As we inch closer to the start of the 2017 Track and Field season, here are my picks for the best returning athlete in each individual event. In some cases, the best returner has the best mark and in some cases, the best returner had the strongest finish last spring season. In total, 14 different events will have an athlete coming back to defend their 2016 state titles which means half of the individual races could potentially field a defending champion. Heading into the season, the state seems especially strong on the girls side but don't underestimate the boys just yet.
All photos courtesy of Kirby Lee and www.imageofsport.com.
Feel free to comment on our selections in the comment section below.