Graduation robbed the Oak Harbor High School girls track team of a bushel of talent, but a large group of newcomers have the potential to fill the gap.

“Our strength this season is our numbers,” coach Eric Peterson said. “We have a number of freshman and newcomers out for the first time trying different events. We’re excited just to see how the season plays out and where these girls find their niche.”

“Our staff should help the girls develop in their events fairly quickly,” he added.

While the Wildcats lost a number of athletes to graduation, the cupboard is far from bare.

Twenty-nine athletes return from the squad that took third place in the league meet, seventh at district and 28th at state.

Back are three athletes who earned league honors in 2016.

Sprinter Amaya Rittierodt, a second-team, all-league selection last spring, helped three seniors finish second in the state in the 4×100 relay.

First-team selection Jenna Cooley returns after winning the league 4×200 title with a trio of seniors.

Kaitlyn Chelberg was named to the second team in the 100 hurdles and honorable mention in the 300 hurdles.

Other letter winners are Hailey Bell, Riley Grace Borden, Alora Caillier, Kia Ceya, Megan Corfman, Jacklyn Curtis, Lydia Dorsey, Megdaline Fink, Olivia Flack, Stephany Florez, Naomi Garcia, Samantha Hines, Julie Jansen, Suraya Johnson, Megan Keating, Taylor Kesler, Sydney Koslowski, Isley-Raye Kusnick, Elyssa Nortier, Callie Nuttall, Emily Petty, Chantelle Rector, Laura Rodeheffer, Brenna Rothman, Alexis Smith and Kristina Tirado.

Peterson said it is too early in the season to identify the key newcomers to this year’s squad.

Oak Harbor holds its annual Island Jamboree at 3:30 Thursday, March 16. The first regular meet is at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in Mount Vernon.