Webb City High School boys track and field coach Dustin Miller was pleased overall, but not completely satisfied with his team’s performance at Saturday’s Class 4 District 6 meet in Hollister.
Miller’s Cardinals compiled 169 points and captured the team championship. Marshfield was second with 144 points.
Led by six event wins and four runner-up finishes, Webb City advanced 19 entries in 15 events to Saturday’s sectional meet in West Plains.
“It was a good showing to have qualifiers in 15 out of 19 events,” Miller said. “We did a lot of good things. We had some guys perform well. It was a successful day. But, where we were trending and moving towards, our performance wasn’t quite to those expectations.”
Webb City’s individual district champions were seniors Grayson Smith (pole vault) and Trey Roets (javelin) and junior Evan Stevens (1600, 3200).
“They’ve been extremely consistent all season,” Miller said of the standout trio. “They’re dedicated and focused.”
Webb City’s boys advanced to the sectional in all four relays after winning the 4×100 and 4×800, taking second in the 4×200 and finishing third in the 4×400.
“Our 4×100 ran without Billy Wolfe on the end,” Miller said, noting Wolfe suffered an injury. “To run the time it did to beat a quality Marshfield team, I’m extremely proud of them. Same with the 4×2…we ran a solid time without Billy.”
Finishing second in their events were Jordan Thornburg (100), Mason Hedger (800) and Nate Miller (discus). Taking third in their respective events were Ryan Reid (high jump), Tucker Liberatore (javelin), Jadon Brisco (pole vault) and Noah Moss (400, 110 hurdles).
Eric Lathan (shot put), Atticus Luzadder (1600) and Jace Jones (110 H) all finished fourth.
Miller noted the performances of Reid, Luzzader and Lathan were pleasant surprises.
Unfortunately, as is the case in postseason events, there were also some disappointments.
Senior Justin Allen, ranked second in the state behind his teammate Smith, failed to advance in the pole vault.
The team also had a few fifth-place finishers who just missed advancing—Dakota Grove in the 800, Joseph DeGraffenreid in the high jump and Devin Turner in the discus.
Next, the Cardinals will compete at the sectional meet on Saturday in West Plains, where state berths will be up for grabs.
Miller said the goals for Saturday are simple.
“Our stud athletes who are expected to score state points have to get through sectionals,” Miller said. “No exceptions. No excuses. We have to get our big point-scorers to the state meet. We’d like to get as many kids to state as possible. I just want to see them compete well on Saturday. Attitude and effort is what we’ve been preaching all year, so we need to get back on track with the way we were competing.
“We’ve got the talent to finish on the state podium this year,” Miller added. “That’s what we’re going to strive for. We have to take care of business, keep working hard and not get complacent. It’s the time of the year where we’re either going to man up and get it done or we’re not going to get it done. That’s where we’re at.”
WEBB CITY GIRLS ADVANCE IN 11 EVENTS
At Saturday’s district meet, Webb City’s girls won five events and advanced to the sectional in 11 events.
Jeremy Butler’s Webb City girls were second in the team standings with 140 points. Marshfield was first with 168.
Winning individual events at the district meet were senior Abi Street (1600, 3200), junior Dawsyn Decker (javelin) and freshman Brooke Hedger (800).
The team’s 4×400 took first, while the Cardinals were second in both the 4×100 and 4×800.
Taking second in their events were Street (800), Hedger (1600), Essence Robinson (400) and Lily McCaw (pole vault). Finishing third were Emily Countryman (3200), Chase Stilley (high jump) and Aubree Lassiter (discus).
“We had a good meet on the girls side, too,” Miller said. “I think our girls team has a chance to get quite a few to the state meet. The girls are really rounding into form and looking pretty solid.”
Saturday’s Class 4 Sectional 3 Meet in West Plains will feature the qualifiers from District 5 and District 6.
The top four in each event at the sectional will advance to the state meet in Jefferson City.
