After a banner year for the Hazen and Renton boys track and field teams, it’s somewhat of a reloading season.

The Indians finished second at the 3A state meet, while the Highlanders placed eighth. Together, the teams graduated three state champions.

For Renton, the top individual athlete in 2010 should be junior P.J. Benedictus. Benedictus competed in the long jump at state last year, plus the long and triple jump at districts.

At the University of Washington Open Meet Feb. 14, he jumped a distance of 47 feet, 3.5 inches in the triple jump. That would’ve put him third at state last year.

Benedictus, as well as juniors Robert Reeves III and Marcus Clinton, will lead the Indians sprint group.

Other names to watch are Chris Tramble and Adriel Paine IV.

Evan Curry finished in the top 10 for both hurdle events at the Seamount League meet last year.

Seniors Galen Rock and Joseph Watson will carry Renton in throwing events, while Don’yae Allen is a senior to watch in the jumping events.

For Hazen, seniors Duncan Mackay and James Holland give the Highlanders reason to hope for another top performance in 2010.

Mackay ran the 100 and 200 at state last year. He also made districts in the 400.

Holland ran the 110-meter hurdles at the state meet.

On the girls side, Hazen has junior Starr Williams leading the sprinters. Williams ran the 100 and 200 at the state meet last year.

Airashay Rogers, a sophomore, ran the 100 at districts last year.

Junior Erin Anderson ran the 400 at districts and will run as part of relays.

Sophomore Sarah Schoville ran the 100-meter hurdles at districts last year.

The lone Renton state returner on the girls side is junior Kristin Haag, who competed in the long jump.

Amadi Bentley (hurdles) and Tricia Bui (pole vault) are other names to watch.