The Totino-Grace track team is diligently preparing to begin another season in the spring; however, this time with new head coach Traci Bennington.

Following multiple seasons as an assistant track coach, Traci Bennington will be replacing Chris Beach as the head coach for the team in the upcoming 2016 season. Although it may be difficult to adjust to the change, the team is seeing this as an opportunity for a successful season.

Senior distance runner Michaela Brands in an email interview said, “It will be most challenging for the juniors and seniors who had a strong connection to Coach Beach, but having a new coach will allow for the team to keep traditions while adding elements/philosophy that could benefit the team both athletically and mentally.”

Another challenge the team faces is replacing twenty-two seniors from last year’s team, including a few who participated in the state tournament. Expected to lead the team in facing this challenge is junior Kevin Dado, who looks to improve upon a seventh and eighth place finish at the state tournament in the 1600m and 3200m races respectively.

The first meet of the year will be held at University of St. Thomas on March 23.