Depth and balance are imperative in track and field. Members of the Hopkins boys’ track and field team hope they will be able to display both this season.

The Royals have a history of fielding a team with strong distance runners, but could be stronger in the sprinting and field events this season.

“Our goal is to be a top team in the Classic Lake Conference and top three in our section,” eighth-year head coach Mike Harris said.

Senior captain Felix Adenodi is one sprinter who should pay dividends for the Royals this season after placing third in the 200-meter dash at the Section 6-2A meet last year as a junior.

The Royals also have several strong returning athletes in the hurdles events.

Senior Brian Lambert specializes in the 300-meter hurdles and will run track at the University of Minnesota-Duluth next year.

Junior Preston Schlagel specializes in the 110-meter hurdles and is someone whom Harris said could dominate the event this year.

Other returning sprinters include Jon Henry, Mark Soskin, Felix Ho and Anthony Powel.

In the field events, the Royals will be bolstered by senior thrower Bobby Neu. Harris said Neu is one of the top returning discus throwers in the Classic Lake Conference.

Other important returnees in the field events include senior pole vaulter Adam Pyzdrowski and triple and long jumper Sean Murphy.

In the distance events, the Royals will be led by senior Danny VanOrsdel. He has signed to run cross country and track for Kansas next year.

Other returning distance runners include Zach McGill, Doug DeBold, Mike Mueller and David Forster.

The Royals will get a good idea of where they stand on April 7 when they take part in the Lakeville North Meet.