LAKEWOOD – Some high schools have a hard time finding athletes to throw the javelin.

Not on Lakewood’s track team.

Tasha Kryger, who coaches the javelin throwers, has more than a dozen of them.

“I try to make it fun for them,” she said, adding she had many of them in her middle school P.E. classes. “They compete against themselves,” trying to improve their marks, rather than competing against an opponent.

Kryger said the entire track team is exciting to compete on the school’s new track this spring.

“It’s their first home meet since they were freshmen. They don’t have to throw the javelin in the mud anymore,” Kryger said, referring to the old track facilities.

The Cougars have some quality javelin throwers returning.

Paige Shimkus, a junior, returns after placing sixth at state last year and fourth the year before. She’s already thrown a personal best 125 feet this year.

For the boys team, two seniors stand out, the coach said. Derek Heil has thrown 156 feet, and Brock Schubert has also excelled, Kryger said.