The California track and field teams combined to have 12 state qualifiers last season, but more than half have graduated.
The boys team returns three of its 10 state qualifiers from last season, including two seniors and a junior.
The girls sent two athletes to state last season. With hurdler Jasmine Wells gone, junior Audrey Pickering is the lone returning state qualifier for the girls.
The girls team has three seniors to go along with two for the boys team.
"They are a small group, but these five seniors are great leaders and competitors," California track and field coach Jonathan Lindquist said. "We expect them to help build this team and leave their mark by showing the other athletes how to be a good student, athlete and person."
Last season, Pickering won a district title in the shot put with a throw of 38-06.50 and stepped it up to 41-04 during the state meet to win the title.
Pickering hopes to repeat as the state champion.
"In order to do this she is going to have to work harder than she ever has because now she has a target on her back," Lindquist said.
Pickering will be part of a good group of juniors that can make a run to the state meet this season.
Fellow thrower Cameron Meyer was three spots away from making it to state in the shot put last season.
Ellie Wirts and Kayla Allison came just two spots from qualifying for state in the 4x400-meter relay. Senior Katie Imhoff was also on that team and will return this season.
For the boys, seniors Ethan Hodges and Adam Burkett, and junior Gunner Baquet will be trying to make a return to state this season.
The Pintos were deep last season, helping them win a district title and take first at sectionals before ending up fourth at state.
To make another postseason run this year, the Pintos will need to have several fresh faces lead the way.
"As a coaching staff we are excited to see how far we can take these kids this year," Lindquist said. "We don't want to place an emphasis on performance; we would rather focus our attention on growth. Mental, physical and technical growth is our focus, and we believe if those things continue to improve we will have a fun year.
"Unfortunately, we lost a very good and large senior class last year, but while this may change our team dynamics, it will allow some of our kids who have been waiting for their time to shine a chance to compete."
That includes a freshman group that Lindquist said he is already excited about after only a couple weeks of practice.
"The freshman class this year is an exciting class," he said. "From day one, these kids have come to work and haven't complained about it. The first two weeks of practice have been extremely tough, and this is usually when we lose the most athletes. The freshmen have toughed it out, and I believe will grow into a very strong team over the next few years."