New Bloomfield track and field’s Werdehausen makes all-state

New Bloomfield freshman Myah Briggs jumps over a hurdle during the girls 300-meter hurdle preliminaries Friday in the Class 2 track and field state championships at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City. (News Tribune/Kate Cassady)
New Bloomfield freshman Myah Briggs jumps over a hurdle during the girls 300-meter hurdle preliminaries Friday in the Class 2 track and field state championships at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City. (News Tribune/Kate Cassady)

JEFFERSON CITY -- For the first time in coach Jacob White's 10 seasons coaching the team, New Bloomfield had multiple freshmen competing in the state championships.

"They both did great today," White said. "I'm very proud of both of them being here. Both freshmen. ...They just kept getting better at the end of the season at the right time. They both made it, so it's very, very cool to see two freshmen make it to state."

One of those freshmen -- Addyson Werdehausen -- made all-state on Day 1 of the Class 2 state championships Friday at Adkins Field.

Competing in the girls javelin final, Werdehausen hurled it a personal record 111 feet, 8 inches, to take seventh out of 16 while achieving all-state. Harrisburg's Emma Fischer won the javelin, throwing it 125-02.

"It was definitely a lot of help from Ellie, coach White and one of my other coaches," Werdehausen said. "It's crazy. I didn't expect to get this far. I was ranked eighth in district and came out fourth, so I've moved up. I was ranked 11th in state, and I got seventh. It's all been crazy. I never expected to make it this far and make all-state."

Werdehausen shared what it took to complete a phenomenal feat in only her third month competing in the javelin.

"Just a lot of footwork, making sure I have my steps down," Werdehausen said. "Making sure I'm comfortable making my steps big and powerful so I can propel myself forward with my throw. And making sure the jab angle's right."

Last but not least, the Lady Wildcats' Myah Briggs -- who broke a 23-year-old school record in the event at sectionals -- placed 13th out of 16 in the 300-meter hurdles preliminaries with a time of 50.12 seconds. Since she didn't finish in the top eight, Briggs didn't make today's final in the event.

Monroe City's Audri Youngblood topped the 300 hurdles preliminary leaderboard, clocking in at 46.34.

With only one senior on its girls team and New Bloomfield being in the same district as current state team leader Tolton, the Lady Wildcats used the 2023 season as one to gain experience heading into next year.

"It was a great season," White said. "I got one senior. A lot of young freshmen and sophomores, who learned a lot this year and kept getting better as the season went on. So I'm very excited for next year because these kids are just more experienced and just ready, gonna be in a better spot next year."