With the weather constantly changing from 70 degrees to 35 degrees on any given day, it is clearly time for the spring sports season.  

Although the weather has not been cooperating, the track team has been able practice outside every day so far.

“With the weather in Missouri, always expect the unexpected,” head boys track coach Jeff Stoffey said.

The girls’ track team is coming off a season in which Taylor Richey and Nicole Barton took home state medals. Luckily, Richey, who signed with Missouri State University this offseason, returns to lead the girls’ team. Last May, Richey advanced to state in the 100m, 200m, 400m and the 4×200.

The boys’ team returns several seniors this season. The boys have nine seniors on the team, including: Joel Farmer, Grant Hogan, Kalen Jarnegan, Clay Kusmec, Nick Renaud, Connor Richey, Harrison Stoudt, Jake Vaughn and Zach Wright.

“I am really happy with my senior group. They really enjoy track and they work extremely hard. This is probably the best senior group that we’ve had in several years. Hopefully, we can get a few of them to the state meet this year,” Stoffey said.

The team seems to be confident about the upcoming season.

Senior Harrison Stoudt said, “I expect a positive outcome. It helps having a consistent team of people who really like to run.”

Several members of both teams put in work during the offseason, whether it be playing another sport or going to after school workouts.

“We put in a lot of work last year and it’s building up to something good,” junior Madi Miller said. “I would like to break the record for 300M hurdles, and also be a part of a 4 x 200M relay team that can hopefully make it to state,”

Stoudt also had his mind on how he would like to finish his senior season.

“I’d like to make it to sectionals this year and for many more people to go to sectionals as well,” Stoudt said.  

Another focus this season will be on the performance of recent Missouri State University commit and returning state competitor, Taylor Richey. She will be someone that the rest of the team will look up to for leadership, and she certainly possesses the qualities necessary to drive the team to be successful.

“Taylor is a great competitor and runs year round. She really wants to be great,” Stoffey said. “That attitude seems to carry over to the rest of the team.”

The track teams will begin their season at 3:30 pm tomorrow at Seckman.

“It’s early, but I am really excited to see how our teams compete this season. I think we will be ready,” Stoffey said.