School of the Ozarks Track and Field Teams find success at state track meet

The School of Ozarks Track and Field Team delivered a successful performance at the Class 1 State Tournament held at Adkins Stadium, Jefferson City High School, on May 17-18. The team’s determination and hard work were on full display as athletes placed in the state competition and one girls’ relay team earned All-State honors.

“We are so proud of the way our student athletes represent the Lord, their families, and the school,” said Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks. “All the athletes competed hard and had some of their best performances of the season.”

The girls 4 x 200-meter relay of Melody Linger, Mylee Hampsch, Sophie Smith, and Rae Blackwell entered the preliminaries with the fourth fastest time with a 1:51.47 and placed in third for the finals with a time of 1:51.35. The girls relay earned All-State honors.

The boys 4 x 800-meter relay team ran 12 seconds faster than they had that season and placed ninth in the competition. Shadrach Thompson placed third in the state for boys javelin with a throw of 51.68 meters.

Andrea Martin and Dr. Justin Carswell were the head coaches for the S of O Track and Field Teams. (Carswell serves as vice president for Christian Ministries and Student Development and Dean of the Chapel for College of the Ozarks.) The assistant coaches this year included Katie Williams, Leah Dolloff, and Zach Martin.

Volunteer coaches included David Lingner, Bob Texidor, and Dolloff. Abigail (Cartwright) Ketchum assisted the team as part of her College of the Ozarks workstation assignment.

The head coaches lauded both student athletes and the additional coaches for making this year’s season a great experience.

“I would like to thank all of the coaches for volunteering so much of their time preparing the athletes for a successful track season,” Martin said. “With a team of 47 athletes this year, we could have never done it without the help of our committed and dedicated coaching staff.

“We are so proud of how hard our athletes have worked this spring. They have competed well all year but peaked at the end of the season when facing the toughest competition. When our students showed up to the state meet, they weren't just there to compete but to share the love and hope that only Jesus brings. Our athletes represented School of the Ozarks, College of the Ozarks, and our Savior well.”

Carswell also expressed appreciation for the students’ dedication.

“Our athletes had a great season and culminated in qualifying several relay teams and individual events at the state championships,” Carswell said. “I am thrilled to see their hard work and dedication lead to success, especially for the girls 4 x 200-meter relay and Shadrach Thompson in javelin with a school record throw.”

The above press release is from College of the Ozarks.