Five returning state qualifiers will lead the way for the Joplin High School track and field team this spring.
Seniors Micah Bruggeman, Nathan Glades and Trayshawn Thomas and junior Donovyn Fowler are the top returners for the Joplin boys, while junior Jennalee Dunn is expected to lead the JHS girls.
Aside from the team’s returning standouts, the Eagles will feature many new faces in big roles.
“On the guys side, we have some big names that are coming back, but for the most part, we’re trying to figure out where the depth is going to come from for both the boys and girls teams,” Joplin coach Brandon Taute said. “Most years, you come into the season knowing who your top guy or girl is in each event. This year, other than a few spots, we don’t really know because we didn’t have a season last year. It’s exciting because there’s a lot of spots up for grabs. The kids are competing and trying to earn a varsity spot. It’s been fun. But how deep we’ll be is still to be determined.”
Despite not having a season last spring, the Eagles feature a group of varsity veterans who return with prior state meet experience.
“Micah will be solid in the distance events and Glades will lead us in the sprints and hurdles,” Taute said. “Fowler and Thomas will score a lot of points in the jumps. All of those guys are definitely looking to make a lot of noise at state this year.”
Bruggeman capped a stellar sophomore season by placing third in the 800-meter run (1:55) and sixth in the 1,600 (4:19) at the 2019 Class 5 state meet. Bruggeman placed fifth in the state in the 800 as a freshman back in 2018.
As a sophomore, Glades finished eighth in the 300 hurdles at the state meet after winning a sectional title in the event. Glades was also a sectional qualifier in the 100-meter dash.
Fowler and Thomas both advanced to state in the triple jump in ’19. As a freshman, Fowler took ninth (44-6), while Thomas was 13th (43-8) as a sophomore. The pair finished third and fourth, respectively, in the event at the sectional. In addition to competing in both the jumps, Fowler and Thomas may also compete in the sprints.
The distance events should also be a strength of the Eagles.
“I think we’re going to get a lot of points out of our distance kids,” Taute said. “We’re excited about our depth on the distance side.”
As far as the throws, junior Donovahn Watkins should be a key performer for the Eagles.
The top returner for the JHS girls team, Dunn is coming off a stellar cross country season, as she finished 18th at the Class 5 state meet.
“We’re really excited about Jennalee,” Taute said. “She had a great cross country season. She’s going to be fun to watch.”
In ’19, Dunn advanced to state in the 1,600 while a student at Thomas Jefferson.
Joplin’s girls won the COC cross country meet this past fall and the distance events should be a strength this spring.
“We have a ton of depth in the distance events on the girls side,” Taute noted.
Other areas are still a work in progress.
“In the sprints and jumps, we have a lot of girls who competed as freshmen,” Taute said. “A lot of them did get experience at the varsity level. We’re excited to see how they do after a year off.”
Taute noted preseason practices have been going well.
“The kids are working hard and that’s all you can really ask for,” Taute said. “The kids are hungry and I’m excited about their work ethic and commitment so far. I like how competitive this group is. We’ve got a great group of kids and I’m excited to see them compete.”
FIRST MEET IS APRIL 1
The Eagles will begin the season next Thursday at the Carthage Invitational.
Webb City, Carl Junction and Neosho will also be competing with the host Tigers at David Haffner Stadium. The meet begins at 2 p.m.
And after missing out on a 2020 season, it’s safe to say the Eagles are more than ready to get the 2021 campaign underway.
“The kids definitely understand that you don’t always get these opportunities,” Taute said. “So you’ve got to make the most of those opportunities. I think our kids understand that, especially the seniors. They’re hungry to get back out there and prove they can make some noise.”
STATE MEET UPDATE
According to MoMileSplit, the Missouri State High School Activities Association has decided that all five classes will have their own state track meet.
All state meets will be held at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City. The Class 5 event is scheduled for May 27.
“I liked the two-day setup, but I understand it’s all about safety,” Taute said. “And we’re just happy that we’re getting the opportunity after losing it last year. And the last time these kids were at state (2019), it was a one-day event (due to the weather)…so it’s nothing new for them. I know our kids will make the most of the opportunity they get.”
