The worst part about last Thursday’s Wildcat Invitational for Coach Sue Wright was perhaps not being able to witness her athletes’ success first hand.

Busy with the operations of running the meet, she wasn’t able to give each event her individual attention but was still pleased with her teams’ showing.

Wright City hosted 12 schools during a frigid, windy afternoon that challenged athletes beyond their usual physical abilities.

“It was cold and the conditions were rough,” acknowledged Wright. “Some kids react fine, while others have a difficult time competing in those elements.”

The boys team took a sixth-place finish with 59 points.

Senior Nick Hanff shined, medaling in both jumping events.He placed second in the long jump, clearing 18 feet, 11.5 inches.

Hanff took fourth in the triple jump, landing a distance of 38 feet, 4.25 inches.

“Nick has been doing an awesome job for us,” said Wright.

Hanff was also a part of the sprint relay teams which excelled.He joined Westley Reckamp, Lamone Davis and Carlos Lopez to place third in the 400-meter relay and sixth in the 800-meter race.

“Nick and Westley have taken those kids under their wings and motivated them to work on their handoffs,” said Wright. “We want to try to keep that relay set with those guys.”

The distance relays also showed well, consisting of Ben Randolph, Nick Mueller, Jensen Elrod and Gary Meier, with Josiah Brown competing in the 1600-meter relay.

The Wildcats took fifth in the 3200-meter race and finished third in the 1600-meter relay.

“Ben has really been running well,” said Wright, of Randolph. “He’s an integral part of those relays.”

She added that she is also excited about the potential of Mueller.

“He’s worked extremely hard for us,” said Wright. “For a freshman, he’s a great runner.”

In addition, the Wildcats were represented by Cody Morgan in the hurdling events. He finished fourth in the 300-meter and fifth in the 110-meter hurdles.

“He’s worked extremely hard on those hurdles,” said Wright. “He’s cut seconds off every time he has competed.”

Wright City also had Sergio Ortego medal in the discus, with he and P.J. Gerdeman competing in the throwing events.

“Those guys are seniors who have done a nice job for us,” added Wright.

The girls team didn’t have as much depth and was also hindered by one its top runners being unable to finish the meet.

Senior Kaitlin Karney had to opt out of the remainder of her events due to illness after finishing sixth in the mile run.

She had also helped the 3200-meter relay, consisting of Jynna Fritz, Courtney Lawson and Kaylanna Mendenhall, to a fifth-place finish.

Wright complimented the early emergence of Fritz on the running circuit.

Additionally, the Wildcats gained team points from Brittney McPike, who placed fourth in the discus.

“Brittney is doing well,” said Wright. “She’s got to become more consistent, but her ability is definitely there.”

Wright City runner Lamone Davis competes in the sprint relays during the Wildcat Invitational last Thursday.