Bronaugh track-and-field team loaded with experience

File photo The Bronaugh Lady Wildcats had a wildly successful outing last May at the Class 1 District 3 track-and-field meet held at Skyline High School. Bronaugh's Katey Rider, Mattie Earnest, Addie Burgess, and Katie Norman, each qualified for the sectional track-and-field meet in Ozark. For Bronaugh, Rider placed first in the 400-meter run, third in the high jump, and fourth in the triple jump as she qualified for all three events. Earnest qualified for the sectionals after achieving a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles, while Addie Burgess placed seventh in the long jump. In addition, the Lady Wildcats 4x100 meter relay team, comprised of Earnest, Burgess, Norman, and Rider, took second-place in the event. (Top four finishes qualify for sectionals). Pictured above, from left: Mattie Earnest, Katie Norman, Katey Rider, and Addie Burgess. (File photo)

The Bronaugh Wildcats' track-and-field team has plenty of returning experience, including three members of its Class 1 state qualifying girls' 4x100 meter relay-team.

In addition, senior standout Katey Rider placed first in the 400-meter dash at the 2016 district track meet, while sophomores Mattie Earnest and Katie Norman round out Bronaugh's top returning student-athletes.

The Wildcats 2016 4x100 relay-team placed second at districts and fourth at its sectional en route to qualifying for the state meet .

"We expect to take a few kids to state," asserted Bronaugh track-and-field coach Josie Martin. "Last year, we took our girls 4x100 relay team, we hope to do so again this year. We also would like to take some students in individual events."

The 'Cats are already off to an excellent start, as several Wildcats captured medals at the season-opening Butler Invitational, March 23. Rider picked up where she left off last season, netting first-place in the 400-meter dash, while also earning a bronze in the 100-meter dash. Meanwhile, senior Mandy Murphy, who did not compete last season ---- had a successful outing after notching third-place in the long jump.

"We expect her to be an important part of the girls 4x100 relay team," Martin said of Murphy. "And we expect her to do well in the long jump as well."

Martin said he anticipates the Wildcats being competitive from an individual standpoint in each and every event on its 2017 slate.

"The strength of our team is our overall athletic ability," he said. "The kids have to work hard every day, and stay committed to improving every day.

Martin continued: "We have some on the team that have the potential to go to state. And we expect everyone on the team to work hard and compete well."

Martin added that Bronaugh's overall student-athlete numbers may hurt them as far as team scores go.

"Our main weakness is the size of our team," Martin noted. "We have 10 athletes (eight girls and two boys). It makes it difficult to compete in meets where team points are kept."

Wildcats' roster

* Katey Rider, Sr., 400-meter dash, 4x100 meter relay, 100 meter dash, 200-meter dash, and the 4x200 meter relay.

* Mandy Murphy, Sr., 100- meter dash, 4x100 meter-relay, long jump, 200-meter dash and the 4x200 meter relay.

* Katie Norman, So., 100- meter dash, 4x100 meter relay, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, and 4x200 meter relay.

* Mattie Earnest, So., 110 meter hurdles, 4x100 meter relay, 100-meter dash, 400- meter dash, and 4x200 meter relay.

* Maddysin Million, So., 800-meter dash, 1600-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles.

* Paige Wait, So., shot put, discuss, javelin, 400-meter run.

* Natali Layher, Fr., 400- meter run, 800-meter run, 1600- meter run.

* Annabelle Morris, Fr., shot put, discuss, javelin.

---- Boys' team members ----

* Dallas McIntire, Jr., 100- meter dash, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash.

* Austin Gray, Jr., shot put, discuss, and javelin.

Middle School track members

* Bailey Cliffman (400-meter, 800-meter), Emma Morris (shot put and discuss), John Million (800-meter and 1600-meter), Nicole Haggerman (100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter), Josie Banes (400 -meter, 800-meter), and Gavin Cox (800-meter, 1600-meter).