RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR THE WEBSTER CITY GIRLS TRACK SQUAD are, front row (left to right): Amanda Lahr, Greta Kenville, McKenna Buakham, Rubi Andrarde, Haedyn Soesbe, Kali Hartnett and Izzy Weinschenk. Back: Jakaela Cherry, Avery Poppen, Shamyla Millner, Tristyn Wright, Evie Davis, Briley VanDeer and Izzy Grossoehme. (Photo by Patrick Coons)

For Tyler Mosbach and the Webster City girls track and field team, the goals remain the same.

The Lynx return state qualifiers Izzy Grossoehme and Jakaela Cherry to a lineup that blends experience with youth through several key incoming freshmen.

“We need to work hard, compete every day and strive to improve our personal bests,” Mosbach said. “Everything else — the medal, the team score, state qualifiers — those are a byproduct (of doing those things).”

Grossoehme, a junior, was 12th in the Class 3A 400-meter dash at the state meet in Des Moines last year after placing 14th in the same event as a ninth-grader. Cherry, meanwhile, finished 22nd in the shot put.

“While we only have two seniors on the team this year, they — along with many of the juniors — have been instrumental in helping the younger athletes learn the way we do things,” Mosbach said. “Many lead by example every day in practice.

“With any young team, there are going to be areas we need to improve. The biggest thing is just understanding some of the fundamental aspects of track. Improving in the block, starts, effectively warming up, and working on sticks. All of those things just need time, and I’m sure they will be where we want them at the end of the season.”

In addition to the returning athletes to the team, Mosbach said there is a “core of freshmen that I expect will contribute right away and help our team score some points.”

Webster City has developed a high-level throwing program over the years, and Cherry will be counted on to keep that going this spring.

“I also feel like we have the ability to form some fairly competitive relays,” Mosbach said. “However, the greatest strength as a whole is simply the emphasis that the team has placed on working hard, competing, and trying to improve every day.”

The Lynx head to Gowrie for the Richard Ryan Relays on Tuesday, followed by scheduled meets in Eagle Grove, Algona and Jefferson before hosting the Lynx Relays on April 23.

Webster City will also serve as host for the North Central Conference meet on May 7.

Mosbach is assisted by Clint Howard and Brad VanDeer.