Neither of the two McDonald County High School athletes who competed at Saturday's Class 4 Sectional 3 Track and Field Championships in Bolivar finished in the top four to earn a trip to this week's state track meet at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.
But the Mustangs will still be represented at state. Elias Gallegos has one of the top 16 Class 4 throws in the javelin, which will be introduced this year as a demonstration sport at state before becoming an official event next year.
Emily High, the school record holder in the 1600 meter run (5:28.85), came into the race seeded eighth out of the eight racers, but outdueled Kelie Henderson of Bolivar down the final straight to take sixth in a time of 5:32.77.
"Emily went out fast because she knew she needed to stay in contention in order to have a chance to qualify for state," said coach Darbi Stancell. "The pace was a little tougher than she is accustomed to, but she hung on for as long as she could. She finished sixth coming in seeded eighth and I am very pleased with her."
Tabitha Weber of Marshfield won the race in a time of 5:08.80, followed by Sophia Holmes of Rolla (5:10.51), Stephanie Penticuf of Glendale (5:11.11) Theresa Harto of West Plains (5:13.18), Laci Lindsay of Bolivar (5:26.40), High (5:32.77), Henderson (5:32.03) and Jelynn Tatum of Carl Junction (5:37.69).
High and Henderson appeared they were running the 100 meter dash coming down the final straight away before High pulled away in the final 20 meters.
"Her biggest improvement this year has been how hard she finishes," Stancell said. "She used to let up and now she races through the finish line. I am really proud of that. It's hard to make a kid change that."
High will continue her career at Park University in the Kansas City area where she will run cross country as well as track.
"It's been 10 seasons (four track and cross country seasons at MCHS and two seasons at junior high cross country) coaching one of the most sweetest, positive little girls a coach could get to coach," Stancell said. "She is a blessing in my career and I will miss her very much."
The Mustangs' only other sectional competitor was Cole Cooper, who finished seventh in the pole vault by clearing 12-0.
"Cole had a good career at McDonald County," said coach Bruce Stancell. "I am very proud of the way he finished. He had a great vault at 12-6 that would have tied his personal best. He finished out with a good performance."
Cooper cleared 11-0, 11-6 and 12 before failing in his three attempts to clear 12-6. Justin Kanengifer of Marshfield won the event with a vault of 14-3. Tyler Schrimpf of Helias was second (13-9), followed by Tristan Greenfield of Marshfield (13-3), Brandon Neeper of Bolivar (13-0), Henry Eldringhoof of West Plains (13-0), Luke Masters of Branson (13-0), Cooper (12-0) and Corbin Schmidt of Carl Junction (11-6).
Cooper will attend Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, Mo., this fall where he will run cross country and compete in the pole vault and distance events on the track team.
"I wish Cole the best at college," Stancell said. "He has been a pleasure to coach the past four years."
Javelin
Representing McDonald County at state will be javelin thrower Elias Gallegos.
The top 16 throwers (limited to two from any school) from any meet during the season earned a trip to the sport's demonstration at the state track meet. Gallegos is ranked 14th after his throw of 142-11 at the Big 8 Conference meet on May 5 at East Newton High School.
"Elias just picked up the javelin for the first time this year," Stancell said. "It is pretty incredible that he could end up in the top 16 in state. It shows you a lot about his work ethic and his athletic ability. He is not scared of hard work at all."
Sports on 05/26/2016