NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho’s boys and girls track squads swept the team titles at their own Harry Lineberry Open House on Saturday at Bob Anderson Stadium.
The Neosho boys compiled 345.5 points to top the team standings. Bolivar was a distant second with 124 points.
Neosho’s girls compiled 283 points and Bolivar was second with 188.
Thomas Jefferson, Seneca, Springfield Central and Exeter also competed at the invite.
The Wildcats won 12 events in the boys meet.
Winning individual events for the Neosho boys were Tyrese Hill (100-meter dash, 200), Izaiah Hill (400), Isaiah Green (long jump), Cade Camerer (high jump), Jared Siler (triple jump), Carter Baslee (shot put) and Collyn Kivett (javelin). Kivett set a school record with his toss of 155-7.
Neosho’s boys won all four relays. The 4×100 relay featured Brock Franklin, Konnor Siler, Jared Siler and Tyrese Hill, while the 4×200 featured Franklin, Konnor Siler, Isaiah Rhone and Isaiah Keezer.
The 4×400 consisted of Izaiah Hill, Keezer, Green and Tyrese Hill, while the 4×800 featured Corbin Ables, Izaiah Hill, Adam Farrell and William Ebbinghaus.
Finishing second in their events were Konnor Siler (100), Keezer (200, 400), Carson Newell (3200), Konnor Payton (110 hurdles), Green (triple jump), Nico Olivares (shot put, discus), Baslee (javelin) and Jared Siler (high jump, long jump).
Third-place finishers were Traven Suldan (javelin), Jackson Smith (triple jump), Newell (1600), Green (300 hurdles), Levi Denison (110 H) and Gabriel Mabrey (800).
Neosho’s girls won nine events.
Neosho freshman Jazmyn Washington won three individual events—the 300 hurdles, the 100 hurdles and the high jump.
Also winning events for the Neosho girls were Chloe Wood (3200), Madilyn Ebbinghaus (200), Claire Burghart (pole vault) and Raine Harris (long jump).
The NHS girls won the 4×100 relay (Olivia Emery, Miranda Wennhold, Autumn Kinnaird, Ebbinghuas) and the 4×200 relay (Kinley Wilson, Carley Lane, Kinnaird, Washington) and were second in the 4×400 (Riley Kemna, Burghart, Wood, Ebbinghaus).
Taking second in their events were Kemna (3200), Rylyn Moritz (100), Kali House (400), Harris (100 hurdles), Lauren Sullivan (high jump, shot put) and Wennhold (long jump, triple jump).
Teammates Wilson and Kailyn Daniels tied for second in the pole vault.
Finishing third for the Neosho girls were Burghart (TJ), Katelyn Mahurin (shot put), Regan Weber (100), Hannah Fehring (100 hurdles), Kemna (1600) and Wood (800).
THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGHLIGHTS
Thomas Jefferson senior Kip Atteberry won the 3200 with a time of 10:25.
Atteberry finished second in both the 1600 and the 800. Bolivar’s Gavin Crawford-Yates edged Atteberry in both races.
Cavaliers sophomore Sheraz Anis won the 110-hurdles with a time of 17.99 seconds.
Jay Ball placed fifth in the shot put.
For the TJ girls, Macie Shifferd placed third in the 3200 and fifth in the 1600, while Sarah Mueller finished third in the 400 and fourth in the 800.
Lannah Grigg placed third in the discus and also took fourth in the shot put. Avery Hocker placed fourth in the 100 hurdles and Gabbi Hiebert was fourth in the high jump.
SENECA HIGHLIGHTS
Seneca’s Cambry Long won the girls 400 and also took second in the 200.
Also for the Seneca girls, Parker Long was the runner-up in the javelin. Anna Adkins was third in the high jump, Caroline Leonard placed third in the javelin and Savannah Johnson placed fourth in the 100. The Seneca girls were third in three relays, the 4×100, 4×200 and 4×400.
Seneca’s Brodie Probert took third in the boys 400 and Brock Pendergraft was third in the discus.
The Indians were second in the 4×100 and third in the 4×200.
Neosho Harry Lineberry Open House
Boys team scores: Neosho 345.5, Bolivar 124, Central 56, Thomas Jefferson 50, Seneca 45.5, Exeter 10.
Girls team scores: Neosho 283, Bolivar 188, Seneca 79.5, Thomas Jefferson 57.5, Central 44, Exeter 8.
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.
Grayson Smith
“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.
The Carthage High School girls track and field squad features 55 total athletes, 16 returning athletes, and 20 newcomers for head coach Nicole Sipes.
“The girls have been really focused and motivated in their practices so far this season,” Sipes told SoMo Sports. “There has been a lot of mentoring by upperclassmen and returning athletes with our incoming freshman group. They are really leading by example. Newcomers are excited and challenged by learning new things and competing at a high level. There has been great positivity and motivation by the group as a whole.
“We are very optimistic for our upcoming season and have been working hard to carry on the tradition of our successful track and field program. We are very excited about our large turnout of athletes joining our team this year and hope our numbers and hard work ethic will help us compete at a high level. We have several experienced upperclassmen and a talented sophomore group who will lead by example for our competitive freshman group coming out this year.”
Carthage’s returners are seniors Lilly Homes (throws, sectional qualifier), Maddy Lee (throws), and Joey Hettinger (jumps, district champ and state qualifier in high jump last season, signed with Central Missouri for track and field), juniors Trisha Kanas (sprints, jumps) and Jenna Wilson (distance), and sophomores Karlie Nichols (throws), Millie Templeman (jumps), Ashlyn Brust (sprints, sectional qualifier), Lexa Youngblood (sprints, sectional qualifier), Aven Willis (sprints, sectional qualifier), Jaidyn Brunnert (hurdles), Jordyn Childs (throws), Maggie Boyd (distance, sectional qualifier), Grace Brown (distance, sectional qualifier), Katy Witherspoon (distance) and Kailyn Shultz (sprints).
The Tigers also feature a large group of promising newcomers, including sophomore Lauren Choate (mid-distance, jumps).
“We had a huge turnout of girls come out this year,” Sipes said. “Great for the program. As always our team goals are to win our home meets, conference and district and qualify as many as possible to sectionals and state. Individually, we want every kid to improve, whether she is the No. 1 in that event or the No. 10. The great thing about track and field is that everyone can participate, and in some way, she can contribute to the team.
“Stay healthy, be unselfish and accept what is best for the good of the team and work hard every single day. If we accomplish those things, we will be competitive. Our focus this year is getting better every day. The rest will take care of itself.”
The Tigers opened their 2023 season Wednesday by winning McDonald County’s Ebenee Munoz Memorial Stampede with 197.5 team points, 63.5 more points than runner-up Monett.
Youngblood won individual titles in the 100-meter dash (12.71 seconds) and the 400 (1:02) and participated in the 4×100 (52.22) and the 4×400 (4:21).
Hettinger (long jump), Karlie Nichols (discus), Holmes (shot put), and Boyd (1600) also won individual titles in their respective events.
The 4×200 and the 4×800 also finished second, as did Brunnert in the triple jump and the 100 hurdles, Hettinger in the high jump, Katy Witherspoon in the 3200, and Karlie Nichols in the shot put.
Brunnert finished third in the 300 hurdles, Willis placed third in the 200, and Carrol also finished third in the high jump.
Carthage’s schedule continues with the Carthage Invitational (March 30), Parkview Girls Night Out (April 5), Joplin Invitational (April 12), KU Relays (April 14-15), the Carl Junction Invitational (April 21), and the Girard Invitational (April 28).
The Tigers have the Central Ozark Conference meet (April 24), the Class 5 District 6 meet (May 13), sectionals (May 20), and possibly state (May 26-27) to close out their season.
ANDERSON, Mo. — In the opener of the 2023 track and field season, Carthage’s girls and boys both captured the team championships at McDonald County’s Ebenee Munoz Memorial Stampede on Wednesday.
Carthage’s girls compiled 197.5 team points to finish on top of the standings. Monett (134) and Cassville (103) were second and third, with McDonald County (93.5) fourth.
Carthage’s boys took first in the team standings with 187 points. East Newton was second with 105, Cassville was third with 101 and Monett was fourth with 100.
GIRLS HIGHLIGHTS
Carthage’s Lexa Youngblood had a memorable start to her sophomore season, as she won two individual events and was also part of two winning relays.
Youngblood took first in both the 100-meter dash (12.71 seconds) and the 400-meter dash (1:02).
Also winning individual events for Carthage were Joey Hettinger (long jump), Karlie Nichols (discus), Lilly Holmes (shot put) and Maggie Boyd (1600).
In the 4×100 relay, Carthage’s team of Alexis Patrick, Youngblood, Aven Willis and Hettinger took first in 52.22 seconds.
The Tigers also won the 4×400 relay in 4:21, with Willis, Evelyn Carrol, Boyd and Youngblood competing.
The Tigers were second in the 4×800 relay, with Grace Brown, Katy Witherspoon, Lauren Choate and Boyd competing. Carthage was also second in the 4×200 relay, with Willis, Trisha Kanas, Kamryn Dininger and Patrick running.
Carthage’s Jaidyn Brunnert took second in both the triple jump and the 100 hurdles and she was third in the 300 hurdles.
Also taking second in their individual events were Hettinger (high jump), Witherspoon (3200) and Nichols (shot put). Willis placed third in the 200 and Carrol finished third in the high jump.
College Heights Christian’s Jesi Bever was second in the long jump and fourth in the 100 hurdles, while teammate Maddy Colin placed fourth in the high jump.
Also for CHC, Jayli Johnson and Lauren Ukena finished third and fourth in the 100, while Marla Anderegg placed fourth in the 1600 and fifth in the 800.
The Cougars placed third in the 4×800, with Johnson, Anderegg, Amelia Hagale and Ukena competing.
Jasper sophomore Crystal Smith had a big meet, as she won four individual events—the high jump, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and the 200-meter dash.
Other individual event winners in the girls meet were Cassville’s Annie Moore (pole vault) and Jolie Evans (800), Monett’s Addalyn Brownlee (triple jump) and Sadie Camp (3200) and McDonald County’s Anissa Ramirez (javelin).
McDonald County’s Analisa Ramirez was the runner-up in the javelin, while Anna Price took third in the pole vault and Peyton Cooper was third in the discus.
BOYS HIGHLIGHTS
Winning individual events for Carthage were Miguel Solano (400), Daryl Martin (300 hurdles), Haydon Cooper (pole vault) and Micah Lindsey (shot put).
Carthage’s Trenton Yates finished second in three events—the 110 hurdles, high jump and triple jump. Yates was third in the 300 hurdles.
Also taking second for the Tigers were Braxton McBride (100), Solano (1600), Devin Smith (3200), and Kruz Castor (long jump). Caleb Fewin finished third in the 3200 and Solano was third in the 800.
Carthage finished second in the 4×400, with Castor, Jackson Hettinger, Darrin Witt and Jonah Eby competing.
The Tigers also placed second in the 4×800 (Trey Nye, Skuylor Honeycutt, Michael Lanyon, Fewin).
McDonald County’s Josh Pacheco (long jump, triple jump) and Andrew Moritz (javelin) claimed first-place finishes for the Mustangs.
The Mustangs won the 4×100 relay (Samuel Barton, Dalton McClain, Tucker Dill, Esteban Martinez-Olvera) and the 4×200 relay (Martinez-Olvera, Aidrian Short, McClain, Pacheco).
Cassville won the 4×400 (Charles Elliott, Caleb Leach, Peter Littlefield, Jacob Martinez) and the 4×800 (Elliott, Matteo Lumetta, Martinez, Caleb Leach).
Monett’s Konner Poynter had a memorable meet, winning the 100, 200 and 110 hurdles.
Other individual event winners were Monett’s Julio Cruz (3200) and East Newton’s Chase Sorrell (800, 1600), Michael Crowe (high jump) and Dominic Shaw (discus).
College Heights’ top finish came in the 4×200 relay, as the team of Colsen Dickens, Derek Bowman, Ethan Ukena and Logan Decker took second.
Also for the CHC boys, Dickens finished third in the 400, Caleb Quade placed third in the high jump, Decker finished fourth in the long jump, Ukena took fourth in the triple jump and fifth in the 200 and Ian Edwards was sixth in the 110 hurdles.
The Cougars were fifth in the 4×100 relay and sixth in the 4×800.
McDonald County Ebenee Munoz Memorial Stampede
Girls team standings: Carthage 197.5, Monett 134, Cassville 103, McDonald County 93.5, Jasper 65, College Heights Christian 51, East Newton 22, Southwest 20, Wheaton 10.
Boys team standings: Carthage 187, East Newton 105, Cassville 101, Monett 100, McDonald County 94, Jasper 67, College Heights 48, Southwest 21, Gentry 6, Wheaton 5.
McAuley Catholic coach Andy Youngworth, who previously coached cross country and track and field at Carthage for three decades, enters his second season at the helm of the Warriors boys and girls track programs.
On the boys side, McAuley Catholic returns seniors Jack Jones (jumps, sprints, sectional qualifier in 4×400), Joe Staton (sectional qualifier in pole vault, mid-distance, hurdles), and Drew Zeb (distance, sectional qualifier in 4×800), juniors Dylan Taffner (sprints, sectional qualifier in 4×400) and Ethan Stabb (sprints, sectional qualifier in 4×400), and sophomore Michael Parrigon (distance, sectional qualifier in the 800 and 1600).
Pictured is McAuley Catholic’s Michael Parrigon.
Parrigon holds the school record in both the 800 and 1600, and he earned all-state honors in cross country in the fall. Parrigon finished 21st in Class 1 in 17 minutes and 56.5 seconds.
Newcomers are sophomores William Holder (throws) and Tripp Miller (javelin, sprints) and freshmen Max Anreder (throws), Alex Bohachick (sprints, jumps, hurdles, mid-distance), Paul Stachura (throws), Connor Taffner (distance), and Trae Veer (distance), who also earned all-state honors in cross country earlier this school year.
“Our team is a little bigger this year, 13 athletes with varied experience,” Youngworth said. “We have a good group of kids who have worked hard this spring so far and feel we will be more competitive this season. We are sharing several kids with baseball, so we will not be at full strength for several meets. We have a little more depth this year in some areas, especially in the throws and jumps.
“Last year, we implemented the basics of our program: team over self, hard work, do the best you can do, and good things will happen. In year two, we are reinforcing this philosophy while challenging the kids with harder workouts. So far, the kids have accepted every challenge.”
The Warriors have winning the Ozark 7 Conference meet, improving on their seventh-place district finish, and getting at least one athlete to qualify to state for the first time since 2019 as their goals for the upcoming season.
“We have a challenging schedule this year, competing against Class 2, 3, and 4 teams in most meets,” Youngworth said. “We will use these competitions to improve our times and marks and not worry about team points. College Heights is the defending conference champion and has most of their team back for the 2023 season. They have set the standard and we are striving to be that team overtime. We must first find a way to top Thomas Jefferson, who beat us by 5 ½ points last year.”
McAuley Catholic placed third overall in the Ozark 7 last season, behind their crosstown rival small schools.
The Warriors have the Springfield Catholic Invitational (March 24), the Diamond Invitational (March 28), the Galena (Kan.) Invitational (March 30), the Seneca Invitational (April 3), the Hillbilly Relays in Pierce City (April 11), the East Newton Invitational (April 13), the Sarcoxie Inch by Inch (April 14), the Ozark 7 meet at Thomas Jefferson (April 19), the Lamar Invitational (April 20), and the Girard (Kan.) Invitational (April 28) before district, sectional, and possibly state competition in May.
“We have a good work ethic and kids are willing to sacrifice individual success for team success,” Youngworth said. “That chemistry is crucial to our success this year and in years down the road. We believe we will be competitive in the relays, distance events, and field events. We have several young throwers, and I am excited about their future.
“The success we had in cross country has proven to the kids that success in Class 1 is possible with hard work and an unselfish attitude. We have put together a great coaching staff with years of experience and that will obviously put our kids in a better position to have success.”
The Warriors’ coaches this season are Youngworth, Georgia Antillon, A.J. Broadus, Chris Moreno, Payton Roberts and Darbi Stancell.
“We will be weak in the open sprint events as we focus on relay experience,” Youngworth said. “To be honest, having more kids out in the future will ease that problem. We are a very small school and share kids with other sports. Despite that, we are assembling a good group and have a growing middle school program that will continue to add depth to the team in the years to come.”
On the girls side, McAuley Catholic will have junior Kendall Ramsey (distance) and sophomores Genevieve Billings (distance) and Marbellie Villanueva (distance) back for another season, while freshmen Vanessa Diaz (jumps, sprints), Kierra Mays (throws), Samantha Perrin (jumps, hurdles, mid-distance), Brooke Righter (hurdles, mid-distance), and Cristal Torres (throws, sprints) give the Warriors dramatically increased numbers.
Ramsey earned conference titles in the 1600 and 3200, qualified for sectionals in both events, and qualified for state in the 3200 last season. She finished eighth in Class 1 at state in cross country this fall with a time of 21:07.6.
Ramsey also holds the school record in the 3200, and she finished 10th at state in the event last season.
“We don’t have any seniors on the team, so leadership is a potential concern,” Youngworth said. “That said, junior Kendall Ramsey has done a great job leading a group of girls that has little or no high school track and field experience.
“We will be weak in the open sprint events and relays this season. With only eight girls, we will try to spread them out in events where they will have some success and hopefully be able to put together a couple of relays that can compete. We are assembling a good group and have a growing middle school program that will continue to add depth to the team in the years to come.”
With only three girls last season, McAuley Catholic finished fourth in the Ozark 7 meet and Youngworth said the girls have the goal of moving up one spot in the standings this season.
The Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers return five boys and six girls from last season and they also feature a few newcomers this coming season for their head coach Clayton Carnahan.
“This year’s team is better prepared than any I have seen in my time here at TJ,” Carnahan said. “They are determined to succeed and willing to put in the work to get there. This year’s team has already put in much of the work necessary to start the season off right.
“I think this season will show a lot of personal accomplishments. This high school team will be a great encouragement to the seventh and eighth graders coming up. While some of the boys’ team are still green in ability, they have great attitudes and are willing to work. And the girls’ team has a lot of strength in their grit and resilience. I expect that team will continue to surprise themselves with their accomplishments.”
Thomas Jefferson’s Kip Atteberry poses with Cavaliers coach Clayton Carnahan during the awards ceremony at the state cross country meet this past fall. File photo by Shawn Fowler.
On the boys side, Thomas Jefferson returns senior Kip Atteberry (800, 1600, 3200), senior Shayaan Anis (throws), sophomore Sheraz Anis (100, 200, 400, 110 hurdles), senior Jay Ball (throws) and sophomore Layton Green (100, 200).
For the girls, returners are senior Nico Carlson (400, high jump, steeplechase, 4×800), sophomore Lannah Grigg (shot put, discus), junior Gabbi Hiebert (400, 300 hurdles, high jump, triple jump), junior Avery Hocker (100 hurdles, long jump, triple jump), junior Sarah Mueller (800, 1600, 3200) and senior Samantha Seto (800, 1600, 3200).
Newcomers are freshman Brent Beyersdorfer (400, 800), senior Tyler Brouhard (200, 400, 800), and sophomore Braden Honeywell-Lynch (800, 1600, 3200) on the boys side and freshman Jenna Joseph (100, 200, 400) on the girls side.
“The juniors and seniors on the team are great leaders through their personal strength and demeanor,” Carnahan said. “They are excellent role models to the rest of the team. Second, the team has a strong culture of community this year, and it is a culture of excellence and mutual respect and support. This strong leadership and stellar culture will help us meet new goals and stay resilient in difficult moments.
“As we grow stronger this year, our goal is a moving target. We will have to keep pushing to keep improving.”
Last season, the Thomas Jefferson boys finished in a tie for 25th in Class 1 with 13 points.
Atteberry qualified for state in all three of his events and he finished seventh in the 800 in 2 minutes, 4.93 seconds, fourth in the 1600 in 4:33.32, and third in the 3200 in 10:14.44.
The Cavaliers open their season on Friday in Neosho and their schedule runs through Galena (March 30), Pittsburg State (April 7), Pierce City (April 11), Joplin (April 12), Sarcoxie (April 19), Monett (April 25), and Webb City (April 28) before district, sectional, and possibly state competition in May.
Thomas Jefferson also hosts the Ozark 7 Conference meet on April 19.
LAMAR, Mo. — College Heights Christian and McAuley Catholic were among the teams competing at Thursday’s Lamar Rotary Relays track meet.
For College Heights Christian’s boys, Colsen Dickens finished third in the 400-meter run in 52.9 seconds. Ethan Ukena placed fifth in the triple jump, while Caleb Quade took seventh in both the 800 and the high jump.
The CHC team of Zach Beaty, Dickens, Ukena and Matt Williams finished sixth in the 4×100 relay. The Cougars were also sixth in the 4×800.
McAuley Catholic’s Michael Parrigon finished third in the 1600 in 4:50 and also took sixth in the 800 with a time of 2:09.
The Warriors were eighth in the 4×200 relay, with Jacob Bracich, Jake Higginbotham, Dylan Taffner and Jack Jones competing.
The team of Armando Alberto, Phillip Motazedi, Grant Horinek and Drew Zeb took eighth in the 4×800.
Other local event winners in the boys meet were East Newton’s Chase Sorrell (800), Gabe Bergen (300H), Michael Crowe (HJ) and Dominic Shaw (discus), Monett’s Konner Poynter (100, 200, 400) and Julio Cruz (3200), Mount Vernon’s Wyatt Cordray (110H), Nevada’s Drew Beachler (LJ, TJ) and Lukas Higgins (shot put) and Lamar’s Trace Wilhite (javelin).
The top five boys teams were Lamar (109.5), East Newton (88), Nevada (78), Butler (65) and Pittsburg, Kansas (64.5).
For the McAuley girls, Kendall Ramsey won the 3200 in 13:47 and also finished fourth in the 1600 with a time of 6:07.
College Heights Christian’s Emily Winters was sixth in the 400.
For the Seneca girls, Rylee Darnell was third in the high jump, Cambry Long took fourth in the 400 and Katelyn Fyock was sixth in the long jump.
Other local event winners in the girls meet were Monett’s Karlee McCallister (100, javelin), Jasper’s Crystal Smith (200, 110 hurdles, 300H), Lamar’s Marcy Miller (HJ) and Elise Ferris (LJ), Nevada’s Lillian Hart (TJ) and Liberal’s Abby Barton (800).
Nevada and Lamar both finished with 98 points in the team standings. Monett (76), Pittsburg (56) and Butler (51) rounded out the top five teams.
Webb City High School has never produced a state champion in the pole vault.
Grayson Smith hopes to change that.
“I want to be the first one,” he said.
A junior at Webb City, Smith has continued to soar higher and higher in his signature event, the pole vault.
And if you ask him, Smith will tell you he has grand plans for this spring.
Webb City’s Grayson Smith is one of the top pole vaulters in the state of Missouri. Photos by Shawn Fowler.
“My goal is to get 17 feet and become the state champion,” said Smith, last year’s Class 4 runner-up. “And I want to set the school record so high no one can touch it.”
After missing out on a freshman season due to the coronavirus pandemic, Smith put together a stellar sophomore campaign.
Smith made steady progress throughout the 2021 campaign.
At the season-opening Carthage Invitational, Smith cleared 11-11.75 feet to take third place. Smith cleared 13-11.25 at the district meet before recording a vault of 13-8.5 at the sectional, which was good for fourth place and a state berth.
Smith saved his best for last, as he cleared 14-10 at the state meet to earn the silver medal.
“Last year, I was just a sophomore, and no one was expecting me to do anything,” Smith said. “It was a lot of focus in practice and watching a lot of YouTube videos. Last season was really fun, but I think this season is going to be even better.”
During the winter indoor season, Smith cleared a personal-best 15-6 at Missouri Southern’s high school invite.
Now a returning state medalist and unlikely to take anyone by surprise, Smith has gotten off to a great start to the spring ’22 season.
Smith got over the bar at 15-0.25 at the Carthage Invitational and then set the meet record at the PSU/Gorilla Relays on April 8 by clearing 15 feet even.
Webb City’s Grayson Smith clears the bar during the Carthage Invitational. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
“I’ve been really impressed with Grayson and his desire to get better with every meet,” Webb City coach Dustin Miller said. “Even though he’s an elite vaulter for the area, he has the desire to compete and get better. And he’s been willing to do other events, the 4×400 and the long jump, to help out the team.”
According to Athletic.net, Smith is currently the second-ranked pole vaulter in the state of Missouri behind Hickman’s Charlie Garino, who has cleared 16-4.75. Hickman is a Class 5 school, so the two won’t go head-to-head at state.
Smith did not compete at Thursday’s Joplin Invitational, as he’s nursing an ankle injury that occurred during a recent 4×400 relay. He’ll be out of action for a few weeks, but the temporary setback shouldn’t impact his lofty goals for the spring.
“He’ll be back for districts,” Miller said. “He’s got a positive mindset and he enjoys helping his teammates. He’s an all-around team guy and I’m really proud of him.”
Smith has come a long way since first giving the pole vault a try at the end of his eighth grade year. At first, like many beginners, he had mixed results.
“I was pretty average,” Smith said with a smile.
Smith credits former coach, Josh Baker, for helping him improve at his signature event.
“He really got me going,” Smith said.
Of course, the pole vault is an event that’s not exactly easy to master. It’s an event that takes speed, strength, agility, mental toughness and even a bit of bravery.
Mastering the technique of sprinting down the runway, planting the pole and then launching into the air isn’t for everyone.
Like many standout vaulters, Smith has a background in gymnastics.
“His gymnastics background helps for sure,” Miller said. “He has good body awareness. He’s got good speed, he’s a good athlete and he can jump well. He has a good awareness in the air and is able to make adjustments. That has paid huge dividends for him.”
As the 2022 season progresses, and once he returns to action, Smith hopes to continue to soar higher and higher, with the ultimate goal of peaking at the state track meet.
“He has a shot to improve his school record and become one of the top kids in the state, if not the nation this year,” Coach Miller said. “It will depend on how healthy he can get. But I’m excited for his opportunity this year.”
Finishing on top of the awards podium is Smith’s ultimate goal.
And if he does that, Smith will not only earn a gold medal, but also make Webb City history as the program’s first state champion pole vaulter.
“When I get healthy, my intensity in practice is going to increase a lot,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to getting healthy…and beating records.”
Pictured is Webb City’s Grayson Smith. All photos by Shawn Fowler/SoMo Sports.
The Joplin area will feature a number of track and field standouts this spring.
Based on last year’s results, and featuring a number of returning state medalists, below is a quick look at the Joplin area’s top returning tracksters.
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD ATHLETES TO WATCH
ADDIE LAWRENCE, COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN
Addie Lawrence had a remarkable 2021 season on the track.
As a sophomore, Lawrence earned four gold medals at the Class 1 state track meet, leading the College Heights girls to a team championship.
Lawrence claimed individual state titles in the 100-meter dash (12.5 seconds) and the 400-meter run (57.5).
She also anchored CHC’s winning 4×100 and 4×200 relays with Jayli Johnson, Allie Fiscus and Lauren Ukena.
Lawrence is now set to begin her junior season.
JENNALEE DUNN, JOPLIN
At last spring’s Class 5 state meet, Joplin’s Jennalee Dunn finished eighth in the 1,600 in 5 minutes, 8 second while also placing 11th in the 800 in 2:22.
Now a senior, Dunn had a stellar cross country season. She placed 14th at state with a school record time of 18:36.
Dunn, who has signed with Cornell University, will look to end her prep career on a high note this spring.
ALLY MONTEZ, CARL JUNCTION
Carl Junction’s Ally Montez earned three medals at last year’s Class 4 state track meet.
As a junior, Montez was the runner-up in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 45.46 seconds and also placed fourth in the 100-hurdles in 14.87.
Montez also ran a leg of Carl Junction’s 4×100 relay team that finished second in 49.8 seconds.
Montez, now in her final prep campaign, has signed with Pittsburg State.
JAYLI JOHNSON, COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN
College Heights’ Jayli Johnson placed sixth in the Class 1 200-meter dash (27.21) and was part of CHC’s two gold-medal winning relays.
As a sophomore, Johnson also ran a leg of CHC’s 4×400 relay that finished third.
A junior, Johnson qualified for state during the fall cross country season.
OTHER LOCAL GIRLS TO WATCH: Webb City’s Abi Street (distance), Riley Hawkins (distance) and Ripley Shanks (pole vault); Carl Junction’s Olivia Vediz (triple jump, long jump, 4×100 relay) and Emerson Lundien (pole vault); McDonald County’s Mariana Salas (javelin) and Sosha Howard (TJ); Neosho’s Chloe Wood and Riley Kemna (XC state qualifiers); Carthage’s Joey Hettinger (high jump); Thomas Jefferson’s Alivia Beard (100, 200), Avery Hocker (TJ), Sarah Mueller (cross country state qualifier); CHC’s Lauren Ukena (300H); McAuley Catholic’s Kendall Ramsey (cross country state qualifier); Seneca’s Rylee Darnell (HJ).
BOYS TRACK & FIELD ATHLETES TO WATCH
DONOVYN FOWLER, JOPLIN
Joplin’s Donovyn Fowler had a breakout junior season last spring.
At last May’s Class 5 state track meet, Fowler was the runner-up in the triple jump (47-7.25) and he placed fourth in the long jump (22-11).
Fowler was also a state-qualifier in the 200-meter dash and with Joplin’s 4×100-meter relay team.
Fowler, one of the nation’s best who has the goals set high in his signature events as a senior, has signed with Oklahoma.
GRAYSON SMITH, WEBB CITY
As a sophomore, Webb City’s Grayson Smith was the state runner-up in the Class 4 pole vault. He cleared 14-10 at state. Smith finished the season strong, as he placed fourth at the sectional before earning silver at state.
Now a junior, Smith will look to reach new heights and take his place as the state’s best vaulter this spring.
DONOVAHN WATKINS, JOPLIN
As a junior, Joplin’s Donovahn Watkins placed fourth in the Class 5 shot put with a toss of 53-3.75.
Watkins has signed with Coffeyville Community College in Kansas to participate in both track and field and football.
HOBBS CAMPBELL, JOPLIN
Joplin’s Hobbs Campbell had a memorable sophomore season. Last May, Campbell finished sixth in the 1,600 (4:20) at the Class 5 state meet. Campbell also ran a leg of Joplin’s 4×800 relay that finished fourth in 7:55.
A junior, Campbell had a solid cross country season, as he placed 14th at the state meet.
KADEN COLE, NEOSHO
A senior who has signed with Missouri Southern, Neosho’s Kaden Cole is coming off a stellar cross country season.
Cole crossed the line sixth at the Class 5 state cross country meet this past fall with a time of 15:33.
Last spring, Cole finished 11th in the 1,600 at the state meet. He’ll look to improve upon that finish this May.
ROMAN BORBOA, WEBB CITY
At last spring’s Class 4 state track meet, Webb City’s Roman Borboa placed eighth in the 1,600 (4:29) and took 15th in the 800 (2:05).
A key performer on a state championship squad, Borboa also ran a leg of Webb City’s 4×800 relay team that placed fourth.
A senior, Borboa finished 19th at last fall’s state cross country meet (16:06).
KIP ATTEBERRY, THOMAS JEFFERSON
At last year’s Class 1 state track meet, Thomas Jefferson’s Kip Atteberry finished fourth in the 1,600 in 4:48. He also placed 10th in the 800 in 2:09.
A junior, Atteberry placed fourth at the Class 1 state cross country meet this past fall with his 5K time of 17:03.
OTHER LOCAL BOYS TO WATCH: Carthage’s Miquel Solano (800); Joplin’s Ian Horton, Zaben Barnes, Nicholas Horton, Evan Matlock (distance); Webb City’s Billy Wolfe (sprints, relays) and Dustin Brockmiller (distance); Carl Junction’s Collin Emmert (distance); College Heights’ Derrick McMillan (800), Colsen Dickens (400), CHC’s 4×800 relay (McMillan, Rolen Sanderson, Corbin Thomas, Caleb Quade) was second at state; McAuley Catholic’s Michael Parrigon (state cross country qualifier); Carthage’s Zach Lansford (javelin); McDonald County’s Josh Pacheco (triple jump) and Andrew Moritz (javelin).
Donovyn Fowler has unfinished business this spring.
Coming off a record-breaking junior season, Fowler has lofty goals for his final prep track and field campaign at Joplin High School.
Simply put, the standout jumper and University of Oklahoma signee hopes to leave his mark not only on the JHS program but also on the state record books.
Joplin senior track and field standout Donovyn Fowler is pictured during a recent practice. Photos by Shawn Fowler.
“I’ve put in more work this offseason than I ever have before,” Fowler said after Tuesday’s practice. “This year I’m really trying to set my name in stone as far as the Joplin record books.”
In 2021, Fowler put together a breakthrough junior season. It was one that saw him set school records in his signature events, the long jump and triple jump.
At last spring’s Central Ozark Conference Meet, Fowler won the long jump and was the runner-up in the triple jump. Fowler then captured district and sectional championships in both of his events.
“I would describe my junior year as my revenge season because I didn’t get to have a sophomore season (because of COVID),” Fowler said. “Last year, I wanted to prove why I’m ranked as highly as I am.”
At last May’s Class 5 state track meet, Fowler was the runner-up in the triple jump (47-7.25) and he placed fourth in the long jump (22-11).
Fowler was also a state-qualifier in the 200-meter dash and with Joplin’s 4×100-meter relay team.
Last year’s state meet experience left Fowler wanting more.
“I definitely feel like I could have done better at state,” Fowler said of his podium positions. “It was windy, cold and pouring down rain, but I still managed to do pretty well.”
As a way to hone his skills while also preparing for the spring, Fowler competed in five indoor meets this winter, earning four golds and one silver in his events.
Entering the outdoor track season, Fowler is the state of Missouri’s top returning performer in both the long jump (23-10.25) and the triple jump (49-11.75).
Joplin’s Donovyn Fowler is pictured competing at Missouri Southern’s indoor track meet this winter. Fowler is a standout in both the long jump and triple jump.
Of course, both marks are school records. Fowler is highly-ranked nationally in both events, as well.
According to Milesplit USA, Fowler owns the top combined long jump and triple jump mark in the nation.
“I try not to think about that too much,” Fowler said of state and national rankings. “I put those kinds of things to the side and just worry about what I’m doing during every meet and how far I’m jumping.”
Fowler was listed by MileSplit as one of the nation’s top-50 recruits for the Class of 2022. Fowler’s talents have already secured a full-ride scholarship to Oklahoma.
With that decision behind him, Fowler can solely focus on competing and perfecting his technique.
“It definitely helps me relax knowing I don’t have all this pressure on me about where I’m going to commit,” Fowler said. “During my meets this spring I’m going to be wearing my OU headband so everyone knows I’m committed to OU.”
Of course, before he heads to the collegiate level, Fowler still has plenty of work to do and several goals to reach.
For starters, Fowler said he hopes to jump 51 feet in the triple jump and leap 24 feet in the long jump.
Fowler added his goals include helping his teammates achieve success.
“Originally, my goals for my senior year were to win state championships in the triple jump and the long jump,” Fowler said. “My goals changed once the season started. I’m now mentally focusing on coaching the younger people on our team so they can have a better chance at success. I really want to help the freshmen improve. I think if I would have had a mentor my freshman year I’d be at a higher level than I am now. I wasn’t always good at track. I’ve made a lot of progress.”
Now under the direction of head coach Nick Reid, the JHS track teams will begin the season at the Carthage Invitational on March 31.
As the first meet of his senior season approaches, Fowler hopes to cement his place as one of the program’s all-time greats. Securing plenty of hardware and accolades this spring can make that lofty goal a reality.
“I’m definitely striving for Missouri Gatorade Track and Field Player of the Year,” Fowler said. “Johnny Brackins won it last year and I think I have a good shot at it this year. The perfect ending for me would be placing first and winning comfortably in both long jump and triple jump at state. I think I can do it.”
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — There have been 21 state championships spread around five different sports at Webb City.
Boys track and field, up until Friday had never brought home the state’s most coveted team award. That changed thanks to a balanced and deep lineup that accumulated 64 points to win the Class 4 MSHSAA Track and Field Championship at Jefferson City High School.
It has been a long time since the track program has been dominating, you have to go back more than 70 years to see any semblance of team success.
The school’s previous best finish came as a runner-up in 1938 in Class B in a then three-class system.
“It wasn’t much of a track culture when I got here,” said Webb City coach Dustin Miller, who ran at Carthage and then Missouri Southern. “I put a lot of pressure on myself. I’m a competitive guy and I see softball, basketball, boys basketball, girls basketball and of course, football, all have their own state titles. You feel like if you don’t win, you don’t match up. To get this done, I’m proud of our kids. We have been in the shadows of baseball and girls soccer this year and I kept telling them to keep your head down and when you earn your recognition, you will get it.”
The group posed for plenty of photos with the state trophy after winning, beating Kearney by seven points – a usual rival on the gridiron. Fellow Central Ozark Conference school Willard tied for fourth.
Mekhi Garrard
The meet was the last for a number of those on the roster for state for both the team and coaching staff. Seniors included Luke Brumit, Caleb Cook, Joseph Dawson, Mekhi Garrard, Pryce Mason, Zetthew Meister, James Morgan, Owen Weller and Samuel Winesburg.
“First time ever winning the state championship and to be able to do it, we do it in football and basketball, first time in track means a lot,” Garrard said.
Miller’s staff will also lose Corey Roy and Josh Baker to different gigs, while Caleb Hoover is headed to medical school.
“It is just surreal,” Miller said. “We knew going into the 800 what would have to happen and Festus didn’t do what they needed to do and we knew Willard was out of points; then Kearney didn’t score. Then it came down to the 200 and by the 4×400, we knew no one would catch us. This is a good-character group of guys that every time I asked them to do something, they did it.”
The Cardinals set school records in the pole vault (Grayson Smith, 14 feet, 10 inches) and discus (Zetthew Meister/165’11).
Garrard, once known for a grand slam he gave up in the Little League World Series, added his name to the history books by winning the long jump with a distance of 23-3 ¼.
He is the school’s second ever to win that event and the first was there as an official at the meet: Alan Spencer who won it in 1968, long before becoming a successful football coach in the area. Garrard added a runner-up finish in the triple jump and was winning before getting knocked to second on the last attempt for Myles Norwood of Trinity Catholic in St. Louis.
In the event that Smith broke the state record, he finished second. Mason was fourth with a jump of 13-8 ¼, giving the Cardinals 13 points in the event.
Webb City’s Pryce Mason competes in the pole vault.
“It is definitely interesting,” Mason said of dueling with Smith. “As a team, you want him to do his best, but as a competitor, you want to win.”
The team’s 4×400 (Mason, Garrard, Morgan, William Wolfe) had the 16th best time in prelims out of 16 teams and was in the first of two heats. The Cardinals, though, finished third in the meet once all the times for the two races were combined.
Brumit placed third in the high jump and sixth in javelin and Morgan placed in both the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles. Incidentally, the 110 were run going the opposite direction as normal as a strong, consistent breeze would’ve meant running head-on into a gust blowing from the west.
“I did it a few times,” said Morgan of running the opposite direction. “In Missouri we are used to all the wind. It wasn’t too different. I was happy I was closer to the turf than the concrete, though. I was ranked seventh, so I thought if I got through, I will place and it will be fine.”
He was third in the 110 and eighth in the 300.
Webb City’s Weller, Dawson, Winesburg and junior Roman Borboa took fourth in the 4×800 and Borboa added points in the 1,600-meter run.
The Webb City girls got three medals from seniors Emily Beres and Haidyn Berry.
Beres became the sixth female to win a state title and the first to do it in the shot put, where she won with a putt of 39-11 ¼.
Her best was her final one, but she took the lead on her third attempt. However, the day ended on a bad note as she suffered an ankle injury on her way to get her first-place medal and had to be taken to a Jefferson City hospital to check for a possible fracture.
Beres added a sixth in the discus earlier in the day, the same place Berry took in the javelin.
The Webb City Cardinals pose with the state championship plaque.
Carl Junction’s Brendan Jewell captured a state championship in the high jump.
Jewell wins state title
The last time there was a state track meet in 2019, Carl Junction’s Brendan Jewell secured a tie for fourth place. Flash forward to this year only two of those eight medalists that spring were still in school. Jewell and Savannah’s Ben Schneider, who placed one spot ahead of him.
Jewell entered this competition seeded second, trailing St. Charles West’s Braden Goellman and just ahead of Schneider. As the field narrowed itself down from 16, it eventually got down to only two: Goellman and Jewell.
Jewell cleared 6-7 ½ in his second attempt and Goellman missed all three to give the Bulldog senior the title.
That accounted for all 10 points scored by Carl Junction, which placed 23rd in the standings.
The victory makes Jewell the second in school history in the high jump, joining Paul Shouse, who won the event in 1984. Overall, Jewell is the seventh individual Bulldog to take first place in an event since Grant Dennis won the 1,600-meter run in 1996.
The girls team didn’t have a state title but had a handful of all-state showings to take 14th place overall with 21 points. The last time at the state meet in 2019, the Bulldogs scored only five points and were part of a seven-way tied for 37th place.
Junior Ally Montez had a part in both of them, first by running the second leg of the 4×100-meter relay with Olivia Vediz, Salma Lewis and Shiloh Sluder.
In a close finish, St. Teresa’s Academy’s Leah North held off Sluder down the straightaway to win the dash in 49.68. Carl Junction’s time was 49.80.
The Bulldogs were favored to win the race based on seed times and the No. 4-lane assignment.
“It was really frustrating … it sucks we didn’t get first and we wanted to get first,” said Sluder, who took 16th place in the 200-meter dash later in the day. “I’m proud of everyone. We were hoping to break the school record again today, but with this weather it’s hard. I’m proud of how we did all year but we really just wanted the first place finish.”
Carl Junction’s Ally Montez earned a medal in both hurdles races at the Class 4 state meet.
Montez was the runner-up in the 300-meter hurdles (45.46), while taking fourth in the 100-meter hurdles (14.87). She missed a medal in the 100 as a freshman in 2019 by one spot and by four spots in the 300.
Winnetonka’s Amyah Davis won both of the hurdle races this year. This marked only the second time this year that Montez lost – the other foe to beat her was Brianna Utecht of Marshfield, who was the runner-up in the 100.
“It was a pretty good day doing my races,” Montez said. “I was really wanting to win first, because why not, a state championship is a pretty big deal. I know Amyah, we run against each other in the summer and we always see each other and she is such a good person too.”
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Donovyn Fowler was close to making history for Joplin; teammate Camryn Ledford did.
The two were Joplin’s highest placing athletes at the MSHSAA Class 5 Track and Field Championships on Thursday at Adkins Stadium. The Eagles had 12 all-state finishes.
Ledford won the para discus, 200, 400- and 800-meter runs to bring home four gold medals.
Fowler nearly joined as a champion but a future Division I athlete relegated Fowler to second place in the triple jump
Fowler had jumped 47-feet, 7 ¼ on his final attempt. Then, he left to get ready to run the 200-meter dash.
Lee’s Summit West’s Johnny Brackins still had a jump left and his final one gave him the championship.
“It was a good battle,” Fowler said. “When I left I was winning and he beat me. I wish I could’ve seen it but I congratulated him. I really respect him and I have looked up to him since I was a freshman. I thought there was no way I could compete with him and today I was able to compete with him. It was a dream come true.”
Fowler finished fourth in the long jump. He and teammate Trayshawn Thomas (seventh place) were walking to the medal stand tent when a 2-plus hour rain shower started. The junior got his medal later in the afternoon, as did Thomas, a senior.
Had he won the triple jump he would’ve been the 11th overall champ in JHS history.
Joplin’s Micah Bruggeman competes in the 4×800 relay during Thursday’s Class 5 state meet in Jefferson City. Bruggeman, a senior, was one of Joplin’s state medalists. All photos by Mac Moore.
Micah Bruggeman and Hobbs Campbell each had individual medals for the Eagles, while the two were on the 4×800 with Evan Matlock and Ashton Ventura.
“I’m extremely proud of my team getting this far and this is my first team medal in the 4×800,” Bruggeman said. “I’ve had individual medals but not as a team, but that is something I realized in cross (country) and today. I’m sure it will get emotional later. It just started to hit me. Joplin is in very good hands. I love Joplin and I know it is in good hands and those guys will take the reins.”
Campbell took sixth in the 1,600-meter, while Bruggeman was seventh in the 800.
Campbell ran the last leg of the 4×800, which reset the school record in the process with a time of 7:55.66 to take fourth place.
“I knew we were racing for the school record and trying to be top three up there,” Campbell said. “I finished harder than I have in my life.”
Joplin’s Donovahn Watkins placed fourth in the shot put at the Class 5 state track meet.
Donovahn Watkins also placed fourth for Joplin, throwing 53-3 ¾ in the shot put, which came on his first putt. After that he scratched before landing two more heaves.
Joplin’s boys finished ninth in the team standings with 30 points. Rock Bridge (52), Francis Howell (49.5) and Lee’s Summit (49) were the top three teams.
On the girls side, Joplin’s Jennalee Dunn added an all-state showing in the 1,600-meter run (5:08.81) – adding an all-state medal to go with one she earned in cross country in the fall.
Carthage had a pair of medalists in the final meet for track and field coach Andy Youngworth, who is taking a job at McAuley Catholic next year.
Caleb Calvin was third in the javelin (175-1), while Miguel Solano was sixth in the 800-meter run in his state debut.
Calvin wasn’t near his usual marks but said he was battling a side injury, which held him back a bit.
“It was a little overwhelming with so many people, but I think it was a good experience,” said Calvin, a Pitt State signee.
The only medalist for Neosho was junior Tristen Linders, who took seventh in the discus with a toss of 153-3.
Jennalee Dunn earned a state medal in the 1600 at Thursday’s Class 5 state track meet.
Carthage’s Miquel Solano and Joplin’s Hobbs Campbell compete during Thursday’s Class 5 state track meet in Jefferson City.
After capturing a sectional championship and qualifying a large group to state, the Webb City boys track squad has its goals set extremely high for the MSHSAA Class 4 Track and Field Championships.
When the one-day state meet arrives on Friday at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Webb City will have nine different athletes competing in the individual events to go along with three relays. With that, the Cardinals have lofty goals.
“We got everything through sectionals that we needed to and our dream of being state champions is still alive,” Webb City coach Dustin Miller told SoMo Sports on Tuesday. “I know the guys are really excited. We feel we’re within striking distance of winning a state championship. I feel very good about our opportunity to bring home a trophy. I think there are six teams that have a really good shot to get on the podium. We’ve only been beat once this year and we’re going to go after it. We just need to perform well, stay loose and have fun. I like where we’re sitting in a lot of places. We know it’s going to take a special effort to win a state title.”
After winning conference and district titles in back-to-back weeks, the Cardinals won the Class 4 Sectional 3 meet in Camdenton this past Saturday by compiling 120 points.
Webb City had a top-four finish in 14 events and advanced 17 total entries.
“It was hands down the best sectional meet we’ve had,” Miller said. “To get 17 of 19 entries to the state meet is rare. I feel bad for the two opportunities that didn’t make it, but I think we’re probably competing in the most events at state out of all the boys teams. It’s pretty impressive. I’m just really proud of this group of guys.”
Senior Mekhi Garrard advanced to state in four events, the long jump, triple jump, 200-meter dash and with the 4×200 relay.
Garrard was the sectional champ in the long jump and took second in the triple jump. He has the top long jump mark in Class 4 at 23-8.75. Miller noted Garrard will likely join the 4×400 relay for the state meet in place of the 200.
Junior Roman Borboa will compete in three events, the 800, 1600 and the 4×800 relay. Senior Pryce Mason and sophomore Grayson Smith both advanced in the pole vault. Mason will also compete in two of the relays.
Miller noted Smith had to overcome some adversity at the sectional, as he snapped his pole on his first attempt, suffering a bruised and swollen hand.
“It was truly a heroic effort out of the sophomore,” Miller said.
Senior Luke Brumit will compete in the high jump and javelin at state, while senior Asa Morgan advanced in both hurdle races. Fellow senior Caleb Cook qualified in the 300 hurdles.
Senior Zetthew Meister advanced in the discus, while junior Robert Hollis will compete in the javelin alongside Brumit.
The Cardinals qualified three of four relays, the 4×200, 4×400 and 4×800. The 4×200 finished second at the sectional, while the 4×800 was third and the 4×400 was fourth.
Friday’s Class 4 meet begins at 10 a.m.
Miller is confident his Cardinals will perform well.
“This is a group of kids that love track and field,” Miller said. “We have high-character guys and they love to compete. I think a lot of good things can happen for us this weekend. I think we’re primed and ready. These guys are focused, so we’ll see what we can accomplish.”
Mekhi Garrard will compete in four events at this week’s Class 4 state track meet. File photo by Shawn Fowler.
Webb City will compete in three relays at the Class 4 state meet. File photo by Shawn Fowler.
BRANSON, Mo. — Two points. That’s all that separated Webb City and Joplin at the top of the team standings at the Central Ozark Conference Track Meet on Thursday at Branson High School.
Webb City captured the conference championship with 126 points and Joplin settled for second with 124.
Nixa (107), Willard (101) and Branson (65) rounded out the top five teams. Carthage (53), Ozark (51), Neosho (50), Republic (41) and Carl Junction (23) completed the team standings.
Webb City’s Mekhi Garrard won the triple jump and took second in the long jump at the COC Track Meet on Thursday in Branson. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Webb City’s boys won two events and finished second in five others.
Grayson Smith (4.27 meters) and Pryce Mason (4.10m) placed first and second, respectively, in the pole vault, while Justin Allen was fourth in the same event.
Mekhi Garrard won the triple jump (14.42m) and was the runner-up in the long jump.
The Cardinals took second in the 4×200 relay, with Isaiah Brisco, William Wolfe, Mason and Garrard competing.
James Morgan took second in the 110 hurdles and Luke Brumit placed second in the high jump. Brumit was fourth in the javelin and Robert Hollis was fifth in the same event.
Jordan Thornburg finished fourth in the 100, while Roman Borboa took fourth in the 1600 and Garrard was fourth in the 200.
Webb City’s 4×100 relay team of Brentan Wilson, Wolfe, Thornburg and Brisco took fifth, while the 4×800 relay also finished fifth, with Sam Winesburg, Owen Weller, Blake Vaughn and Joseph Dawson competing.
Matt McDaniel and Wolfe were fourth and sixth in the high jump, while Brisco took fifth in the triple jump.
Wolfe placed sixth in the 200, Borboa finished sixth in the 800 and Caleb Cook was sixth in the 110 hurdles. Jacob Shonk finished seventh in the long jump.
Joplin’s Hobbs Campbell, Webb City’s Roman Borboa and Joplin’s Micah Bruggeman are pictured competing during Thursday’s COC Meet. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
JOPLIN HIGHLIGHTS
Joplin’s Donovyn Fowler won the long jump and took second in the triple jump at the COC Track Meet in Branson. All photos by Shawn Fowler.
Joplin’s boys won five events.
Hobbs Campbell crossed the line first in two events, winning the 1600 with a time of 4:22 and the 3200 in 9:40. Campbell also finished third in the 800.
Donovyn Fowler won the long jump (6.88 meters) and finished second in the triple jump (14.30m).
The JHS 4×100 relay team of Dominick Simmons, Trayshawn Thomas, Luke Vieselmeyer and Fowler took first in 44.34 seconds.
Joplin’s 4×800 relay team of Ashton Ventura, Zaben Barnes, Ryan Byers and Nicholas Horton finished first with a winning time of 8:14.
Fowler took second in the 200, while Micah Bruggeman took second in the 800 and the Missouri recruit also finished third in the 1600.
Barnes and Matlock finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 3200. Matlock was also fifth in the 1600.
Thomas finished third in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump.
Donovahn Watkins placed third in the shot put and also finished fifth in the discus.
Joplin’s boys were sixth in the 4×400.
CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS
The Tigers won two events.
Carthage’s Miguel Solano crossed the line first in the 800 with a time of 1:58, while teammate Caleb Calvin won the javelin with a toss of 55.97 meters.
The Tigers were third in the 4×800 relay, with Solano, Malcolm Robertson, Ty Lewis and Mariques Strickland competing.
Carthage’s 4×100 took fourth, with Cale Patrick, Calvin, Tyler Burt and Aiden Rogers running. The Tigers were fifth in the 4×400.
Also for Carthage, Aiden Logan placed fourth in the discus, while Bryce Miller took sixth in the pole vault and Zachary Lansford was sixth in the javelin.
NEOSHO HIGHLIGHTS
For the Neosho boys, Kaden Cole was the runner-up in the 1600 and he also placed fourth in the 800.
Neosho’s 4×400 relay team of Isaiah Hill, Evan Haskins, Tristan Clanton and Isaiah Green finished third.
Clanton placed third in the 400, while Tristen Linders took third in the discus, Jeremiah Larson finished fourth in the 300 hurdles and Green took fourth in the triple jump. The Wildcats were sixth in the 4×200 relay.
CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Carl Junction’s Brendan Jewell won the high jump (1.96m).
Also for the Bulldogs, Collin Emmert finished third in the 3200 and Drew Patterson finished fourth in the 110 hurdles.
BRANSON, Mo. — Webb City and Carl Junction had female athletes capture gold medals at the Central Ozark Conference Track Meet on Thursday at Branson High School.
Nixa (147.5), Ozark (126.5) and Webb City (104) were the top three teams in the standings.
Republic (104), Branson (88), Carl Junction (71), Neosho (38), Carthage (27), Willard (15) and Joplin (14) rounded out the team standings.
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Webb City’s girls were led by Riley Hawkins, Haidyn Berry and Emily Beres.
Hawkins won the 1600 in 5:29, finished second in the 3200 and was fourth in the 800.
Berry won the javelin (37.28m) and Beres won the shot put (11.57m).
Beres was also the runner-up in the discus, while Dawsyn Decker took second to Berry in the javelin.
Abi Street finished third in the 3200 and was fourth in the 1600.
Ripley Shanks took fourth in the pole vault, while Kaylyn Gilbert took fifth in the shot put and discus and Essence Robinson placed fifth in the long jump.
Webb City’s girls were fourth in the 4×400, with Khloe Rhuems, Rachel Davison, Maci Brown and Kylie Jennings competing. The Webb City girls were fifth in both the 4×100 and 4×200 relays.
Carl Junction’s Ally Montez played a role in three event wins at the COC Meet. Montez won both hurdle races and ran a leg of a winning relay. All photos by Shawn Fowler.
CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Carl Junction junior Ally Montez was the COC champion in two events, winning in the 100 hurdles in 15.86 seconds and the 300 hurdles in a meet and school record time of 45.89.
The CJ girls captured gold in the 4×100 relay with a meet record time of 50.06 seconds, with Olivia Vediz, Montez, Salma Lewis and Shiloh Sluder competing.
Also for the CJ girls, Emerson Lundien was the runner-up in the pole vault, Sluder finished third in the 100-meter dash, Lewis placed third in the high jump and Hannah Lee was third in the shot put.
Vediz finished sixth in the long jump and triple jump, while Loren Lee was sixth in the shot put.
Carl Junction’s Olivia Vediz is pictured.
NEOSHO HIGHLIGHTS
Neosho’s Jayden Browning took second in the triple jump, Riley Kemna finished fourth in the 3200, Bailey Miller was sixth in the 400 and Kendall Platner took sixth in the 100 hurdles.
Neosho’s Makenna Davis, Lakyn Prough, Heaven Kivett and Kemna took fourth in the 4×800 relay, while the Wildcats were fifth in the 4×400.
CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Kenedy Smith placed third in the long jump and took fifth in the triple jump, while Joey Hettinger and Smith were fourth and fifth, respectively, in the high jump.
The Carthage girls were fourth in the 4×200 relay (Katie Crowe, Sydnee Dudolski, Ashlynn Patrick, Karly Sullivan). The Tigers finished sixth in the 4×400.
JOPLIN HIGHLIGHTS
For the Joplin girls, Alayna Merriman finished fourth in the javelin, Allie Keizer finished sixth in the 1600 and the team of Kylie Anderson, Allie Lawrence, Isabella Yust and Bailey Ledford finished seventh in the 4×200.
Joplin’s girls were without standout distance runner Jennalee Dunn.
BRANSON, Mo. — Webb City and Carl Junction had female athletes capture gold medals at the Central Ozark Conference Track Meet on Thursday at Branson High School.
Nixa (147.5), Ozark (126.5) and Webb City (104) were the top three teams in the standings.
Republic (104), Branson (88), Carl Junction (71), Neosho (38), Carthage (27), Willard (15) and Joplin (14) rounded out the team standings.
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Webb City’s girls were led by Riley Hawkins, Haidyn Berry and Emily Beres.
Hawkins won the 1600 in 5:29, finished second in the 3200 and was fourth in the 800.
Berry won the javelin (37.28m) and Beres won the shot put (11.57m).
Beres was also the runner-up in the discus, while Dawsyn Decker took second to Berry in the javelin.
Abi Street finished third in the 3200 and was fourth in the 1600.
Ripley Shanks took fourth in the pole vault, while Kaylyn Gilbert took fifth in the shot put and discus and Essence Robinson placed fifth in the long jump.
Webb City’s girls were fourth in the 4×400, with Khloe Rhuems, Rachel Davison, Maci Brown and Kylie Jennings competing. The Webb City girls were fifth in both the 4×100 and 4×200 relays.
Carl Junction’s Ally Montez played a role in three event wins at the COC Meet. Montez won both hurdle races and ran a leg of a winning relay. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Carl Junction junior Ally Montez was the COC champion in two events, winning in the 100 hurdles in 15.86 seconds and the 300 hurdles in a meet and school record time of 45.89.
The CJ girls captured gold in the 4×100 relay with a meet record time of 50.06 seconds, with Olivia Vediz, Montez, Salma Lewis and Shiloh Sluder competing.
Also for the CJ girls, Emerson Lundien was the runner-up in the pole vault, Sluder finished third in the 100-meter dash, Lewis placed third in the high jump and Hannah Lee was third in the shot put.
Vediz finished sixth in the long jump and triple jump, while Loren Lee was sixth in the shot put.
NEOSHO HIGHLIGHTS
Neosho’s Jayden Browning took second in the triple jump, Riley Kemna finished fourth in the 3200, Bailey Miller was sixth in the 400 and Kendall Platner took sixth in the 100 hurdles.
Neosho’s Makenna Davis, Lakyn Prough, Heaven Kivett and Kemna took fourth in the 4×800 relay, while the Wildcats were fifth in the 4×400.
CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Kenedy Smith placed third in the long jump and took fifth in the triple jump, while Joey Hettinger and Smith were fourth and fifth, respectively, in the high jump.
The Carthage girls were fourth in the 4×200 relay (Katie Crowe, Sydnee Dudolski, Ashlynn Patrick, Karly Sullivan). The Tigers finished sixth in the 4×400.
JOPLIN HIGHLIGHTS
For the Joplin girls, Alayna Merriman finished fourth in the javelin, Allie Keizer finished sixth in the 1600 and the team of Kylie Anderson, Allie Lawrence, Isabella Yust and Bailey Ledford finished seventh in the 4×200.
Joplin’s girls were without standout distance runner Jennalee Dunn.
BRANSON, Mo. — Two points. That’s all that separated Webb City and Joplin at the top of the team standings at the Central Ozark Conference Track Meet on Thursday at Branson High School.
Webb City captured the conference championship with 126 points and Joplin settled for second with 124.
Nixa (107), Willard (101) and Branson (65) rounded out the top five teams. Carthage (53), Ozark (51), Neosho (50), Republic (41) and Carl Junction (23) completed the team standings.
Webb City’s Mekhi Garrard won the triple jump and took second in the long jump at the COC Track Meet on Thursday in Branson. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Webb City’s boys won two events and finished second in five others.
Grayson Smith (4.27 meters) and Pryce Mason (4.10m) placed first and second, respectively, in the pole vault, while Justin Allen was fourth in the same event.
Mekhi Garrard won the triple jump (14.42m) and was the runner-up in the long jump.
The Cardinals took second in the 4×200 relay, with Isaiah Brisco, William Wolfe, Mason and Garrard competing.
James Morgan took second in the 110 hurdles and Luke Brumit placed second in the high jump. Brumit was fourth in the javelin and Robert Hollis was fifth in the same event.
Jordan Thornburg finished fourth in the 100, while Roman Borboa took fourth in the 1600 and Garrard was fourth in the 200.
Webb City’s 4×100 relay team of Brentan Wilson, Wolfe, Thornburg and Brisco took fifth, while the 4×800 relay also finished fifth, with Sam Winesburg, Owen Weller, Blake Vaughn and Joseph Dawson competing.
Matt McDaniel and Wolfe were fourth and sixth in the high jump, while Brisco took fifth in the triple jump.
Wolfe placed sixth in the 200, Borboa finished sixth in the 800 and Caleb Cook was sixth in the 110 hurdles. Jacob Shonk finished seventh in the long jump.
Joplin’s Hobbs Campbell, Webb City’s Roman Borboa and Joplin’s Micah Bruggeman are pictured competing during Thursday’s COC Meet. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
JOPLIN HIGHLIGHTS
Joplin’s Donovyn Fowler won the long jump and took second in the triple jump at the COC Track Meet in Branson. All photos by Shawn Fowler.
Joplin’s boys won five events.
Hobbs Campbell crossed the line first in two events, winning the 1600 with a time of 4:22 and the 3200 in 9:40. Campbell also finished third in the 800.
Donovyn Fowler won the long jump (6.88 meters) and finished second in the triple jump (14.30m).
The JHS 4×100 relay team of Dominick Simmons, Trayshawn Thomas, Luke Vieselmeyer and Fowler took first in 44.34 seconds.
Joplin’s 4×800 relay team of Ashton Ventura, Zaben Barnes, Ryan Byers and Nicholas Horton finished first with a winning time of 8:14.
Fowler took second in the 200, while Micah Bruggeman took second in the 800 and the Missouri recruit also finished third in the 1600.
Barnes and Matlock finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 3200. Matlock was also fifth in the 1600.
Thomas finished third in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump.
Donovahn Watkins placed third in the shot put and also finished fifth in the discus.
Joplin’s boys were sixth in the 4×400.
CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS
The Tigers won two events.
Carthage’s Miguel Solano crossed the line first in the 800 with a time of 1:58, while teammate Caleb Calvin won the javelin with a toss of 55.97 meters.
The Tigers were third in the 4×800 relay, with Solano, Malcolm Robertson, Ty Lewis and Mariques Strickland competing.
Carthage’s 4×100 took fourth, with Cale Patrick, Calvin, Tyler Burt and Aiden Rogers running. The Tigers were fifth in the 4×400.
Also for Carthage, Aiden Logan placed fourth in the discus, while Bryce Miller took sixth in the pole vault and Zachary Lansford was sixth in the javelin.
NEOSHO HIGHLIGHTS
For the Neosho boys, Kaden Cole was the runner-up in the 1600 and he also placed fourth in the 800.
Neosho’s 4×400 relay team of Isaiah Hill, Evan Haskins, Tristan Clanton and Isaiah Green finished third.
Clanton placed third in the 400, while Tristen Linders took third in the discus, Jeremiah Larson finished fourth in the 300 hurdles and Green took fourth in the triple jump. The Wildcats were sixth in the 4×200 relay.
CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Carl Junction’s Brendan Jewell won the high jump (1.96m).
Also for the Bulldogs, Collin Emmert finished third in the 3200 and Drew Patterson finished fourth in the 110 hurdles.
The College Heights Christian girls track and field squad won four events at the Mountaineer Relays on Thursday at Mount Vernon High School.
Addie Lawrence crossed the line first in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.5 seconds, while teammate Grace Bishop won the 1600 in 5:41.
The College Heights girls won two relays, the 4×200 in 1:49 and the 4×400 in 4:17. The Cougars were second in the 4×100 and third in the 4×800.
Also for the Cougars, Jayli Johnson finished third in the 200, Bishop was third in the 800 and Lauren Ukena took third in the 300 hurdles.
Allie Fiscus finished seventh in the 300 hurdles and eighth in the 100 hurdles.
For the College Heights boys, Derrick McMillan finished third in the 800, while Colsen Dickens took seventh in the 400.
College Heights finished second in the 4×800 relay with a time of 8:51. The Cougars were fourth in both the 4×100 and 4×400 relays while also finishing fifth in the 4×200.
SENECA HIGHLIGHTS
The Seneca Indians also competed at the meet.
For the Seneca girls, Danessa Macy placed third in the 100 hurdles and Samarah Mittag finished fourth in the 200.
Isabella Renfro was fifth in the shot put, Kamryn Fox took sixth in the 400, Makenzie French was eighth in the 100, Amber Garrison took eighth in the javelin and Katelyn Fyock finished eighth in the long jump.
For the Seneca boys, Hayden Smith and Jacob Brown were fourth and fifth, respectively, in the pole vault.
Ethan Altic was fourth in the 1600, Max Golden took fifth in the 110 hurdles, Jaxson Graham was seventh in the 100 and Morgan Bryan finished sixth in the discus and eighth in the shot put.
LOCAL EVENT WINNERS
Mount Vernon standout Sadie Heisner won the 100 hurdles, the triple jump and the pole vault.
Other local event winners from the girls meet were Nevada’s Tylin Heathman (300 hurdles), Taylor Thompson (discus) and Claire Pritchett (shot put) and Mount Vernon’s Payton Dennis (javelin).
Area boys winning individual events were Greenfield’s Conner Lewandowski (100), Aurora’s Jacob Rohlman (200, 400), Southwest’s Christian Long (800) and Travis Sickles (1600, 3200), Mount Vernon’s Wyatt Cordray (110 H) and Nevada’s Drew Beachler (long jump).
College Heights Christian, McAuley Catholic and Seneca were among the local squads who competed at the Monett Invitational track meet on Tuesday.
COLLEGE HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS
College Heights Christian’s girls once again had a stellar showing, as the Cougars won five events.
College Heights’ 4×100-meter relay team of Allie Fiscus, Jayli Johnson, Addie Lawrence and Lauren Ukena took first with a time of 51.64 seconds.
Johnson, Lawrence, Ukena and Katie Moss won the 4×400 relay with a time of 4:21. The CHC girls finished fifth in the 4×200 relay.
Lawrence crossed the line first in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.83 seconds. Lawrence and Johnson finished first and second, respectively, in the 200. Lawrence crossed the line at 26.47, while Johnson finished in 27.07.
Johnson won the 400 in 1:02.
Also for the CHC girls, Ukena finished second in the 300 hurdles, Moss placed third in the 800, Maddy Colin took fifth in the high jump, Fiscus was fifth in the 100 hurdles and Madi Carson took sixth in the 800.
College Heights’ boys won the 4×800 relay in 8:51 and took second in the 4×400 with a time of 3:44. The Cougars finished fourth in the 4×200 relay.
Colsen Dickens took second in the 400, while Steven Calandro finished third in the 110 hurdles and Rolen Sanderson was third in the 800.
Also for the Cougars, Matt Williams finished fourth in the 200, Derrick McMillan placed fourth in the 1600 and Corbin Thomas was fourth in the 300 hurdles. Gatlin Bender placed sixth in the shot put, while Jace Edwards was sixth in the 3200.
MCAULEY CATHOLIC HIGHLIGHTS
McAuley’s Kendall Ramsey finished second in the girls 1600 (6:11) and took third in the 3200 (14:21).
McAuley’s Jacob Bracich placed fifth in the boys long jump.
SENECA HIGHLIGHTS
Leading the way for the Seneca girls was Rylee Darnell, who won both the high jump and the triple jump and also took second in the pole vault.
Katelyn Fyock took second in the long jump and teammate Samarah Mittag finished fourth in the same event. Danessa Macy finished third in the 100 hurdles.
The Seneca girls placed fourth in both the 4×100 and 4×200 relays while also finishing fifth in the 4×400.
For the Seneca boys, Hayden Smith was the runner-up in the pole vault, with teammate Jacob Brown fourth. Jaxson Graham took second in the 200.
Finishing fourth in their respective events were Morgan Brown (discus), Eli Phillips (javelin), Max Golden (110 hurdles), Graham (100) and Trevor Cargile (400).
The Indians were third in the 4×200 relay, with Morgan Vaughn, Golden, Jordan Allen and Graham competing. The 4×100 relay finished fourth, while the 4×400 was fifth.
OTHER EVENT WINNERS
Winning individual events in the girls meet were Monett’s Ashtyn Blakey (long jump), Caitlyn Calhoun (discus) and Gabby Zengotita (100 hurdles, 300 H), Cassville’s Annie Moore (pole vault), Kyren Postlewait (shot put) and Jolie Evans (800), McDonald County’s Mariana Salas (javelin) and Jasper’s Alexis Durman (1600, 3200).
Individual event winners on the boys side were Monett’s Eduardo Trujillo (110 hurdles, 400), Jose Salas (800) and Julio Cruz (3200), Cassville’s David Oliphant (100, long jump, triple jump), Peter Littlefield (high jump) and Bradan Dickinson (shot put), McDonald County’s Jr. Eliam (discus), Jasper’s Juan Rivera (pole vault) and Aiden Hartgrave (300 hurdles), Southwest’s Travis Sickles (1600) and Wheaton’s Chad Meyer (200, javelin).
BOLIVAR, Mo. — Track and field squads from Webb City and Carl Junction competed at Southwest Baptist University’s Bearcat Classic on Monday.
In a 19-team field, Webb City’s boys finished second in the team standings with 92 points. Waynesville was first with 101. Carl Junction’s boys finished 14th with 13 points.
Carl Junction’s girls finished ninth with 37 points, while Webb City was 11th with 34 points.
Marshfield (89) and Ozark (80.5) were the top two girls teams.
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Webb City’s boys had four event winners — Roman Borboa (1600), Pryce Mason (pole vault), Luke Brumit (high jump) and Mekhi Garrard (triple jump).
Borboa’s winning time was 4:28 and Mason cleared 14-9 in the pole vault. Brumit went 6-4.75 in the high jump and Garrard recorded a leap of 45-3.75 in the triple jump.
Zetthew Meister was the runner-up in the discus, while Brumit finished third in the javelin and Borboa placed third in the 800. Caleb Cook was fourth in the 300 hurdles.
Fifth-place finishers for the Webb City boys were Grayson Smith (pole vault), Matt McDaniel (high jump) and Garrard (200). William Wolfe took seventh in the 200 and Dustin Brockmiller was seventh in the 3200.
The team of Isaiah Brisco, Wolfe, Brumit and Garrard finished fourth in the 4×200 relay, while Webb City’s 4×800 relay team of Jose Antillion, Samuel Winesburg, Owen Weller and Joseph Dawson finished fifth. The 4×400 (Brumit, Brisco, Cook, Gustavo Sabbag) finished seventh.
Webb City’s Emily Beres won the girls shot put with a toss of 40-10.5, giving the Cardinals five total event winners.
Also for the Webb City girls, Haidyn Berry was the runner-up in the javelin, while Riley Hawkins crossed the line fifth in the 1600, while Abi Street finished fifth in the 3200 and Ripley Shanks took fifth in the pole vault.
Dawsyn Decker finished seventh in the javelin and Street was seventh in the 1600.
CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Carl Junction’s Ally Montez won the girls 300-meter hurdles in 47.13 seconds and also placed second in the 100 hurdles with a time of 15.06.
Shiloh Sluder took third in the 100-meter dash and fourth in the 200.
Hannah Lee was fifth in the shot put, while Bryn Neria placed sixth in the javelin and Emerson Lundien finished eighth in the pole vault.
For the Carl Junction boys, Brendan Jewell finished second in the high jump, while Collin Emmert was fifth in both the 1600 and 3200 and Drew Patterson finished eighth in the 110 hurdles.
SBU BEARCAT CLASSIC
Boys team standings: Waynesville 101, Webb City 92, Nixa 77.5, Camdenton 77, Kickapoo 71, Bolivar 58.5, West Plains 51.5, Rolla 47, Lebanon 36, Ozark 35, Branson 33.5, Marshfield 26, Willard 17, Springfield Central 13, Carl Junction 13, Glendale 8, Republic 10, Hillcrest 7, Parkview 6.
Girls team standings: Marshfield 89, Ozark 80.5, Nixa 78, Rolla 68, Republic 64, Kickapoo 61, West Plains 50, Branson 39, Carl Junction 37, Lebanon 36, Webb City 34, Glendale 33, Camdenton 26.5, Bolivar 23, Parkview 21, Waynesville 14, Hillcrest 12, Willard 10, Springfield Central 4.
