By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
The Wright City track team will be running up the points this season. Literally. The strength of the Wildcats’ program will undoubtedly be its runners, but whether it’s the distance or sprint crews that lead the way remains to be determined. “We’re going to be very strong in both of those areas,” acknowledged Coach Sue Wright. Senior Westley Reckamp will be the anchor of the sprint relays, running the 400-, 800- and possibly 1600-meter events. He will also run in at least one of the 100- or 200-meter races. “He’s going to be a special athlete for us and will make a difference in each of his events,” said Wright. “Westley is a tough competitor.” Senior Nick Hanff will join Reckamp in the sprint relays, while also battling in the jumping events. “He’s an above-average triple jumper,” said Wright. “He’ll definitely be an integral part of jumping as well as sprint relays.” The distance crew boasts both depth and experience, with a cast of athletes that qualified for the MSHSAA Cross Country Championships in the fall. “We have a strong nucleus of distance guys,” said Wright. “I expect them to have a lot of success this season.” Junior Ben Randolph headlines the group, with classmates Brendan Gierer, Zac Murri, Daniel Malta, Jackson Bruning and Gary Meyer supplying talent as well. The throwing events will be handled by veterans P.J. Gerdeman and Sergio Ortega. On the girls side, Brittney McPike returns experience in the throwing events. The Wildcats’ most consistent competitor will likely be senior Kaitlin Karney, who will anchor the distance events. The three-time state cross country qualifier will run the mile and two-mile races. “Kaitlin has had a great career, and we’re looking for her to finish it off strong,” said Wright. She anticipates Karney will also run the 3200-meter relay alongside several underclassmen. The sprint events for the girls team will begin with senior Alex Wolf. Additionally, Tonia Pettig will provide points in both the throwing and middle-distance events. Wright expects several underclassmen to fall into those additional running roles. “We’ve got a bunch of younger kids that filled positions in sprinting events,” said Wright. “The nucleus of our team is young.”
