BRODHEAD — The Cardinals were regional champions last year in boys track, and finished third at conference. Seven returning competitors reached the WIAA Division 2 sectional meet.

On the girls side was a second-straight Rock Valley Conference title. Nine underclassmen also qualified for sectionals, while one — junior Addison Yates — advanced to state.

“Our strength will be in our stars this year,” said Brodhead-Juda girls coach Curt Gratz. “We will need our big performers to perform big when it counts.”

Returning athletes include Yates, Kirsten Fish, Lexie Lobeck, Vanessa Olmedo, Gabi Ryser, Emily Welsch, Emma Beutel, Zoe Hoke, Brenley Jones, Tyra Lehman, Katrina Mielke, Emma Nelson, Kalena Riemer, Onni Williams, Stella Arn, Hanna Withee, Madi Brown, Olivia Hartwig, Emily Reyes, Lily Williams and Alexxis Metz.

He said he also expects his girls team to make a run at the conference title again this season.

“Our goal for sure it to try for the 3-peat,” Gratz said. “We will need to develop some depth and fill out quality relays if we want to repeat our past success.”

Gratz said some of that improvement will need to come from the vault and other field events, especially with some of the competition the rest of the conference brings.

“McFarland and Jefferson will both be strong. Both have quality teams and placed well last year,” Gratz said.

On the boys side, Leon Saunders, Gunner Boegli, Blake Matthys, Gavin Pinnow, Nathan Engen, Brittain Paulson, Joe Lohmar and Owen Hillstrom all return.  Marcus McIntyre, Eric Woodward and Grant Purdue are all additions to this year’s squad that should help out as well.

“Numbers are great, so looking forward for many to step up, including our distance/mid-distance crew,” said Brodhead-Juda boys coach Nick Jarvis. “We hope to compete for conference and a regional championship.”