Results Site - Meet Info -

Missouri Southern Stampede Preview

Over 50 of the top high school squads from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma will invade Joplin this weekend (along with over 80 college squads) for the well-named Missouri Southern Stampede. Over 2500 high school athletes, (and according to the MSSU website, 6000 spectators!) are expected for one of the nations biggest meets. The course, which will host the NCAA Division II National Championships this year, is well cared for, and features rolling terrain which, if weather permits, will mean fast times. At the same time, some years weather conditions turn the course deceptively tough, such as last years 85 plus temperatures and wind.

On the girls side of the meet, HL teams-to-watch entered include St. Thomas Aquinas, the defending KS 5A state champion and Manhattan KS, last year's 6A state runner-up. In addition, Bentonville, a team to watch in the South regional comes up from Arkansas after last years' runner-up finish. Also, two Rodgers will be in attendance-Tulsa Rodgers, a traditional Oklahoma power, and Rodgers AR, the defending 7A champion from that state. Olathe East, the defending meet champ and defending KS 6A state champ also returns. In addition, highly regarded squads from the Kansas City area include Lee's Summit West, Lee's Summit North, Blue Springs. From the St. Louis area comes last year's third place squad, Eureka. And one must always factor in traditional power Jenks OK.

Last year's individual champion, Brittany Graff of Eudora KS has graduated, but Emporia KS's Michaela Reynolds return leading another strong squad. Reynolds was second last. Marley Crusch of Manhattan KS is another individual contender, having defeated Reynolds early this season. Ashley Washburn of St. Thomas Aquinas KS was third last year. Additional contenders certainly will arrive from Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma

On the boys side, defending champion Potosi MO has not entered, leaving the field wide open. Blue Springs MO was second last year, and Lee's Summit third. Both squads are traditional powers that took some graduation hits, but must be noticed. Rogers AR will bring their defending 7A state champions to Joplin, and St. Thomas Aquinas KS brings their KS 5A state champions. Emporia KS is another traditional power to contend with, as is Kickapoo (Springfield. Oklahoma powers Jenks and Union (Tulsa) are also entered. Individually, most of the top finishers from last year have graduated, with Rick Elliot (Kickapoo, Springfield) the top returner after placing third last year.