopefully, we’ll put together a strong team,” Eudy said. “And, when sectionals roll around we’ll be clicking on all cylinders.”

The Wildcats open their season in the Benton Spring Fling Saturday, April 3.