Just like the Liberty Christian girls’ track program itself, Eagles freshman hurdler Morgan Boenker plans on doing a lot of growing this season.

And just like the team, which had an impressive second-place finish at the Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association (MCSAA) state meet last May in Joplin, Boenker aims to improve on her final finish, as she took second in the state in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 55.04 seconds.

“It was really special and I appreciated it because I put in a lot of work,” said Boenker of her medal. “It was my first high school season, so it was pretty cool. It means a lot to me to see people out here, putting in work. The great thing is that we all win together.”

Boenker, who aims to broaden her repertoire to include the 100-meter hurdles, the triple jump, and the 4x400-meter relay, said she wants to strengthen her mental approach, just as she practices to improve her physical technique.

“I really need to stay out of my head and push myself as far as I can,” Boenker said. “I struggle a lot with the mental barrier of track; I think my biggest problem this year (will be) staying out of my head.”

Just like Boenker, junior Laila Barron returns to the team with the hopes of once again earning an MCSAA state medal.

Last season, Barron cleared 1.37 meters to earn a second-place finish in the high jump. She returns to be one of the team’s primary jumpers – competing in the high, long, and triple jump events – as well as the 4x400.

“I want to get first place at state because I think I could have (last year),” Barron said. “I want to try my best at every meet, but I want to improve (overall) through the season to be ready for state.”

Those efforts to continually improve in a competitive setting will begin on March 24. That’s when the track team opens its season at 4:15 p.m. at the Montgomery County Early Invite.

As the top two finishers from last season's girls' team aim higher this season, Liberty Coach Doug Smith does as well.

The coach, however, isn’t concerned only with medals or podium placement; he wants the girls to keep growing and learning as a team that represents the school in a positive manner.

The coach said the dozen or so girls can accomplish plenty this year.

“We’ve built some excitement and we are faster,” Smith said. “We’ve got more kids out this year.

“The goal is that every mark and every record we set last season gets beaten,” continued Smith. “Our ultimate goal is to compete against the best and be the best we can be. That’s the glory of track. Every day, you’ve got a mark (to beat) and, if you beat it and keep doing that, stuff will all work out for you.”