It should be a good year for the Big Lake boys track and field team in 2023.

Although the Hornets lost a few outstanding athletes to graduation, many of the top competitors are still around to pick up where they left off last year.

The Big Lake 4x800 relay was the big story in 2022, with the foursome of Jack Leuer, Owen Layton, Kade Layton and Christian Noble setting a new school record of 8:00.57 and placing second at the state meet.

Noble, who competed in a number of distance events, pole vault and 300 meter hurdles, is gone to graduation. But the 4x800 relay will continue it success in 2023.

“As long as we get everybody back and everybody’s healthy, our 4x800 could be better than it was last year,” says Coach Bob Blanchard.

Spencer Vold will be one of the runners to fill Noble’s spot. But there are three or four more that aren’t far behind, including David Guyse, Tanon Jacobson and the rest of the cross-country team that placed third at state in 2022.

The Layton brothers will continue to be a force to reckon with in the 1600 and 3200 meters as well as the 4x800 relay.

Many of last year’s sprinters are back, and Big Lake’s field event squad is still strong. Kyle Ginther set a personal best of 42 feet and won the triple jump at the conference meet. He also sprints, does the long jump and high jump.

Carson Kunz set a school record of 6’4” in the high jump, even after starting the season injured.

“Carson is healthy now and will be able to do the long jump and triple jump,” says Blanchard.

In addition to being a top 800 runner and 400 runner, Vold is the team’s top pole vaulter, having surpassed the 12-foot mark last season.

“He’s going to carry a lot of weight for us this year,” says Blanchard.

Riley Thompson was the team’s top discus thrower last year, and Blanchard believes he’ll be even better this year.

“Last season was the best we’ve had since I’ve been here,” he says. “I can’t wait to get outside this year.”

The Hornets have competed indoors at Becker and Monticello so far. They are scheduled to open the outdoor season April 4 at home.