Consistency is a mark of a great program.
And when it comes to area boys cross country programs, no one’s been more consistent in recent years than the Webb City Cardinals.
In a 2020 season to remember, Dustin Miller’s Cardinals won the Central Ozark Conference championship for the seventh straight season before capturing the program’s fourth district title and securing the Class 4 runner-up plaque.
“Ever since I got to Webb City, everybody’s bought in and we’ve had great support,” Miller said. “The kids have put in the work. Our kids have dedicated themselves to be the best and that’s what it takes. Our boys just work hard.”
Now, the Cardinals will be gunning for their eighth straight conference crown. Miller noted it won’t be easy to keep the streak going.
“Joplin’s loaded this year,” Miller said. “On paper, we are not as good as Joplin. It’s kind of nice not having the target on our back. But our seniors want to keep the streak alive. They don’t want to see it end on their watch. We’re excited about that challenge.”
If the Cardinals are going to continue their hold on the COC title, they’ll need big seasons from their group of returning letterwinners.
Leading the way for Webb City will be senior Roman Borboa.
As a junior, Borboa was the district champion and he earned all-state honors with a 21st place finish at the state event.
“Roman looks like he’ll be our No. 1,” Miller said of Borboa, who took 10th place at the COC Meet. “Roman’s been really consistent and he wants to be great. He really dedicated himself this summer. He stepped up with some big time workouts and he’s ready to lead the way.”
Seniors Dustin Brockmiller and Blake Vaughan and sophomore Evan Stevens are other runners Miller expects to contribute nicely in the varsity lineup.
Brockmiller finished 15th at last year’s COC Meet, was seventh at the district meet and 26th at state, just missing all-state recognition.
Senior Jose Antillon, sophomore Mason Hedger and freshman Jace Schulte are other athletes who could be competing in the varsity races.
“We’ve had some guys really dedicate themselves,” Miller said. “So I’m really excited about this group.”
HAWKINS WILL LEAD WEBB CITY GIRLS
Webb City’s girls also had a memorable 2020 season, as the Cardinals captured a district championship, qualifying a full squad to the state meet.
Senior Riley Hawkins is the team’s top returner.
After finishing 15th at the conference meet, Hawkins captured a district championship before finishing 57th at state.
Junior Abi Street is another runner to watch. As a sophomore, Street placed 13th at the conference meet, took third at the district meet and was 77th at state.
“I’m really excited about Riley and Abi,” Miller said, noting the pair have the potential to do big things. “Riley has really had some bright spots during her career and we hope she can be more consistent this year. And Abi came on really strong during the track season.”
Seniors Alanna Bundy, Lauren Kuechler and Izzy Lopez, junior Hally Philpot and sophomore Emily Countryman are others who could contribute nicely this fall.
As a sophomore, Philpot was ninth at the COC Meet, second at the district meet and 72nd at state.
Miller noted varsity spots are still up for grabs at this point.
“I’m excited about this girls group,” Miller said. “They’re a great group of girls who are fun to be around. We have to work on consistently competing on a regular basis. We’re excited about them going forward.”
THIS ‘N THAT
Webb City is patiently awaiting its classification assignment. The Cardinals will be in either Class 4 or Class 5 this season.
Webb City will be one of the area teams participating in a practice meet on Aug. 28 at Joplin South Middle School.
The first official meet of the 2021 season is the SWCCCA Richard Clark Invitational on Sept. 4 at Bolivar Municipal Golf Course.
