According to Bangor High School track and field coach Bruce Brewer, the almost-30 athletes comprise one of the larger boys teams in school history.

Those numbers have Brewer buzzing about the 2009 season.

“I’m real excited. This might be the best boys team Bangor’s ever had,” Brewer said.

That enthusiasm comes from a successful mix of returning athletes and first-timers who seem to be finding themselves as the season gets under way.

The most notable returner is A.J. Bedessem, who placed sixth at the WIAA Division 3 state meet in the 300-meter hurdles last season.

Junior Jason Burkhardt is also making a case for himself this season. Burkhardt had three first-place finishes at the Luther Invitational (110 hurdles, high jump, and triple jump) earlier this month.

There are also a couple of new senior faces that are making a statement.

Brewer said both Gavin McCue and Jake Stumlin have blossomed as middle distance runners and as leaders. McCue won his initial 800 meter dash at Luther with a time of 2:16:50.

McCue and Stumlin have also been part of a successful 1600-meter relay team — a team that Brewer is hoping will turn into a state-caliber event.

The coach’s philosophy for now is to experiment and find the best niche for each athlete.

“I just want to make sure they’re in the right spot to help us out,” Brewer said.

Even though track is more of an individual sport, Brewer was quick to point out that he isn’t about to overlook the team element.

“It’s an individually based sport, but we teach team togetherness,” he said. “I think they’re really buying into it.”