After a one-year hiatus, Randy Flint has returned to track with a splash, emerging as one of SWMO’s top sprinters.
Flint was runner-up in the 200 in Class 5 District action Saturday.
The sophomore didn’t go out for track his freshman season, but did compete in track in junior high.
“I wasn't expecting anything,” Flint said of his pre-season expectations this spring. “I knew (track) would help me with football, so why not try it. My coaches have been supportive and got me where I am.”
Flint established a PR with a time of 22.22 at Districts. Neosho’s Isaiah Hill won with a 22.05.
“It’s important,” Flint said of setting a PR. “But it's second (place) so I can't be too happy. (Hill) got the best of me this time. In my head, I was going to catch him. But my body didn't respond.”
Flint only ran the 100 in junior high, but feels the 200 now is his niche.
“This seems to be my race. I'm going to keep going with it,” he said.
Looking ahead to Sectionals this week, Flint is eyeing a strong week of practices.
“Nobody can slack off,” he said. “If one person isn't on their game, it ruins it for everybody.”
Nixa’s boys received first-place finishes from Jackson Cantwell in the shot put (74-9 3/4) and discus (179-1), Afton Hopkins in the pole vault (14-6) and its 4 x 100 relay (42.25).
Seconds for Nixa came from Aidan Ward in the javelin (152-2), Hayden Mays in the discus (173-4), Aaron Ashley in the 1,600 (4:26) and 3,200 (9:43), Jaren Davis in the long jump (21-11 3/4) and its 4 x 200 relay (1:28).
Ashley finished third in the 800 (1:56), ditto for Mays in the shot put (53-7), Reyes Martinez in the 3,200 (9:45) and the Eagles’ 4 x 800 relay (8:08).
Spencer Ward was fourth in the 200 (22.56), as was Morgan Thompson in the 400 (51.57), Zernie Vess in the long jump (20-10 1/2) and the Eagles’ 4 x 400 relay (3:27).
Ozark’s Kannon Williams was second in the 100 (10.98), as was Napela Naihe in the high jump (6-2 3/4).
Williams was third in the 200 (22.51), while Grant Ogle was third in the high jump (5-10 3/4).
The Tigers’ 4 x 200 relay was fourth (1:29).
On the girls side, Ozark’s firsts came from Bria Wright in the 100 hurdles (15.03) and 300 hurdles (46.73).
The Lady Tigers’ Izabella Rickard took second in the discus (111-2), as did Macy Humble in the high jump (5-1).
Lauren Carson finished third in the high jump (5-1).
Ozark’s 4 x 200 relay (1:45) and 4 x 400 relay (4:04) were both second.
Mallory Beets took third in the pole vault (9-8 1/2).
Oliva Carpenter was fourth in the 400 (1:01), as was Elsie Estes in the 1,600 (5:35), Allie Muggenburg in the javelin (112-11) and the Lady Tigers’ 4 x 100 relay (50.04) and 4 x 800 relay (9:52).
For Nixa, Taylor Hopper won the 200 (25.29), Oliva Reed won the long jump (18-5 3/4) and Eva Williams won the pole vault (11-6 1/4).
Seconds for the Lady Eagles came from Hopper in the 100 (12.61) and 400 (1:00), Natalia Pharris in the javelin (116-5), Williams in the 100 hurdles (15.64) and Rylee Eng in the triple jump (36-10 1/2).
Avery Muniz was third in the shot put (37-6 1/2), as was Amelia White in the javelin (116-0), Maddilyn Gray in the triple jump (34-9 3/4), Eng in the long jump (17-4), Ava Owens in the discus (110-0) and the Lady Eagles’ 4 x 400 relay (4:10).
America Kruse was fourth in the pole vault (9-3).
