The Parkland girls track team is looking to improve off an 8-3 2018 campaign. It was a good season, but the Trojans don’t want to be good, they want to be great. Their coach says perfection is the goal during 2019.

Coach Scott Levan will have to engineer a successful season without the departed sprinter Hali Perry. But don’t fret tor the longtime Parkland track leader, as he has plenty of talent returning to comprise one of the deepest rosters in the EPC. Chief on that list is distance runner Maddie Zaun, a fierce competitor who leads by example.

“Maddie is a great leader,” said assistant coach Steve Ott. “She helps to motivate her teammates and takes charge in practice. I am looking forward to seeing her successes in 2019.”

Zaun’s teammate Mahi Patel is considered another top returnee. Celine Boychuck and Ellie Baldo will give opponents headaches in the long triple and high jump.

Megan Kearns, a senior, will lead Trojan pole vaulters. She could have solid support from freshman Coral Shivok. Throwers include senior Shelby Staib, the defending district champ in javelin. Staib, who is headed to James Madison University this fall on a track scholarship, will also help in jumps as she was a district medalist in triple jump last season. Another Lady Trojan who could make an impact in 2019 is Sonya Shivok, a sophomore, who is adroit in the javelin and shot. Teammate Kendra Yeboah, a senior, will provide great support in the shot and discus. Two other throwers who should thunder all season long for Parkland - Mikayla-Anna Woodring and newcomer Alyana Corfe.

The Trojan roster is also loaded with newcomers that make the future a promising proposition. Emma Tobia, Aubrey Semler, Melanie Lowe, Aleigha Rodenbaugh and Demi Olatilo are expected to start to realize their vast potential in 2019. Other rising Trojan stars include Ava Bendetti, Olivia Vaccari, Lily Goense and Julianna Elsesser. Coaches also were impressed with freshman Emily Beers during practice’s first week.