A plethora of PRs at the Eastern Missouri Conference meet has the Wright City track teams excited for Saturday’s Class 3, District 3 meet at Lutheran North.

The Wildcats set 10 personal-bests last week at Montgomery County, which included Danielle Dyer breaking her school record in the 200-meter.

She won the race in 26.56 seconds after setting the Wright City record last year in 26.66.

“Danielle breaking the record again was great,” Wright City Coach Fred Ross said. “She’s really worked hard this season and it’s nice to see that pay off.”

The Wildcat boys and girls team each finished third at the EMO meet.

“We had a pretty good meet before the conference meet, and then we looked really good at the EMO meet, so we’re hoping that momentum carries over to districts,” Ross said. “Times are starting to go down and kids are starting to get in shape. It’s nice for them to be able to run hard now.”

Wright City’s annual trip to Lutheran North offers a unique experience. 

The Wildcats face stiff competition in sprints, but are often able to take advantage of lesser competition elsewhere.

“When it comes to sprints, we probably have the toughest district in the state.” Ross said. “But some of the field events aren’t as strong, so I think we have an advantage there.”

Sprints are led by perennial powers Trinity Catholic and McCluer South-Berkely, with teams like Wright City, Lutheran St. Charles and Christian fighting for qualifying spots.

The top four finishers in each event advance to the sectional meet the following week.

Despite winning — or competing for first — in nearly every race this season, Wright City junior Jayden Mahaney is currently fifth in the 100.

Dyer is in a similar spot, sitting fourth in the 200.

“We have quite a few girls in that fourth, fifth and sixth range, so if they run well and get good handoffs and jump high, we have some chances,” Ross said. “It’s going to be pressure packed, but hopefully they can rise to the occasion and do well.”

Freshman Peyton Hart is tied for second in the high jump after clearing five feet at the North Callaway Invitational last month.

“She should be OK,” Ross said. “She only cleared 4-8 at conference because she was sick, but hitting five feet would probably send her through to sectionals.”

Another group on the bubble is the boys 3,200 relay team.

Gavin Waters, George Pezold, Jonathan Burke and Brandon Culton are fifth in the district at 8:51.65.

“Our boys 4X8 team is looking good and I think they have a shot to advance,” Ross said. “They’ll have to work on their handoffs, but they can be in good shape.”

Lutheran North also will host the sectional meet May 19.

“We’re just ready to compete,” Ross said. “We’re always working on personal PRs rather than where you finish. But now it’s all about how we finish.”