Seven state qualifiers — four boys and three girls — will pace the Wildcats in the 2012 season.

Returning for the boys is Josiah Miller, who placed fifth in the 200 meters, sixth in the triple jump and qualified for the 100 at last spring’s state meet.

Also returning are Carlton Johnson, Connor Meyer and Chris Opdyke who teamed with Miller to qualify for state in the 4×400 relay.

Others veterans are Josh Schrum (800), James Harrison (pole vault), Cody Hernkind (sprints, relays, jumps), Josh McVey (pole vault), David Payne (hurdles), Matt Reith (distance), Cody Sanders (hurdles), Zach Wallace (javelin), Noel Cheeseboro (sprints), Jayden Davilla (sprints, jumps), Jeremy Foster (shot put), Chris Hailer (jumps), Allen Hills (jumps), Jon Lanningham (throws), Sam Schultz (jumps), Dakota Sinchak (javelin, jumps, sprints), Clayton Richardson (distance), Sheyenne Sams (sprints) and Keon Crumpton (throws).

Coach Jay Turner said key newcomers are seniors Peter Franssen (sprints, jumps, relays) and Tucker Lundstrom (sprints, jumps, throws) and freshmen Jackson Constant (throws), Dejon Devroe (sprints,  jumps, relays) and John Rodeheffer (distance).

The Wildcats’ strength, according to Turner, will be their depth with a record 90 athletes turning out; the previous high was 70.

“Our main weakness,” Turner said, “is that we don’t have a lot of returning long jumpers.”

He added, “We are very excited for this year with all of the new faces. The kids are excited and working hard. Our No. 1 goal in track is for improvement. Every week we are trying to get better and to set PRs. With four home meets (including the district meet) it should be an exciting year for Oak Harbor track.”

On the girls side, Christina Alexander, Maura McKole and Christina Wickers qualified for state in 2011 as members of relay teams.

Five others who placed at the league meet also return: Raeanna Wynne (300 hurdles), Dominique Jackson (discus), Jember Jansen (400), Hannah Bressler (800) and Alex Laiblin (3,200).

Other returning letter winners are Elizabeth Adkins, Chylah Bass, Nikki Blanchard, Lizzy Chase, Rachel Crowther, Heather Dale, Megan Duhrkopf, Ashley Everett, Kayleigh Harper, Olivia Hunt, Mackenzie Jackson, Kelsey Johnson, Carlie Kenny and Taylor VonGrey.

Promising newcomers, according to coach Eric Peterson, are Jessica Hollins (sprints), Jonalynn Horn (distance) and Hayley Lundstrom (distance).

Peterson said, “As a team we do not have a lot of depth in some of the events, but we are returning a large number of letter winners from last year. Their experience and positive attitude to work with each other will help raise the team’s performance.”

He added, “This year, with so many returners, our goal is to build on last year’s performance. We are hoping to improve in every event with personal bests. Our goals are to improve and have fun competing.”

The Wildcats host the Island Jamboree Thursday, March 15, at 3:30 p.m.