The roster number continues to rise for the Lone Tree Lions’ girls’ track team. Entering his third season as head coach, Caylon DeVaul says these are the best numbers he has had out for track.

“Last year, we ended with 14 (athletes) and this year we have 23 out.” DeVaul said, “For a school our size, I like our numbers.”

Of the 23 athletes out, four return with experience at the State Track and Field Meet. Junior Paige Doehrmann qualified for the state’s biggest meet in the 400 meter dash, finishing 15th overall with a time of 1:02.77.

The Lions also sent a 4×100 relay team to state, placing 20th overall with a time of 53.04 seconds. The entire relay team returns this season, including Doehrmann, senior Natie Attig, senior Makenzie Reynolds, and sophomore Elena Sieverding.

A lot of youth joins the Lone Tree girls’ track team with 11 freshmen out for the team.

The Lions will compete this Saturday at the Central Indoor Invitational in Pella.