Depth will be a key component in the success of the Oak Harbor High School girls track team in 2018.

“We’re at almost 70 girls, which allows us to fill the different events with some multiple athletes,” coach Eric Peterson said. “I hope to see the girls finish in the top half of the league this year with our depth and number of returners.”

Those returners include 23 letter winners, starting with seniors Riley Borden, Alora Caillier, Jenna Cooley, Lydia Dorsey, Naomi Garcia, Samantha Hines, Chantelle Rector, Amaya Rittierodt and Kristina Tirado.

The returning junior class — Cami Bristow, Autumn Coker, Stephany Flores, Suraya Johnson, Taylor Kesler, Chloe Kubisiak, Brenna Rothman, Alex Smith, Sarah Ulam and Jessica Vester — is particularly strong, according to Peterson.

Returning sophomore letter winners are Maria Dailey, Halle Lemme, Megan Smith and Mariana White.

Bristow (javelin), Rittierodt (100) and the 4×100 relay team which included Rittierodt, Caillier and Cooley all placed third in last year’s Wesco North meet.

Dorsey was third at district and 13th at state in the javelin.

This group of returning athletes will “help bridge the experience gap” while those new to the sport get up to speed, Peterson said.

Oak Harbor hosts the Island Jamboree at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, then goes to Marysville-Pilchuck High School to face Marysville Getchell and Meadowdale at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22.