Coach: Carey Bacon

Last year: Finished fifth at the NWC Championships. Finished fifth at the 2A Northwest District meet. Finished fifth at the 2A State Championships.

Returning state participants: Olivia Adams (so. pole vault, 4x200, 4x400*), Kieya Villars (so. 4x200, 4x400*)

Others to watch: Rachael McKinstry (sr. pole vault), Malie Laolagi (jr. throws), Alejandra Campos (so. jumps), Madi Dettmar (fr. throws), Hillary Kiele (so. mid-distance), Elle Moore (so, throws)

Outlook: What once was a strength - an amazing strength, some might say - is now an area of concern for Blaine. That's what happens when you graduate Cherish Morrison and her 14 state gold medals and Kiersten Sigfusson and all the hardware she raked in. Add in the loss of Olivia Olason, and the Borderites lost three key sprinters. "No way, no how are you going to be as strong when you lose that kind of talent," Bacon said in a phone interview. But don't write off the Borderites, yet. They'll just be strong in other areas - namely the pole vault and throws. Laolagi has a shot to get to state in all three throwing events, while McKinstry could do the same in the pole vault. Add in Adams and Villars, who were both part of Blaine's winning 4x400 relay last year and should be strong individually in the sprints and hurdles, respectively, and Blaine will still be heard from in May, despite having only 18 girls on its roster and knowing they may not be able to fill out all three relays. "We're making a little bit of a fresh start," said Bacon, who is in his first year as head coach. "We're more wide open than it has been on the girls' side. It's going to be competitive within in the team. Both are teams are pretty young. We have some seniors, but a lot of them are first-time seniors and still learning the sport."

Reach DAVID RASBACH at david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2271.