Free State High’s girls track and field team hasn’t had many opportunities to compete at full strength this season.

There’s been a number of injuries. Some athletes missed meets because of college visits or a variety of other reasons.

But the Firebirds still have the same goal they usually do at the end of the season. They want to win their third straight state championship, and they believe they have the pieces to make it happen.

“Yeah, we are really close,” said senior hurdler Kiara Clark, who finished second in the 100 and 300 hurdles at regionals. “If everyone does their best or goes above and beyond, I think we can definitely do it.”

The Firebirds are led by the defending state champion in the 3,200, sophomore Emily Venters, who also qualified for the second straight year in the 800 and 1,600. Senior Gabbi Dabney and junior Callie Hicks also added regional titles in the 100 hurdles and pole vault, respectively.

Then there’s returners with state experience such as seniors Hannah Shoemaker (discus) and Laura Kennard (200, 400 and 4×100).

“I really want to break the school record, which is 128 (feet), 8 (inches),” said Shoemaker, who took third at regionals with a throw of 118-10.5. “I’m like close and far away at the same time. I think with the nerves and everything going into state, I think I can do it. So that’s what I’m aiming for.”

Free State’s boys track and field team has plenty of confidence after winning its first regional championship since 2006.

The Firebird boys finished 11th at state last year and they’re eyeing a spot in the top three this weekend.

“I think that was a huge thing for them,” FSHS coach Jordan Rose said of the regional title. “I think that they’re kind of playing second fiddle to the girls for a little bit and this is their time right now. I’m excited to see that happen for them.”

Junior Ethan Donley won a regional title in the 800, senior Ryan Liston won in the 1,600 and 3,200 and senior Nick Hocking was first in the discus.

The Firebirds are also hoping to have big performances from sophomore Avin Lane in the 100-meter dash, senior Tye Carter in the javelin, junior Tanner Hockenbury in the 3,200 and sophomore Zack Sanders in the 110 and 300 hurdles, among others.

“All year we’ve been focusing heavily on technique and getting everything together, getting the timing right,” Hocking said. “It’s really coming together. We’ve really tried to peak here at the end and I think it’s really leading up to that.”

Lawrence High’s girls track and field team won its second straight regional title, and the Lions are hoping to continue that momentum into their first state championship since 1979.

After finishing third at state for past two years, the Lions have the firepower and depth to contend for a title. Senior Matia Finley is looking for her third straight state title, along with the 4×400 relay with Jensen Edwards, Leah Gabler, Marissa Pope and Kyleigh Severa.

Edwards (400), Severa (long jump), the 4×100 relay and senior Rebecca Finley (shot put and discus) won regional titles.

“Every year you have a group of seniors that you can’t replace and you hate to lose,” LHS coach Jack Hood said. “But you look at our team and these senior girls have done so much for us. A lot of it has to do with they refuse to lose, whether it’s in the class, on the track or in the field.”

Lawrence’s boys team isn’t sending many athletes to state, but the Lions are confident they can score more points than they have in the past.

Junior JD Woods won regional titles in the 100 and 200, senior Tae Shorter was first in the triple jump and junior Amani Bledsoe placed first in the shot put.

“We all obviously know that our girls team is really good,” Woods said. “So we just want to come out and compete and show that we have a good boys team.”