LISBON – It’s a strange feeling for the track coaches at Lisbon High School this season, and not just because the Greyhounds have spent most of the spring practicing on half of a track thanks to leftover ice and snow.

For the first time in eight years, coach Dean Hall and his staff are starting the season without a McCusker.

“We try not to play it up big around here,” said Hall. “And we haven’t really, but we know how big a loss Stephanie (McCusker) will be to this team this season.”

And Hall isn’t the only one who knows it.

“Last year, with Stephanie here, we had four events covered at least two deep because of her versatility,” said captain Candace Doughty. “Now there is only one strong girl in each event, so we have to do really well for the team to do well, and we all know that.”

This year’s crop of newcomers to the girls’ team won’t be enough to offset the losses, either.

“It’s safe to call this a rebuilding year for sure,” said Doughty. “We have a couple of strong events, but the number of people on the team this year is really down. It’s tough that way.”

Typically, Lisbon challenges Madison and Winthrop, among others, for the top spot in the MVC and in Class C. This season may prove to be a different story.

“Rebuilding is a good word for us this year,” agreed Hall. “We have a lot of younger kids that are still learning the craft in their specific events, and that takes some time. We know that and we just have to be patient.”

The trend in all girls’ athletics seems to point in the same direction as the trend at Lisbon. With so many different options available with fewer interested participants, the talent pool is spread thin.

“The options available now to everyone, and in particular to girls, makes it harder for any coach to fill the roster in any sport,” said Hall. “This year will be interesting because we have a lot of interested girls in different aspects of the sport. It’s so individualized, but at the same time we have to weave a team out of it.”

The depth may be gone, but in spite of its losses Lisbon isn’t giving up hope just yet.

“We lost some exceptional athletes from last year, that’s for sure,” said Hall. “We won’t be as deep as last year, but what you’ll find with this team is that they are young and eager, and we may be able to take some points in some events that we weren’t expecting at first.”

jpelletier@sunjournal.com

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