Cougars eager to start new season

North Putnam senior Craig Wood works his way around the track during practice Friday. The Cougars open the season at Cloverdale April 3 against the Clovers and Eminence.

BAINBRIDGE -- First-year coach Kevin Lutes will look to guide the North Putnam Cougars track to a successful season with help from his experienced runners.

"I think we will have a least one or two in every event," Lutes said.

With the season so young, Lutes has seen a few bright spots, one being the long jump.

Long jumper Jarrett Ban will look to put up big numbers this season and Lutes is looking for him to perform well. Garrett will be competing Saturday in an event to help him gear up for the season ahead.

Lutes will also be looking to Craig Wood and Shane Diebold to set the tone for the team.

"Our leaders will be Craig Wood and Shane Diebold," Lutes said. "Taylor Alles and Jesse Small will also do well for us."

Lutes commented that he was pretty happy with his distance running but voiced some concern about field events. The long jump is another area where Lutes feels confident.

"Taylor Alles will run good for us," he said.

Sprints are the area Lutes talked up and hopes that will come up big for the Cougars.

"Our sprints are pretty strong," Lutes said.

The team lost a few members to graduation but Lutes believes the holes can be filled by returning runners and under classmen.

With the season looming, Lutes is happy to have a healthy team and seems optimistic about having a successful season.

"I think we'll do well. I think we have a chance at a few records," he said.

The Cougars open the year April 3 at Cloverdale.