The local area track and field teams are going to get a glimpse of what kind of teams they've got. Finally.

The annual Coaches Meet is set to start at 3:30 p.m. today at Vigilante Stadium, and for all four local squads -- Class AA Helena High and Capital High, and Class B Townsend and Jefferson High -- it will be the first action of the year.

"We just want to try and get the kids out on the track and in the field, so we can see what we've got," said Capital boys coach Lon Carter, referring to the season's late start around the state due to inclement weather. "We don't have a clue as to where we stand as for sprinters, throwers and jumpers, and if anybody else (around the state) knows what they've got, then they're farther ahead of the game than we are."

Helena High coach Tony Arnston agreed with his crosstown colleague. "What Lon said," Arnston quipped.

Teams joining the Bruins, Bengals, Bulldogs and Panthers in the meet will be Lincoln and Choteau high schools. There will be no team points kept, however each event will be scored according to freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels.

"This will be an opportunity to see where the kids are at," said HHS ladies skipper Sheila Williams. "We'll just go real light on the workload, by putting them in just two or three events. We have a lot of young kids out, so this will be a chance for them to get some experience under their belts."

Coach Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton of Capital felt that her group would be concentrating the most on times and measurements.

"I just hope the weather is nice for a good starting point," she added. Chesterfield-Stanton also paid tribute to her assistant coaches; Debbie Stiles, Christina Semansky, Tim Kelly, John Cheek, J.J. Lamb, Todd Foster, John Steinbacher and Carrie Krepps.

The Townsend Bulldogs, under coach Travis Rauh, had 24 athletes turn out for track this spring. Of the 15 boys on the squad, five are returning lettermen, while four of the nine girls are past letter-winners.

Girls back who placed at the 2008 state track meet are juniors Jordan Audet, in the 3,200 and 1,600 relay; Kelsey Wickens in the 1,600 relay; and Delaware Hanson in the high jump. On the boys side, Jager Warner earned a medal in the 3,200 finals.

Coach Don Olsen's Jefferson Panthers had almost identical numbers as Townsend regarding turnout and veteran lettermen. Those who placed at last year's Class B meet include senior Jonathan Olsen (800 and 1,600 relay), junior Brian Bullock (javelin), junior Brittany Johnson (3,200) and Miranda Clark (javelin).

"We're very young and inexperienced, this is a rebuilding year for us," coach Olsen said.

Curt Synness: 449-2150 or curt52s@bresnan.net