With the track and field season winding down, the Ballard Beavers are relying on a team of relatively young team to get them into the playoffs.

"This is the time of the season when it is starting to count. We are working towards the post season," said assistant coach Bob Mirenzi.

Individually, the boy's team has had some strong performances in recent weeks. They include: Kellen Jones, shot put; Sam Gerner, javelin; Clayton Anderson, 800-meter; Alex Barkley, 1600 and 3200-meter; Julian Montante, 100-meter and triple jump; Jack Brannan, 110 and 300-meter hurdles; and Leonardo Santana, 400-meter.

Patrick Ni has been a surprise addition to the team. He has won the high jump, long jump and 100-meter during meets this year.

"He's going to be good," said Mirenzi, referring to Ni, who is fifth best in the state in the high jump.

Head Coach Bruce Drager said Ballard girls distance runner Bridgett Berg is doing awesome and is one of the best in the state.

Drager said Miran McCash is running a strong 800-meter race this season.

The field events that include discus, javelin and shot put are improved from past years.

"We have a good team all round. We are strong in all the events," said Drager.

"The field throwers are doing good. The hurdlers are doing good," said Mirenzi.

The team lost eight seniors from last year. Cross country and track standout Zack Gussin was among those who graduated.

Gussin is now running for the University of Washington.

In 2005, Ballard was the second best team among the state's 4A schools.

Ballard, Eastlake and Lake Washington compete in a meet on May 2. The KingCo meet for both 3A and 4A is May 9 and 11 at Liberty. The District meet is May 18 and 19 at the Southwest Athletic Complex at Chief Sealth High School. The State meet is May 25 and 26 in Pasco.