Small in numbers, growing in talent.

Christian Liberty Academy, a small private school in Kea'au on the Big Island, is sending 12 of its best, the most ever, to the Island Movers state track and field championships, which begin today on Maui.

That number might seem small compared to perennial powers Punahou, 'Iolani and Kamehameha, but the Canefire track program has evolved from a team of individual runners to a full squad that's looking to medal and even break records by tomorrow's finals.

"We have four to five coaches (for the first time) and that allows us to spread the wealth and be involved in as many different events," said Christian Liberty coach Tim Carigon, who is also the girls soccer coach.

Senior Keoni Ucker has turned in the state's top times in the 1,500 and 3,000-meter runs this season, and enjoys running with a bigger team.

"Our previous years, its been like me and two other people," Ucker said. "It's great having more people, having that team aspect. It's more enjoyable."

Carigon thinks Ucker could break the records in both of his events.

"That's something I definitely want to go for," said Ucker, whose fastest time of 4:07.88 in the 1,500 is two seconds off the record. "Hopefully the other guys in there, I will be pushing more and going for a 4:05 pace."

Ucker and his younger brother Nick have pushed each other in practices all season.

"My brother, he's pretty crazy sometimes," Keoni Ucker said. "It's really good having the top runner at your own school, and he's really stepped up."

Nick has the state's fourth fastest time in the 800.

"Nick's been a huge surprise," Carigon said. "He didn't think much of track, it was more of a side thing. He's more of a cross country runner."

The Canefire also have four girls — Remi Wada, Bre Becker, Kelsey Masuda and Maile Carigon — in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays who came out for track right after soccer ended in February. Both relay teams stand a chance at making the finals.

This year's team has helped build a base that will only keep growing. Three seniors graduate, but there are eighth-graders at the school who are "scary fast."

Coach Carigon knows his teams will never beat Big Island powers Hawai'i Prep and Hilo, but "what we can compete in, we can compete well."