Saranac Lake track and field team (Enterprise photo — Justin A. Levine)

SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake track and field team rarely lacks for numbers and this year is no exception as dozens of student-athletes will compete.

Coach Cy Ellsworth said the boys team is deep this year in all aspects, and added that some of the athletes in the middle of his pack would be on top at other schools.

“I think we have an opportunity to push for the league championship. I think it’s going to come down to us and Saranac (Central),” Ellsworth said. “We think that we can push for that league championship, provided we stay healthy.

“We’re really deep in the throws. We think we have the top discus thrower in the league; we have the top shot putter in the league by several feet. And with our cross country guys coming over, we’re really deep in the distance events. Those guys push each other every day in practice.”

Patrick Alberga is the lead shot putter, while Jonathan Hewitt leads the way in discus. Each thrower is hoping to break the school records this season.

The track and field team will benefit from having a number runners from the fall’s cross country team, which won the Class C NYSPHSAA state title.

On the girls side, coach Jason Wamsganz said the upperclassmen should lead the way as they look to improve each week.

“Our focus will be on getting better from a mental as well as physical standpoint each week. We are a middle of the pack team which has our eyes set on getting better by sectionals,” he wrote in an email. “We have some experienced athletes who are very committed in getting better individually as well as collectively. Our leadership will definitely provide a spark for team unity, team goals and ultimately team success.”

Senior Edina Cecunjanin said she’s looking to set some personal records, and hopes her teammates can do the same.

“I’m just hoping for some PRs and for our team overall to do well in sectionals,” she said. “Our goal is to bring as many kids to the state meet as possible, and for everyone to do their personal best.”

Anderson Gray, a senior who was on the state championship team in the fall, said he and his teammates have high expectations for themselves. Gray will continue his running career at University of Montevallo in the fall.

“We’re shooting for the stars, which I always kind of do,” he said. “We’re all good. In terms of goals, I’ve got some hefty ones.”

The Red Storm track and field team is slated to open the season on Tuesday, April 23 at Beekmantown.