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TRACK & FIELD: After strong sectional showing, Webb City boys have goals set high for state meet

By:
Jason Peake

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.

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