The theme surrounding the 2016 Wright City track season is simple: High turnout.

The Wildcats had over 60 kids come out this spring, and the coaching staff is excited.

“It’s one of the best turnouts we’ve had in a long time,” Wright City Head Coach Sue Wright said. “The best part about numbers is the competition. It makes things easier.” 

Three of the four members of the state-qualifying 800-meter relay team return with big expectations.

Sophomore Stephen Norwood, junior Jacob Mueller and senior Nicholas Mueller — along with graduate Luke Bruning — finished 13th last season in the Class 3 state tournament.

All three runners return this season with expectations of a repeat performance in Jefferson City, although Bruning’s replacement has yet to be found.

“I think the relay teams are going to be strong because they’ve been together for a few years now,” Wright said.

Senior distance runner Jynna Fritz returns to the track after qualifying for the state meet last season in the 1600.

Fritz finished 14th in the event.

“We’re really looking for her to step up and do big things this year,” Wright City Head Coach Fred Ross said. “She set some pretty big goals for herself.”

Senior Ty Davis also returns with experience at the state meet.

The senior finished tied for sixth in the high jump last season, which was the best finish on the Wright City boys’ side.

Senior Kyle Christopher finished 15th in the discus at state last year.

“We’ve got some good senior parts, but we have 33 freshmen and sophomores, too, so that’s really good,” Ross said. “It will be fun to see how many of those underclassmen can fill in those spots that are open.”

Ross and Wright believe the higher turnout among underclassmen will only help the upperclassmen prepare all season.

“Numbers are good when you have a group that’s going to work,” Wright said. “Numbers can be bad when it’s just numbers. But all of these kids are working hard, and it makes our decisions easier at times. If there are kids that want to run in the 4X100, we’ll race and I’ll just take the top four.”

Ross agreed.

“Some years, we look at our roster and try to figure out how to fill spots, but now we have plenty of numbers and we can just let them compete,” he said. “They will really have to push themselves all season, but a little competition never hurts.”