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One of those rookies is senior Nikki Korb, who was a track star in middle school but is competing for the first time on the varsity level. Shay expects her to do well in the long jump and in the 100 meter dash.

Another senior, Nikki McMichael, could have a big year in the high jump. She hasn't competed in track since her freshman year.

Sarah Lambert, a freshman, is expected to score points in the distance events.

Added to that mix are throwers Jillian and Jasmine Hines. Jillian is a sophomore and Jasmine is a freshman.

"They have natural talent, and they're in good shape from basketball," Shay said about his newcomers. "You'll see a lot of girls that do track might be in a little better shape because of basketball (switching with volleyball)," he said.

The athlete who faces the highest expectations, however, is Johnson. She is already the school record holder in the 800, 1600 and 3200. Last year, she finished seventh in the state in the 3200, and she's looking to improve on that this year.

"I'll be running the mile and the 800, but my focus will be on the two mile," she said.

Johnson said her goals are a top 3 finish at the state meet and to break her own school record, which currently stands at 11:33.

She's been running all winter long and is currently pounding out 40-50 miles a week.

That, however, will be going up soon.

"We'll try to get her up to 60-70 (miles a week)," Shay said. "She'll have to do that much for cross country at Notre Dame."

Johnson will be running for the Irish starting this summer.

But Johnson thinks the increased mileage will also help her this spring on the track.

"I'm doing more miles than last year, and that should help for speed," she said.

And that - speed - is always the end goal for a track star.

"I just really want to be a lot faster and more competitive (this year)," Johnson said.

The boys team will feature a similar assembly of newcomers and veterans.

Senior Mike Haydell, who'll be heading to the Naval Academy in the fall (see related story), will focus on the 800 this spring.

"Mike will be our best coming back in the 800," Shay said. "I think he can get down to 2:02 this year."

Newcomers include freshmen Luke Beal, Jordan Becker and Hunter Sutherland.

Shay expects Beal to score points in the sprinting events. "He (Beal) won all but one 100 meter dash in junior high," Shay said.

Becker and Sutherland will both run distance. In the fall, Sutherland was the second freshman at the regional cross country meet and Becker was the fourth.

"We could have a good 4x800," Shay said.