By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

WOODSFIELD — Numbers and experience are down at Monroe Central.

But, spirits are not as head coach Derik Shirley begins his 12th season.

The Seminoles have only five competitors combined between the boys and girls teams with three of those being females.

“This will be an interesting season,” Shirley said. “This is the first time I have zero returning letter winners. In fact, none of the athletes on our current roster have competed in a track meet at the varsity level. However, each kid has attacked each new drill and experience with an over-whelming desire to get better, which will fuel their success.”

The boys roster includes junior Jayden Craig (middle distance, hurdles) and freshman Trenten Cooper (jumps, hurdles, sprints).

On the girls’ side, junior Sara Stimpert (sprints) leads the way. She’s joined by sophomores Katelan Griffth and Jadyn Stewart (sprints, hurdles, middle distance).

“The opportunity to work with these young athletes as they begin their track and field journeys and be a part of their development into well-rounded athletes is something to cherish for a long time,” Shirley said.