Coach: Tyler Mitchell

Last year: Finished 11th at the NWC Championships. Finished 12th at the 2A Northwest District meet. Finished tied for 23rd at the 2A State Championships.

Returning state participants: Nathan Dunford (sr. pole vault*)

Others to watch: Dillon Quintana (sr. distance), Izaiha Schwinden (jr. sprints), Jesse Phan (so. mid-distance), Shelby Miles (jr. distance)

Outlook: Numbers are a serious issue for Mount Baker with only 11 to 12 boys on the roster. But the Mountaineers will still be able to make plenty of noise this spring. "We're small, but we're mighty," Mitchell said in a phone interview. "We do have some outstanding athletes amongst those few, and all our kids are super positive." Among the amazing athletes is defending 2A state champion pole vaulter Dunford, who Mitchell said has his sights set on clearing 16 feet this year, and 1A cross country state champion Quintana, who is primed for a big season. Add in Schwinden, who could have a break out year in the sprints and a couple of other distance and middle-distance runners, and the Mountaineers' impact at state likely be much larger than their roster size.

*Returning state champion

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