A mixture of youth and experience will look to lead the Panther boys’ team to a state trophy this year, after the Powell High School team fell just eight points short of fourth last season, taking seventh.

Heading into the 2022 season, the Panthers hope to bring in a number of young athletes to contribute early, but will also have some familiar faces heading into their last season of competition.

Returning scorers individually for the Panthers include seniors Toran Graham and Sheldon Shoopman in the shot put, senior Cole Frank in the 300 meters, junior Daniel Merritt in distance and junior Hyrum Jeide in the hurdles.

Other returners in relays or athletes who nearly placed at state individually last year include seniors Zach Ratcliff, Dylan Escalante, Sam Whitlock and Ethan Bartholomew as well as junior Jace Hyde.

The Panthers were also expecting a return by top sprinter Reed Smith, but Smith made the decision to graduate at semester and not return for the spring semester.

“I think we are kind of building for the future,” PHS head coach Scott Smith said. “I think we have enough talent to have a pretty good shot at regional hardware and potentially sneak in for a trophy at state.”

The Panthers will try to make the leap as they look to rebuild toward the future, seeking a first state title since 2014.

The first meet of the season for the Panthers will be this Friday at 1 p.m. in Burlington.