Wright County track and field programs ready for spring

Wright County’s track and field programs are hoping to get several individuals and possibly teams to go deep into the postseason come the end of this spring season.
Mountain Grove
Mountain Grove’s boys and girls track and field program is expected to make some noise in area meets throughout the 2026 spring season.
There are a total of 35 boys expecting to compete for points with the hopes of the Panthers having a very special season.
Last year, Mountain Grove won their first South Central Association (SCA) Conference title in 10 years and the squad has its sights on back-to-back crowns.
The sprint relays are led by seniors Aden Estep and Aydon Barbe as they provide leadership with what head coach John Citron says is a “talented group of underclassmen.”
In regular sprints, Estep returns as the school record holder in the 200 meters. Seniors Clayton Maloney and Barbe are joined by juniors Kale Gardner, Gage Yarger and Chris Fry and sophomore Dalton Shannon, among others.
In hurdles, juniors Ethan Haacke and Caleb Cameron are joined with sophomore Tex King and freshman Braxton Williams.
As for distance races, sophomore Max Guilliams will lead some younger runners in the 800 and 1,600 meters.
As for jumps, Gardner returns as the No. 3 all-time in the high jump while Estep returns. Maloney is No. 6 all-time in the pole vault.
For throwers, senior Andrew Whitson recently set the school record in the discus with his toss of 163’6” in a competition held in Willard. The prior mark was set by current coach Andy Amos in 2017, who had a toss of 162’ that earned him sixth place at the state meet.
Haacke also returns in the javelin and he is No. 2 in school history. Other overall throwers include senior Peyton Metty; juniors Slade Rodgers and Brannon Short; with sophomore Malaki Williams.
“This year’s Panther team is led by four seniors (Estep, Barbe, Maloney, Whitson) with state level talent in their respective events,” Coach Citron said. “Another standout is first year junior, Kale Gardner, who appears to be a state level athlete in the high jump and long jump.
A large roster provides the depth needed to have a shot at the conference crown again. This year’s team features depth in all throwing events, jumps and sprints which will bode well for the relays…”
There are 15 Lady Panthers hoping to find a way to lift the Lady Panthers to an unprecedented fifth SCA title in a row.
In the spring, senior Jaida Top is joined by Patricia French and freshmen Cassidy Behrendsen and Miley Schober.
Hurdles feature senior Kylie Roth and freshman Olivia Songs.
As for distance races, sophomores Keena Roth and Nyelli Soto are expected to make an impact.
In the jumps, senior Tierra Antunez will be in the pole vault, French and Sons get the high jump and Behrendsen has her sight on the long jump.
Throwers are led by Lexie Bibens with freshmen Marli Melton,Brixley Williams, Elleah Gibson and Emily Jarrett.
“Some pieces are in place with strong returners from last year’s squad,” Coach Citron said. “Senior Kylie Roth with sophomores Nyelli Soto and Keena Roth provide state level experience. The addition of freshmen standouts Cassidy Behrendsen and Olivia Sons, and a promising young throws group, should provide a good nucleus of talent to build upon.”
Norwood
The Norwood boys and girls track and field program are ready to make an impact this spring in area meets.
The Lady Pirates roster is led by cross country state champion Jayden Chambers, who was All-State a season ago in both the 400 and 1,600 meters. Sadie Kelly will compete in the 800 and 1,600 meters.
Sophomore Kalie Chadwell, who qualified for sectionals last year, returned and is featured in both the 100 and 200 meters. Freshman Reagan Bennett will also compete in those races.
Chadwell will become a jumper this season as she focuses also on the long jump.
Jamison Williams will be the main thrower tossing the shot put and discus.
There may be some plans for a mixture of the athletes to possibly compete in a relay race as well.
“I expect Jayden and Kalie to have successful seasons and hopefully be competing well at the end of the season and have a chance to advance in districts and beyond,” said Norwood head coach Jonathan Winslow.
There are just two Pirates leading the boys program this season.
Sophomore Caleb Barker is competing in the 800 and 1,600 meters.
Freshman Bentley Vaughan will be featured in the 100 and 200 meters as well as the long jump event.
“I am hoping to see these two athletes grow and improve and learn this year and pave the way for success in their future,” Coach Winslow said.
Mansfield
Mansfield’s boys and girls track and field program is set to have several athletes excel in a variety of events this spring.
There are 17 Lions out for the squad that is led by senior Malachi Ussry. Ussery has won four state medals during his career, which includes a third place finish in the long jump. He was also at state in the triple jump and the 300-meter hurdles.
Fisher Croney also returns after qualifying for state in the long jump.
When it comes to distance races, Alex Ivey and Brent Stuart are sophomores with potential for success.
As for relays, a mixture of runners are expected to have a strong season in the 4x200 and 4x400.
Alex Paulson will be the Lions’ main thrower while newcomers Owen Rhodes, Kaden Young and Kellen Campbell are also expected to help the squad.
“We won (tied the School of the Ozarks) for districts last year.,” said Mansfield head coach Christian Gray. “We lost several key contributors, but returned several as well.”
The Lady Lions have around 12 athletes this season, which includes three who competed at state last year in senior Addie Jones and sophomores Devynn Ball and Kayley Kingery.
Jones has made it to state for the past two seasons.
“She looks to get back in her senior year and be even more competitive,” Coach Gray said.
A mixture of runners will also make an impact in relays with the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400.
“We are young/new outside of the returners,” Coach Gray noted. “We are just looking to develop in all areas.”
Hartville
According to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) website, the Hartville Eagles has 14 boys ready to make an impact this spring.
Senior Jaden Liles is being joined by juniors Micah Clevenger, Gustin Dennis and Owen Hays. Sophomores William Dickinson, Broc Roden and Peyton Tooley are joined by seven freshmen also looking to score points this season.
As for the Lady Eagles, their roster features lone senior, Shaelynn Ghormley. She is joined by juniors Carlyn Cantrell, Kinley Cryer, Claire Dickinson, Adrianna Jensen, Ella Stalder and McKenzi Stigall.
Sophomores Lorelai Daley, Ava Furrow, Jayde Ghormley and Natalia Oster along with freshman Jacey Revey are also looking to help the Lady Eagles make an impact during the season.
(No information was submitted by coaches by our deadline.)