Boasting handfuls of athletes who have experienced track and field success, second-year coach Jerry Scheidt has welcomed more than 100 Hornets to this year’s program.

The Hornets will ease into the season Saturday with a jamboree at Sumner High. White River kicks off he dual-meet season March 19 when the Hornets host Fife in nonleague action.

On the boys side of the Hornet program, a pair of brother tandems are expected to provide plenty of points this year. Back are Marcus and Mat Dickson, along with Colin and Kramer Green. The four combined to place fourth in the 1,600-meter relay during last year’s Class 3A state meet and each stands out in individual events as well. Marcus Dickson made a state meet appearance in the 1,600-meter run, Mat Dickson made state in the 800, Colin Green went to state in the 400 meters and Kramer Green qualified for state in the intermediate hurdles.

But they’re not the only bright spots, Scheidt said. He’s high on Hunter Chadwick in the long and triple jumps, a fleet of throwers headed by Blake Halvorson and a pole vault contingent that includes Austin Shirey, Aaron Toman and Evan Mays-Scriven.

The number of girls turning out has jumped since last season and includes veterans like Alysa Aasheim, Jessica lindner, Lauryn Wate and Ajanna Russell. Aasheim performed a multitude of roles for the Hornets last year, throwing the javelin, running sprints and running a leg of the 800-meter relay team. Lindner will look to focus on the 400 meters this season but may tackle the hurdles as well. Wate returns to the distance races after a fine showing in the state 1,600 race last year and Russell will compete in the long and triple jumps, plus relays.

The girls team will receive a significant boost once the successful Hornet basketball team finishes the state tournament. Among the White River girls in the hoop program are senior Carly McCutchen, who was among the state leaders last year in the 300-meter hurdles.