Webb City’s boys track and field team features a defending state champion and three other returning state medalists this spring.
On top of that, the Cardinals have a roster full of dedicated varsity veterans to go along with a large group of promising newcomers.
With that, it’s safe to say the expectations are set extremely high once again in Webb City.
“I like where we’re at and I like where we’re going,” Webb City coach Dustin Miller said. “We are excited about the kids we got to come out for track and field this year. Our seniors have high expectations to uphold the Webb City tradition of being a state power.”
Webb City senior Grayson Smith is the defending Class 4 state champ in the pole vault. At last May’s state meet, Smith cleared 15-5.75 to earn the gold.
Smith, who has signed with Pittsburg State, suffered a broken leg during the football season. Miller noted the goals for Smith remain high, with repeating as state champion in mind.
“I wouldn’t say he’s 100 percent yet, but he’s close,” Miller said of Smith. “He looks good in practice. His goal is to go undefeated this season.”
The Cardinals have two returning medalists in the pole vault, as senior Justin Allen placed fourth at last year’s state meet by clearing 13-5.25. Junior Jadon Brisco is another vaulter who Miller expects to have a solid season.
In fact, Miller said the goal is to have three vaulters competing at state.
“It might be a slow start for our vaulters, but the focus is on the process of what it’s going to take to hit big bars late in the season,” he said.
Smith was just one of several Cardinals who suffered injuries during the football season.
“We have several key varsity state-level guys who are coming off of major injuries from football,” Miller noted. “We got hit hard by injuries in football…thankfully all of those guys have made it back and are now healthy. We’re as healthy as we can be considering how dark everything looked in October.”
Senior Trey Roets is another returning state medalist, as he placed third in the javelin with a toss of 169-9. Roets has signed to play football and throw the javelin at William Jewell.
After the football season, Roets had labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.
“He’s been fully released and looks good,” Miller noted.
Junior Nate Miller advanced to state last year in the discus, finishing 11th. Miller is coming off a labrum surgery on his throwing shoulder.
“He’s been released, but we’re playing it slow,” Coach Miller said. “He’s our top guy in shot and disc and he’s been looking phenomenal in practice. We’re easing him back into it.”
Another key performer who is coming off an injury is senior Billy Wolfe.
Wolfe suffered an ACL injury in football. In fact, Wolfe’s injury took place on the same night Smith was injured.
Miller said Wolfe has not yet been released.
“He’s doing great and is a month ahead of schedule,” Miller said of the Pittsburg State football recruit. “He should be fully released soon. He loves track and field and he works hard at it. Hopefully he can run some sprint relays and high jump for us this season.”
Another returning state medalist is junior distance runner Evan Stevens, who placed seventh at state in the 3200 meter run with a time of 9:45.
He’s coming off a stellar cross country season. After winning a district championship, Stevens finished 11th at the Class 4 state cross country championships.
Other athletes who are expected to contribute nicely this season include junior Will Headrick (sprints), junior Cole Cavitt (sprints, relays), junior Mason Hedger (800), junior Jonah Spieker (throws), junior Tucker Liberatore (throws) and senior Malique McCarter (throws).
Webb City once again has the goals set extremely high.
As far the main team goals for the season, Coach Miller listed finishing in the top three at the Central Ozark Conference Meet, winning a district championship and capturing a state trophy with a top-four finish.
“I think we have the top end talent to accomplish these goals,” he said. “We’ve started the season hungry to improve. We have to stay healthy and focused as the season progresses.”
Miller noted his team still has some areas to improve upon.
“We need to find a couple more 800 guys to fill our 4×800 relay and our sprint relays need to build continuity throughout the season so we can score at the state meet.”
Miller is confident that if his squad continues to develop and work hard, it will have the pieces in place to contend for a state trophy.
“We have some dedicated seniors with big goals,” said Miller, who led the Cardinals to a team championship in ’21. “I know their passion for track and field will help us progress towards the postseason. We want to prove that we belong at the top of Class 4. We’re also excited to add coach Tanner McNutt and Nicholas Ray to our coaching staff.”
Webb City will begin the season at next Thursday’s Carthage Invitational.
