BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
The Southwest High School boys and girls track teams have a calvary of new faces on the pavement this season, with seven returners looking to lead 17 newcomers this season.
Steve Voyak, Southwest track and field coach in his seventh year, said the goals for the season are simple — train in ways to peak at the end of the year.
“Athletes want to peak at the end of the season in the high stakes meets,” he said. “It’s a process, and athletes need to train properly to make that happen. Track takes discipline and patience, two traits that can be challenging to young adults.”
Taking on the challenge is a squad of 24, led by seven returning letterwinners, two of whom are seniors. Returners include: seniors Braydan Rose (sprinter and javelin), and Kali Jones (relays and javelin); juniors Victor Telles (middle distance), Tobias Smith (middle distance) and Josh Floyd, Jr., (sprinter);l and sophomores Lane Hendrix (relays and javelin) and Ryan Harris (discus and hurdles.
“Braydan and Kali have been with the program for four years and provide leadership and experience,” Voyak said. “Kali plans to run relays and throw the javelin. Braydan is a strong sprinter who also throws the javelin and set the school record as a junior. Vic and Brody plan to be relay specialists, and Tobias is the top distance runner on the team. Josh, Lane and Ryan will provide depth for the squad.”
Seventeen newcomers add even more depth and put the team in a position for the future. They include: seniors Jayden Lee (distance) Brody Osborne (sprints and relays); juniors Olivia Clanton (sprints, relays and hurdles), Dylan Frost (sprints and jumps), and Emma Outhouse (relays and hurdles); sophomores Charley Ketcher (throws) and Jazmyn Rivas (sprints and relays; and freshmen Emily Brooks (throws); Olivia Chapman (jumps and relays), Andy Day (throws and sprints), Molly Hendrix (throws), Jaxon Kimball (distance and relays), Bailey Miniard (sprints and relays), Addison Palmer (sprints and relays), Sidney Roe (distance and relays), Gracelyn Sanders (throws, sprints and relays) and Ashlyn Taylor (throws).
“There are 10 freshmen (7 girls and 3 boys) out for track, and they are the strongest group in one class in several years,” Voyak said. “We may have a chance to earn some medals in relays, triple jump, throwing, distance and hurdles. It’s exciting to have such a big group.”
A first-time track athlete, Voyak said newcomer Osborne is also making a big mark.
“In addition to Kali and Braydan, Brody rounds out the senior captains,” he said. “Brody is a strong sprinter who plans to be a relay specialist.”
Voyak said the Trojans and Lady Trojans have numerous strengths, but training properly will be key to postseason success.
“In Tobias and Sidney Roe, I have two of the top distance runners in the area,” he said. “Victor, Braydan, Lane, Brody, Dylan and Bailey give us some speed in the boys sprints, and Jazmyn, Kali, Olivia Chapman and Jazmyn give us speed on the girls’ side.
“We have talent, but we are still learning how to train. The freshman class has a real chance to make an impact right away if they can make a smooth transition from middle school to high school competition.”
Southwest has a dozen meets on the schedule this season, concluding with the SouthWest Central League Championships at Blue Eye on May 5. Voyak said the other 11 meets are a strong mix of competition. that should challenge his squads.
“Only 3 of our meets are at Class 2 schools,” he said. “We go to some large meets, but it helps prepare us for conference, districts, sectionals and state. The competition will force the freshman to grow up quickly.”
The Class 3, District 6 meet will be held at Hermitage High School on May 10. Sectionals follow on May 17, and state is May 23-24 in Jefferson City.
