In the 12 years Joe Lutz has been coach of the girls track and field team, he has never had a losing season. He is hoping this year will be no different.

Although the team will enter the North Coast League this season, it will only run against league teams in league meets, not in dual meets. The NCL is tough, however, and these meets will be challenging ones. Key match-ups for the season include the Buchtel Griffins, who are perennial state contenders, and the George Auten Invitational.

Lutz has many goals for the team, which include advancing in the post-season. Hoban hasn't had a girl at state in the past two years, and Lutz is hoping this season will end that streak. Besides team goals, Lutz has a personal one, especially for this season.

"I'm 97-13 at Hoban, and I want to reach the 100 mark," he said.

The first meet is March 31 at home, versus North and Central-Hower. Last season, the Knights did not run against either of these schools in a dual meet, but junior Emily Kempf knows the Knights will be prepared.

"We still have a lot of work to do," she said. "We've been inside because of the bad weather. We need to get outside on the track, but we'll be ready for the first meet."