WHITTEMORE-PRESCOTT - Apr. 2005 - Whittemore-Prescott enteres North East Michigan Conference competition this spring, and second-year coach Jason Helms is looking forward to the challenge.

"It is great to be back in the NEMC again," he says. "Competing with the caliber of talent in the area will be a true test. The NEMC has put together some really good track teams in the past, and I am certain are continuing the tradition."

The Cards are looking to several veterans for leadership. Tyler Dietzel (shot put) and Adam Vollmer (discus) were strong performers in the throwing events last year. Francis Jordan was a strong performer in the 110 hurdles and several relays.

The Cards should boast depth in the sprint events, but may be a bit thin in distance events, where Kevin Prince may be the lone competitor in the 1600 and 3200-meter runs.

"I'm very excited about this season," Helms says. "We have a great bunch of guys and a whole lot of talent coming out this year from the upperclassmen as well as the lowerclassmen. It is nice to see a lot of runners return from last year, but the majority are underclassmen and eager to get on the track."