LUSK: Spring in Wyoming is not always very cooperative with track and field season, but veteran coaches Sandra Johnson and Jim Lyons have been around long enough to adjust accordingly. Johnson enters her 15^th season as Lady Tiger head coach, while Lyons begins his 11^th leading the Tiger boys.

Just three seniors are out for Niobrara County High School this year, and so leadership will have to come from several sources.

Jackson Smith took last season off to heal up, and is back looking to regain his hurdling and high jump form. It’s likely Lyons will find a few other events to keep Smith busy.

Gracie ZumBrunnen is an All State returner in the triple jump and will also do the high jump, long jump, 400m dash and possibly the 100m dash, according to Johnson.

Kyra Willey will be throwing the discus and shot put again this season and is making strides to qualify for state this season.

“We may not have a lot of kids out, but the ones that are here want to be here,” noted Johnson. “And the weather isn’t always great during track season, so you’ve got to be tough to deal with that too.”

Junior Nathan Miller was an All state high jumper, placed fourth in the triple jump, and sixth in the long jump, and after a recent fourth place finish at the Simplot Games, has expectations for bigger things this spring. Isaac Assman brought home a fifth place medal from state in the 110m hurdles and with Smith, Lusk has two of the best hurdlers in 1A.

Charlie Gaukel (pole vault/distance), Abby Glavan (sprints/jumps/relays), Royal Kremers (throws) and Cian Kimes (throws/relays) are the other retunees from the class of 2026. All are expected to provide leadership, improve and qualify for state.

“Coming off a fourth place finish at state last year and dropping to 1A this season, I feel we should be right in the mix again,” said Lyons. “I think the biggest difference will be getting more kids qualified, but winning an individual title or team championship won’t be any easier.”

Sophomores Raynce Brott earned All State in the discus and was fifth in the shot put, while Marleigh Smith became an All State high jumper. Both should be in contention again this year, as Smith is also looking for the podium in the hurdles. Brady Swisher (high jump/long jump/relays), Addisyn Bauersachs and Connor Luker also return and the coaches will find events for them in ways to help the teams. A handful of newcomers and freshmen will also be looking to make an impact.

Ron Nelson and Chris Skeen are also back as assistants. Nelson is still one of the best throwing coaches in the state and has a spot as long as he wants with Lyons and Johnson around. Skeen will continue to work with the distance runners and those who jump into sand.

NCHS will open the season at the Pine Bluffs early bird Invite on Friday, with events beginning at 9 a.m.

Lusk will host the Zowada Invitational on May 3, and the following Saturday May 10, will have the SEWAC Conference meet at Fullmer Stadium.