By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Larger numbers and a new coach have the Dowagiac boys' track team excited about the upcoming season.
The Chieftains open their 2005 campaign on Thursday at Benton Harbor.
Dowagiac will have no home meets this season while it awaits completion of its new track facility.
The Chieftains have approximately 30 runners out for the squad.
Ken Jordan also welcomes the addition of coach Mike Stanger to his staff. Returning to the staff are Andy Crawley and Matt Alward.
Dowagiac returns seniors Kyle Bennett, Sam Preston, Ryan Withorn, juniors Elijah Caldwell, James Laymon, Brad Lee, and sophomores Ryan Casey and David Sayre.
Dowagiac finished fifth in the Big 16 Conference last year and fifth at the regional meet.
The Chieftains finished 11th at the state meet.
Dowagiac must replace departed senior Devon Jackson, who won the state title in the 400-meters and finished third in the 200-meters.
Jackson is now at Siena Heights.
The Chieftains must also replace Donta Young, who has moved.
Dowagiac has approximately 24 girls out for track this season.
Back are seniors Ashley Urbanski, Hillary Bisnett, Amanda VanHusan, juniors Anne O'Keefe, Lisa Rubino and sophomore Kate Duszynski.
Bisnett, VanHusan and Rubino will split time with soccer.
Dowagiac must replace Ashley Brewer and Ashley Caldwell, who help set a school record in the relays last year after deciding to split time with soccer.