It is time.

Ironton coach Tim Thomas is looking for his seniors and some veterans underclassmen to be the heart and soul of the Lady Fighting Tigers track team this season.

“We’ll try to rely heavily on our seniors. Cinnamon (Fletcher) is still a sophomore and Michelle (Pancake) is new to the system, but we think both of them will help us a lot,” said Thomas.

“But the four seniors have been around for four years, this is their team and it’s time for them to carry them.”

The leading senior is Mandi Boykin who has placed in the 100-meter dash at the state meet in each of the past three seasons.

The other three seniors are Rachel Walker who is strong in the discus, distance runner Melanie Elkins and pole vaulter Krista Markel.

“Mandi is one of the premier runners in the area so we know she will perform for us. We’re hoping to get some distance points from Melanie and Rachel is a good athlete who can do several things for us. Krista is solid in the pole vault.”

The girls’ invitational is today with Ironton being joined by Chesapeake, Coal Grove, Fairland, South Point, Rock Hill, Jackson and Portsmouth Notre Dame in the 8-team field.

“South Point is probably the favorite and Rock Hill has some good kids,” said Thomas. “Tara Lee from South Point is a state meet caliber long jumper and she can run. She and Mandi will be a nice race. It should be a very competitive meet.”

The meet begins at 5 p.m.